Which cars are equipped with Aisin 6AT transmissions?
3 Answers
Vehicles equipped with Aisin 6AT transmissions include the Mazda Atenza, Buick Excelle, and Mazda 3 Axela. Below are detailed descriptions of these three models: Mazda Atenza: Its biggest selling point is its strong driving feel and sporty exterior design. The 2.5L naturally aspirated engine paired with the 6AT transmission, while not offering explosive power, delivers exceptionally smooth driving performance. Buick Excelle: This is a compact car under the Buick brand, affordable for average families with high cost-performance ratio. It features a 1.3T turbocharged engine and 48V mild hybrid system, delivering significantly stronger power than previous models. Mazda 3 Axela: The new Axela has adopted the Kodo 2.0 design language. While its interior remains minimalist, it exudes more vitality. The powertrain offers very linear and agile performance.
When I bought my car, I specifically researched transmissions, and the Aisin 6AT is indeed a classic. Toyota's own mainstream models like the Corolla and Camry use it, which makes sense since Toyota is a major shareholder of Aisin. Even some older Volkswagen models like the Bora, Sagitar, and even the Audi A3 once used this transmission—it offers smooth shifting. Some domestic models, such as the first-gen GAC GS8 and early versions of the Changan CS75, were also equipped with it, especially between 2015 and 2019 when it was quite common. Nowadays, though newer cars mostly use CVTs or dual-clutch transmissions, finding a used car with the Aisin 6AT in the second-hand market is still a great deal—it's durable, reliable, and easy to maintain. Just note that after 2019, many models switched to 8AT or hybrid systems.
With over a decade of experience in car repair and having disassembled hundreds of transmissions, I can confirm that the Aisin 6AT indeed has a massive installation base. Among Japanese cars, it's most commonly found in the Toyota RAV4 and Highlander, and it was also long used in the older Lexus ES series. In American cars, certain model years of the Buick Envision and Chevrolet Equinox were equipped with it. For Korean cars like the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage, it was frequently seen around the 2015 models. What surprised me the most was that even the older Volvo S60L used this transmission. In domestic Chinese cars, early versions of the Haval H6 also had it, though they later switched to self-developed dual-clutch transmissions. If owners experience gear-shifting jerks, there's an 80% chance the solenoid valve needs cleaning.
