What transmission is used in the BJ80?
4 Answers
All models of the BJ80 use a 6AT transmission, which offers good reliability and durability. AT transmissions can also withstand high torque. The AT transmission is also known as a torque converter transmission, and it is connected to the engine via a torque converter. There are three common types of automatic transmissions: dual-clutch transmission (DCT), AT transmission, and CVT transmission. The CVT transmission has good reliability and durability, but it cannot withstand high torque. The dimensions of the BJ80 are 4765 mm in length, 1955 mm in width, and 2005 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2800 mm.
I've been driving the BJ80 for a while, and its transmission is truly reliable. The current models mostly use Aisin's 6AT, which shifts smoothly without any jerking. The older versions were equipped with ZF's 8AT, which shifted faster but was discontinued due to higher costs. This 6AT is well-tuned for off-roading—it downshifts quickly when climbing hills, providing ample power, and the low-gear lock is particularly stable. Even in stop-and-go city traffic, it rarely stutters, though it's best to add a transmission cooler when heading to the mountains in summer. I find it much more reliable than some dual-clutch transmissions, making it worry-free for outdoor adventures.
Recently while researching off-road vehicle configurations, I found the BJ80's transmission quite interesting. Currently available models all feature the Aisin 6AT, which is considered the golden partner for hardcore off-road vehicles. This transmission has been specially tuned for off-road modes - for instance, it automatically maintains lower gears on rocky terrain and rarely triggers overheating warnings in desert conditions. Compared to the ZF 8AT used in previous models, this 6AT offers much lower maintenance costs and better versatility, being familiar to many domestic repair shops. When driving this vehicle on National Highway 318, the transmission responds promptly during long uphill sections, and the paddle shifters in manual mode deliver quite an engaging experience.
Last month, I test-drove the BJ80 and specifically evaluated the transmission performance. The salesperson mentioned that it comes standard with an Aisin 6AT transmission across all trims, and the shifting feel was surprisingly light and responsive. In normal mode, it upshifts proactively, reaching 6th gear at just 60 km/h. Switching to sport mode delivers crisp downshifts, dropping two gears instantly upon throttle input. The auto start-stop also works well, with no noticeable jerk upon restarting. However, there’s slight hesitation during 1-2 gear shifts in low-speed traffic, likely a tuning choice for off-road durability. The 6AT’s ruggedness over a dual-clutch is a key reason I’m considering this vehicle.
