Are you after the best SUVs without CVT? You are not the only one who does it. A large proportion of drivers in the U.S. like to drive cars equipped with traditional automatic gearboxes since they are perceived as more natural and provide better control as well as easier maintenance in many cases.
Similar to most modern cars, there are CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) systems. However, not everyone can wear them. Others claim that CVTs are slow or not reliable enough, particularly on SUVs.
That is the reason why we have prepared this new list of 2025 and that of the SUVs that do not use CVT. All the models were checked using reliable sources, which is why you can feel secure in your decision.
It does not matter what you seek an off-roader for or a secure family SUV, and this guide will assist you to find a suitable one, though without CVT, please.
So shall we start.
What is a CVT Transmission?
CVT is the term of the Continuously Variable Transmission. It is a kind of a gear system applied in most contemporary cars. In contrast to regular transmissions where the gears are gradually changed by shifting through the cyclic set of gears, the CVT alters the gear ratios in a smooth fashion.
It implies that you will not experience the common drifting when driving. There are individuals who enjoy such a smooth texture. Others claim that CVTs are strange or tends to be sluggish, particularly in large automobiles such as sport effort vehicles.
CVTs are common in smaller cars and hybrids, but many SUV buyers still prefer traditional automatic transmissions — they’re easier to control and often more durable.
Why Choose an SUV Without CVT?
Some drivers in U.S prefer SUVs without CVT in a bid to have a more traditional driving experience. A common automatic transmission has you able to feel each shift of the gear; that makes certain individuals feel more comfortable and secured around the open road.
CVTs have been constructed with the fuel economy in mind, yet they can be slow or even noisy, particularly uphill or during towing. Other owners are also concerned of the cost to repair and the longevity of the vehicle as CVTs may be more difficult (and expensive) to repair.
Then an SUV without CVT would suit you better in case you prefer a powerful drive, less jerkiness of power, and all-around familiar feeling when driving. These trucks are normally fitted with torque-converter automatics or manual transmissions, which are considered to have improved handling capacity as well as reliability in large trucks.
You will find that in our list below.
1. Nissan Murano (2025)
The 2025 Nissan Murano is an aesthetically designed, mid sized SUV that now has a 9-speed automatic transmission, which replaced the older version of CVT. This is built to ride the city and highways hustle-free free and this will include a spacious interior, updated technology, and a new turbo engine. The Murano combines comfort, power and peace of mind to be friendly day-to-day.
Nissan Murano Specifications
- Engine: 2.0L VC-Turbo Inline-4 (241 hp, 260 lb-ft torque)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Mileage: ~25 MPG combined (estimated)
- Interior: Dual 12.3″ screens, wireless charging, massaging seats
- Exterior: Redesigned LED lighting, floating roof, bold grille
- Safety: ProPILOT Assist, Emergency Braking, 360° Camera
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Color Options: Deep Ocean Blue, Scarlet Ember, Boulder Gray, Pearl White
2. Audi Q7 (2025)
The 2025 Audi Q7 is a luxury seven-seater SUV presenting luxurious performance, technological advancement, and lacks CVT. Rather, it is wrapped with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, manufactured by Audi and is known to be smooth-running and reliable. This is the ideal SUV with space, comfort and safety that a family desires, but with the bit of German engineering.
Audi Q7 Specifications
- Engine: 3.0L Turbo V6 with 48V Mild Hybrid (335 hp)
- Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
- Mileage: ~20 MPG combined (EPA estimated)
- Interior: Audi Virtual Cockpit, 3-zone climate, leather upholstery
- Exterior: Matrix LED headlamps, chrome grille, dynamic turn signals
- Safety: Audi Pre Sense, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist
- Fuel Type: Petrol (Mild Hybrid)
- Color Options: Mythos Black, Glacier White, Navarra Blue, Samurai Gray
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3. Honda Pilot (2025)
Honda pilot 2025 is a robust, at the same time family oriented 3-row mid-size SUV. It has a higher transmission, 10 speeds and manufactured by Honda that uses, which is a great improvement in transmission, compared to any form of CVT. The Pilot does not disappoint the family in a hurry as it has a spacious interior that can accommodate 8 occupants and has off-road friendly packages.
