Which is better, E-CVT or 8AT?

[ORichard]

Both E-CVT and 8AT are reliable. E-CVT has only 22 moving parts (compared to over 100 in an automatic transmission), so theoretically, its failure rate should be lower. Strictly speaking, this question cannot be answered definitively. Firstly, these two transmissions are completely different and cannot be directly compared. Secondly, even the most reliable transmission cannot guarantee 100% freedom from failures. Here are some additional details: 1. E-CVT is not a CVT transmission; they are entirely different concepts. E-CVT is used in hybrid vehicles and employs a planetary gear mechanism, while 8AT is used in gasoline-powered cars. 2. The principle of E-CVT: It uses a set of planetary gears to "blend" the power from the engine and the electric motor. Therefore, E-CVT is essentially a power combination solution rather than a traditional transmission. 3. 8AT refers to an automatic transmission with 8 forward gears. AT stands for automatic transmission, also known as automatic gear. The number of gears is akin to comparing a gentle slope with many steps to a steep slope with fewer steps—which is more tiring to climb. Increasing the number of gears allows the transmission to have closer gear ratios, reducing engine speed and thereby lowering fuel consumption.

[Diane]

I mainly use my car for commuting and family transportation, and I find the ECVT more practical than the 8AT because it operates smoothly and seamlessly, without the jerky gear shifts. It's especially comfortable in urban traffic congestion, preventing passengers from feeling carsick, and it also helps save a lot on fuel costs—the ECVT maintains the engine speed in the efficient range through continuous adjustment of the gear ratio, typically consuming about 10% less fuel than the 8AT. Over time, these savings add up. However, it's not perfect; during rapid acceleration, it produces a 'buzzing' noise that isn't pleasant to hear, and under high loads like climbing steep hills, it feels a bit underpowered. But considering daily family use and the need to save money, the ECVT is still the better choice.

[McKaleb]

I have high demands for driving pleasure and prefer the mechanical feel of an 8AT. With its eight gears that switch precisely, it responds quickly during acceleration, delivering strong push-back force, making it excellent for overtaking or driving on mountain roads. Unlike an ECVT, which always provides linear output and lacks a bit of excitement and driving feedback, the 8AT feels more engaging. Driving an ECVT feels dull, especially in sport mode, where the engine seems to roar without much speed gain. However, the 8AT has a more complex structure, slightly higher maintenance costs, and consumes more fuel. From a performance perspective, I choose the 8AT because it makes the car feel lively and agile, with strong handling, and it’s also very enjoyable for daily highway driving.

[LawsonAnn]

I've repaired many cars, and both have their own merits. The ECVT is simple, reliable, and easy to maintain, making it suitable for most people's daily commutes; the 8AT offers strong performance but comes at a higher cost. In practical comparison, the ECVT uses a steel belt for efficient and smooth shifting, excelling in city driving; the 8AT, with its fixed gears, performs better in sporty scenarios.