Transmission Guide: Automatic vs Manual

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Toyota of Hopkinsville's Transmission Guide in Hopkinsville, KY

The transmission has a big job to do. It directs the power generated by the engine to the wheels so drivers can experience a smooth, continuous stream of power. And with three common types of transmissions — manual, automatic and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) — you'll want to choose the right transmission for your lifestyle and driving ability. You already have several choices out there when it comes to shopping for a vehicle upgrade: body styles, accessories, brands, powertrains and model years, just to name a few. The last thing you want to be hung up on is the transmission type, which is why the team at Toyota of Hopkinsville has gathered together information on all three options below. Let's get started!

Transmission Types at a Glance

Manual Transmission

It's true — manual transmissions are going out of style. Only 13 percent of cars purchased in the U.S. are manual, according to HouseGrail,* but that hasn't stopped Toyota from engineering its sportiest models with the transmission type. You can drive the Toyota GR86, GR Corolla, Tacoma and Supra as a manual. It might take some practice to learn, but the payoff is incredible. Most know manual transmissions as stick shift — it allows drivers to operate the clutch and decide when to switch gears. Those long-distance road trips might become tiresome and hilly or mountainous areas can be a challenge. However, cars with manual transmissions are traditionally more fuel efficient than cars with automatic transmissions, so you could save a little extra at the pump!

Automatic Transmission

Automatics are now the most familiar and used transmission type on the market today. As the name implies, the mechanism selects the gear for you automatically, taking into account your vehicle's speed and the road conditions. Cars with automatic transmissions are effortless to drive, making your work commute filled with stop-and-go traffic less worrisome and weekend escapes packed with windy mountain roads less stressful. Enjoy your drive without coordinating with a third pedal! Automatic transmissions do come with some cons, though. State Farm found that cars equipped with automatic transmissions are priced higher, are more expensive to maintain and service and have higher insurance rates.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Many new Toyota models come equipped with CVT, the newest transmission type. Cars with CVTs use a belt-and-pulley system to transfer the engine's power to the wheels, eliminating the use of gears to switch speeds. With one, long continuous belt, there's actually numerous gears CVT will use automatically. Drivers will experience a smooth ride, no matter the traffic pattern or topography. CVTs are also known for having incredible fuel efficiency — you'll notice our new Toyota models with CVT also have a high miles per gallon. The one thing that drivers complain about? The low, continuous engine drone. It might take some time to get used to, but you'll only know if it's a problem until you take a test drive!

We can't wait to help here at Toyota of Hopkinsville! Whether you're interested in test-driving a vehicle or need transmission service for your current model, contact us today or stop by our dealership at 4395 Fort Campbell Blvd., Hopkinsville, KY 42240. We look forward to serving our customers near Fort Campbell, Madisonville, Russellville and Western Kentucky.

*As of January 2023.