Pilot Honda Specifications
- Engine: 3.5 L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb)-ft of torque
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic (With No CVT)
- MPG: ~22combined (FWD)
- Option inter: 8-inch push-button display, wireless Apple CarPlay and 7‽-8 places
- Exterior: Striking screen, LED, skid plate TrailSport (select models)
- Safety: safety features: Honda Sensing, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking
- Type of fuel: Petrol
- Available colours: Obsidian Blue, Platinum White, Radiant Red, Sonic Gray
4. Toyota Highlander (2025 – Gas Model)
The 2025 Toyota Highlander (gasoline model) still provides good dynamics and family comfort, but it does not apply a CVT. On the contrary, it is supplied with a stable 8-speed automatic transmission, combined with a turbocharged engine. This Toyota SUV combines the durability that the brand is known to offer, cabin full of tech, and three rows that seat eight people.
Toyota Highlander Specifications
- Engine: 2.4L Turbocharged Inline‑4 (265 hp, 310 lb-ft torque)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Mileage: ~24 MPG combined (FWD)
- Interior: 12.3″ touchscreen, 7-seat or 8-seat layout, premium audio system
- Exterior: Aggressive front design, LED lights, alloy wheels
- Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Fuel Type: Petrol (hybrid variant uses CVT — not included)
- Color Options: Midnight Black, Celestial Silver, Cypress Green, Wind Chill Pearl
5. Chevrolet Tahoe (2025)
The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV offering great power, room and towing capacity. In contrast to many crossovers, it gets a 10-speed automatic transmission – no CVTs. With room for up to nine passengers, plenty of powertrains and a wealth of advanced safety features, the Tahoe is designed to accommodate the needs of massive families and endless road trips.
Chevrolet Tahoe Specifications
- Engine Options:
- 5.3L V8 (355 hp)
- 6.2L V8 (420 hp)
- 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel (277 hp)
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Mileage: 16–21 MPG combined (varies by engine)
- Interior: 10.2″ touchscreen, available second-row captain’s chairs, premium Bose sound
- Exterior: LED headlights, muscular design, 18″–22″ wheels
- Safety: Chevy Safety Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking, Trailer Assist features
- Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
- Color Options: Summit White, Iridescent Pearl, Dark Ash, Empire Beige, Black
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee (2025)
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is rugged, refined, real off-road tough and fairly civil for on-road driving. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, not CVT, which provides more durability and also better control. Famous for its flexibility it comes in 2-row and 3-row guise as well as V6, plug-in hybrid and 4×4 flavour.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Specifications
- Engine Options:
- 3.6L V6 (293 hp)
- 4xe Plug-in Hybrid (375 hp combined)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Mileage: Up to 26 MPG (V6); 56 MPGe (PHEV)
- Interior: 10.1″ infotainment screen, available 3-row seating, ambient lighting
- Exterior: Iconic 7-slot grille, LED headlamps, rugged stance
- Safety: Active Driving Assist, Adaptive Cruise, Rear Parking Sensors
- Fuel Type: Petrol / Plug-in Hybrid
- Color Options: Baltic Gray, Bright White, Velvet Red, Silver Zynith
7. Lincoln Aviator (2025)
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator is a high-end midsize SUV, and you can call it an upscale experience, advanced technology, or superb comfort, but it lacks a CVT. It is fitted with an effervescent ten-speed automatic gearbox and impressive options of powerful engines. It is handled with finesse and has a very serene interior hence ideal to families that seek the best quality and smooth running.
Lincoln Aviator Specifications
- Engine Options:
- 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (400 hp)
- Grand Touring Plug-in Hybrid (494 hp combined)
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Mileage: 18–22 MPG (V6); 23 MPGe (PHEV)
- Interior: 10.1″ touchscreen, 28‑way power front seats, Revel audio, ambient lighting
- Exterior: Signature split-wing grille, adaptive LED headlamps, chrome accents
- Safety: Lincoln CoPilot360, Active Park Assist+, Intersection Assist
- Fuel Type: Petrol / Plug-in Hybrid
- Color Options: Pristine White, Infinite Black, Aviation Blue, Prismatic Pearl
8. Kia Telluride (2025)
The 2025 Kia Telluride is the bestselling midsize SUV that has good value allure, spacious interior and luxury touch. It is equipped with no CVT but with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride is the ideal family SUV in that it has a comfortable ride, has a high-end cabin, and offers a lot of standard options.
