What brand of transmission is used in the Outlander?
2 Answers
The Outlander uses a transmission manufactured by Japan's Jatco. Established in 1943, Jatco Corporation is one of the world's top three automatic transmission suppliers. Its business spans Europe, Asia, and the Americas, providing automatic transmissions to most mainstream automakers such as Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, BMW, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Jaguar, Kia, Hyundai, Daewoo, Changan Ford, and Brilliance. Do not delay changing the transmission fluid for too long. Prolonged failure to replace the transmission fluid can damage internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid coasting in neutral for extended periods. While driving manual transmission vehicles, many experienced drivers may coast in neutral, but for automatic transmission vehicles, this can cause overheating and create a noticeable jolt when shifting back into Drive (D). Never shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Some drivers, aiming for smooth operation, shift into reverse gear before the vehicle has fully stopped, which can severely damage the transmission gears and lead to gear grinding or other faults over time. Avoid frequently climbing steep slopes in Drive (D). When tackling steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles may overheat due to high load or prematurely upshift, resulting in insufficient power. In such cases, use manual mode to lock in a lower gear or switch to sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck to move it onto the tow platform while the vehicle is in Neutral (N). Avoid using tow ropes or directly dragging the vehicle.
The Outlander primarily uses transmissions from the Jatco brand, a supplier under Japan's Nissan, featuring a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) in its design. As an automotive technology enthusiast, I've closely observed its performance in the Outlander. The CVT doesn't rely on gear shifting but uses a belt and pulley system to adjust speed ratios, offering the advantages of smoothness and fuel efficiency. In city driving, acceleration feels like gliding, with the engine maintaining an ideal RPM, significantly improving fuel economy—my actual tests show about a 10% fuel saving. The downside? Aggressive throttle input can produce some noise, but it's fine under normal driving conditions. Mitsubishi chose Jatco for its cost-effectiveness, maturity, and high reliability. New car buyers are advised to test-drive to experience the CVT's smoothness—it's perfect for daily commutes and family trips. Maintenance-wise, regular transmission fluid changes are recommended every 40,000 kilometers to extend its lifespan. Overall, this transmission is a core strength of the Outlander, balancing practicality and economy, making for a truly comfortable drive.
