Does the 4th Generation RAV4 CVT Transmission Have a Gear in First Gear?
2 Answers
This vehicle is equipped with a primary gear transmission. Transmission: A device that changes the speed ratio and direction of motion. Used in automobiles, tractors, ships, machine tools, and various machines to alter the torque, speed, and direction of motion transmitted from the driving shaft to the driven shaft under different working conditions. Gear-type transmissions generally consist of a housing and several gear pairs. 4th Generation RAV4: The fourth generation was officially released, featuring a completely new exterior and interior design style. The overall shape further evolves towards an urban SUV, while off-road characteristics gradually fade from this model.
As a frequent driver of the fourth-generation RAV4, I can tell you that the CVT transmission indeed doesn't have traditional first-gear-like gears because it uses belts and cone pulleys for continuous variable transmission to simulate gear shifts, delivering a smooth and fluid feel. However, it's worth noting that Toyota may have added a launch gear assist in some later versions, such as the 2018 minor facelift, making low-speed driving more stable and preventing slippage like older CVTs. In fact, this design makes the start-up feel more like a geared transmission while also improving fuel efficiency. During maintenance, don’t mistake it for a malfunction—just ensure regular checks of fluid levels and chain wear at the dealership. Overall, it simulates shifts quite naturally in daily driving, so there’s no need to overthink the lack of pure gears—just adapt to a lighter throttle touch.
