Planning to buy a new car or just want to understand your daily driver better?
You may have already compared fuel efficiency, features, and design.
But have you thought about transmission?
Because how your car shifts affects performance, comfort, and maintenance.
Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered!
We’ll list out the different transmission options available and how they function — manual, automatic, and the specialized ones — so you can better understand what’s under the hood and make a smarter choice for your next ride.
A. Manual Transmission
If you enjoy complete control behind the wheel, a manual transmission will offer a more direct and engaging driving experience.
There are three options to choose from:
1. Standard Manual Transmission
You can’t go wrong with classic stick-shifts. Manual transmissions use a clutch pedal and lever to shift through different gears.
Manuals are known for their fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. That said, they do require more skill to drive — especially in traffic or on steep roads.
2. Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT)
SMTs allow gear shifts sequentially (up or down) using paddles or a lever. They’re faster than a traditional manual and don’t require a clutch pedal. You’ll typically find this type in motorsports and performance vehicles.
3. Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT)
This is a newer version that offers a middle ground between manual feel and automatic convenience. Also known as a “clutch-less manual transmission”, it allows you to shift the gears while the system handles clutch engagement electronically.
B. Automatic Transmission
As the name suggests, automatic transmissions eliminate the guesswork out of gear shifting by handling the entire process for you. These cars offer convenience, comfort, and often come packed with sophisticated tech. If ease and comfort are your top priorities, automatics are your best bet.
Now, let’s look at some standard automatic options:
1. Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
If you’re searching for budget-friendly automatic options but want to avoid the complexity of a fully automatic transmission, then AMT is what you need. AMT features a traditional manual gearbox but automates the clutch and gear shifts.
That said, shifts can sometimes feel jerky, especially in older models.
2. Torque Converter Transmission
Torque converters use two turbines — one connected to the engine and the other to the transmission. A specific fluid between the turbines helps change gears smoothly without driver input.
While torque converters are fuel-efficient, they come with a hefty price tag. That said, this is the most common type of automatic transmission.
NOTE: Torque converter transmission vehicles often include Tiptronic or manual mode that lets you manually override gear changes for a sportier feel.
3. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
CVTs use a belt and pulley system instead of fixed gears that continuously adjust to provide seamless acceleration. This transmission type is popular for fuel efficiency and smoothness, though some drivers find the lack of shifting a bit unnatural.
There are two subtypes:
- Intelligent Variable Transmission (iVT)
Hyundai’s flagship proprietary technology, iVT, is a more responsive variant of CVT often used in compact cars. It varies the speed more intelligently than ‘step-by-step’ in a typical automatic gearbox. As a result, the vehicle drives smoothly and feels more responsive. - Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT)
These are used primarily in hybrid vehicles. eCVT works with electric motors and petrol engines to optimize power delivery. An eCVT transmission ensures smooth transitions and better fuel economy, especially in city driving.
4. Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
These transmissions use two separate clutches, for odd and even gear sets, respectively. This lets you experience lightning-fast gear shifts with no loss in power. DCTs can offer the performance of a manual with the convenience of an automatic.
However, due to their complex construction, these are the most expensive types of transmission, and their maintenance costs are pretty high too.
C. Specialized or Industrial Transmissions
There are some transmissions built for tasks beyond your daily commute, such as:
Hydrostatic Transmission
Unlike manual transmissions, which use a series of gears, hydrostatic transmissions transfer power using hydraulic fluid pressure. These are an excellent choice for precise, low-speed control, but not for speed or fuel efficiency.
You’ll usually find hydrostatic transmission in heavy-duty equipment like tractors and forklifts.
Now comes the key question:
Which Transmission Should You Choose?
Well, it depends on your driving habits and preferences:
- Prefer control? Go for a manual or iMT
- Want ease and comfort? CVT or torque converters are your best bet
- Prioritizing performance? DCTs can deliver speed and responsiveness
- Want a hybrid or industrial vehicle? eCVT or hydrostatic will be ideal