Specifications of Kia Telluride
- Engine: 3.8L V6 (291 hp 262 lb-ft torque)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (No CVT)
- mpg: ~22 MPG combined (FWD)
- Inside: 10.25 inch touch screen, 8 passenger, wireless charging
- Exterior: Dramatic grille appearance, LED lightings, optional roof rails
- Safety: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Type of fuel: Petrol
- Colour Choices: Gravity gray, Everlasting silver, Glacial white, Wolf gray
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9. Volvo XC40 B5 2025
A high-end, compact SUV with a solid safety record, stylish design, and the lack of CVT, the 2025 Volvo XC40 B5 will be a nice choice. It runs on a mild steel system and 8-speed automatic transmission making it smooth to accelerate and has refined operative abilities. It is ideal to urban consumers who need security and design.
Specifications Volvo XC40 B5
- Powertrain: 2.0L Turbocharger + Mild-Hybrid (247 hp, 258 lb-ft torque)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Mileage: ~25 MPG combined (EPA estimate)
- Internal: 9 Sensus touchscreen, high end upholstery, open pore woods details
- Exterior: LED Thor Hammer headlights, floating roofline, compact SUV profile
- Safety: city safety Auto-braking, Pilot Assist, 5-star safety rating (Euro NCAP)
- Type of Fuel: Petrol / Mild Hybrid
- Exterior paint color: Crystal White, Onyx Black, Thunder Grey, Denim Blue
10. Suburban Chevrolet (2025)
Available at the upcoming 2025, the all-new Chevrolet Suburban is a super-sized family SUV that is made to space and be powerful and has the capability to pull a vehicle. But not as a CVT vehicle. Having a 9-people capacity, high-tech features, and solid safety, it is a good choice for mixed-sized families and long distances on the road.
Chevrolet Suburban Specifications
- Engine Options:
- 5.3 L V8 (355 hp)
- 6.2 L V8 (420 hp)
- 3.0 L Duramax Turbo-Diesel (277 hp)
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Mileage: 15–20 MPG combined (varies by engine)
- Interior: 10.2″ touchscreen, up to 9-seat layout, rear-seat entertainment
- Exterior: Bold grille, LED lighting, 18″–22″ wheel options
- Safety: Active Safety Package, Teen Driver mode, HD Surround Vision
- Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel
- Color Options: Summit White, Iridescent Pearl, Auburn Brown, Northsky Blue
FAQs About SUVs That Do Not Have CVT Transmission
Why would some buyers not want CVT transmission?
A lot of motorists describe the CVT as unresponsive, most especially during acceleration or towing. Conventional automatics provide easier-to-see shift points, and can be more long-term robust.
Are automatic SUVs more reliable as compared to CVTs?
Traditional automatics are more popular in towing and off-roading in machine larger vehicles, e.g. SUVs, because they have fewer moving systems when loaded heavily.
Which is the most fuel-efficient SUV that does not use CVT?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (plug-in hybrid) and the Volvo XC40 B5 (mild hybrid) are nothing to shake a stick at when it comes to mileage in that they do not have a CVT.
Does CVT get used in other high-end SUVs such as Audi or Lincoln?
Not at all. CVT is not used on Audi, BMW, Mercedes, or Lincoln brands; they have multi-speed automatic transmission gearboxes or the dual-clutch system.
Conclusion
The selection of the appropriate SUV that does not have CVT depends on your needs. When you are into luxury and comfort, the Audi Q7 or Lincoln Aviator is superb. The Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and the Toyota Highlander are very reliable and spacious in terms of family. Want more power and space? Suburban and Chevrolet Tahoe are incomparable.
There are no exotic transmissions in this list; every SUV is equipped with a usual automatic one, which offers more smooth way of gear switching, the ability to tow heavier weight, and long service life.
