What Transmission Does the Eighth-Generation Camry Use?
2 Answers
Toyota's transmission is the one used in the eighth-generation Camry, specifically the Direct Shift-CVT transmission. Toyota Motor Corporation is a renowned automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, and Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, and is affiliated with the Mitsui zaibatsu. The eighth-generation Camry is equipped with two types of transmissions: a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) (simulating 10 gears) and an 8-speed automatic manual transmission. The automatic manual transmission is essentially a traditional AT or CVT transmission with added manual shifting functionality. The purpose of the automatic manual transmission is to enhance the driving pleasure of automatic transmission vehicles. The difference between a CVT and a geared transmission is that its gear ratio is not a series of discrete points but a continuous range of values, thereby achieving excellent fuel economy, power performance, and smooth driving, while also reducing emissions and costs. When using the Camry's transmission in daily driving, the following points should be noted: Do not delay changing the transmission oil for extended periods. Prolonged failure to change the transmission oil can lead to damage to bearings, casings, and other components inside the transmission. Avoid coasting in neutral for long durations. While driving manual transmission models, many experienced drivers may coast in neutral, but for automatic transmission models, coasting in neutral can cause the automatic transmission to overheat, and shifting back into D (Drive) mode may result in some impact. Never shift into D/R (Drive/Reverse) mode before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Many drivers, in an attempt to showcase their smooth operation, shift directly into reverse gear before the vehicle has fully stopped, which can significantly damage the gears inside the transmission and, over time, lead to issues such as gear grinding. Avoid frequently climbing steep slopes in D mode. When facing steep slopes, automatic transmission vehicles often overheat due to high loads or may shift up too early, resulting in insufficient climbing power. In such cases, manual mode can be used to limit the gear to a lower speed or sport mode can be engaged to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, a flatbed tow truck should be used to move the vehicle onto the tow platform while it is in N (Neutral) mode. Towing ropes or similar methods should not be used to drag the vehicle directly.
The 8th-generation Camry primarily uses an 8-speed automatic transmission for gasoline models and an e-CVT for the hybrid version. Having driven for many years, I can attest that the 8-speed transmission in the gasoline version is truly impressive—lightning-fast shifts with no noticeable jerkiness, and crisp response when overtaking on highways. For example, in manual mode, the intelligent gear ratio adjustment helps save a lot of fuel—I recall getting around 8L/100km in city driving. Coupled with Direct Shift technology and selectable driving modes like Sport or Eco, it offers a sense of control on mountain roads. Toyota’s design is reliable, durable, and easy to maintain, with minimal issues. Overall, it makes the Camry both sporty and practical, ideal for drivers who seek excitement. The hybrid’s e-CVT is quieter and more efficient, but the gasoline version’s transmission better suits my dynamic preferences, making it a solid recommendation for friends who enjoy spirited driving.