Does Hyundai Santa Fe Have CVT Transmission? (Must Read)

As a car user, you might have heard of the manual and the automatic transmissions in cars.

However, the latest type of transmission is the Continuously Variable Transmission, the main topic of this article.

CVT shares some similarities with the automatic transmission, but it has unique features that differentiate it from manual and automatic transmissions.

This article will further explain these features.

Hyundai Santa Fe works on a Continuously Variable Transmission. This transmission is popular for smooth gear changes, mainly because CVT has no actual gears. CVT gives the Hyundai Santa Fe many advantages over manual and automatic transmissions, one of which is the infinite number of gear ratios.

Does Hyundai Have CVT Transmission?

The Hyundai Santa Fe is fitted with a CVT engine which makes the efficiency of the vehicle one to a high standard.

With a sufficient level of skill on the driver’s part, Hyundai Santa Fe provides a better driving experience than vehicles fitted with manual or automatic transmission engines.

What is a CVT Transmission?

A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is an engine system that does not require any effort from the driver to change smoothly through an endless selection of gear ratios.

The CVT works independent of the driver’s input, just like the automatic transmission. However, it majorly contrasts that the CVT system does not use gears to “change gears.”

It is very different from other transmissions, which provide only a certain number of gear ratios in fixed steps.

It is very flexible, making it possible for the system engine to operate at a constant RPM, that is, the number of turns in one minute.

The most commonly used type of CVT has a system of two pulleys. One of which is connected to the engine and the other to the wheels. 

A solid and flexible belt connects the two pulleys. The power the vehicle needs determine how wide the pulleys get. The pulleys are never of the same width.

When one pulley gets smaller, the other gets larger. Because the pulleys and the belt are not fixed, they can provide an endless number of gear ratios.

The gear ratio is the matching gears that determine the speed ratio and leverage of the gear set.

CVTs are used in earthmoving equipment like bulldozers and excavators. CVTs are also used in snowmobiles, bicycles, tractors, and automobiles.

What Kind of Transmission Does a Hyundai Santa Fe have?

A Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with an eight-speed, continuously variable transmission. It is generally more reliable, smooth, and efficient than its counterparts.

First, however, I should inform you of the pros and cons of CVT; the guide explains them below.

Advantages Of Hyundai Santa Fe’s Eight-Speed Continuously Variable Transmission

#1. Smoother Rides.

Taking your Hyundai Santa Fe on a long-distance drive feels better and relaxing because its transmission does not shift with lurches or jerks.

There is no sudden transmission shifting to a lower gear when the car needs more power. There is also no sudden upshifting either. 

This smoothness is made possible by the belt system that eases the transmission through gear shifts unnoticeably while nullifying any unavoidable roughness in vehicles with manual transmissions.

#2. Peak Efficiency.

There are an infinite number of gear ratios in the CVT system. Therefore it performs at the highest level of efficiency of all transmissions.

#3. Better Fuel Economy.

As CVT is lighter than automatic or manual transmissions, it does not use as much energy for its operation. Therefore, it helps to conserve fuel.

This fuel-efficient transmission is a huge advantage to any car owner and is highly rated.

#4. Ideal Torque Ratio.

It is easier for CVT vehicles to gather enough force to rotate transmissions for taking off or climbing up rugged terrains because of the lack of gearing.

The variable transmission allows the car to run in the right “gear” and maintain it. This constant delivery power helps keep a very efficient torque ratio.

#5. Lower Risk of Mechanical Failure.

The CVT simplifies the shifting mechanism, meaning it has fewer parts in its entire transmission system.

More minor mechanical parts mean fewer chances of a fault developing. In addition, it takes up less space, does not face the complications of gears, and is light.

These perks ensure that your Hyundai Santa Fe has a meager chance of mechanical failure.

Disadvantages Of Hyundai Santa Fe’s Eight-Speed Continuously Variable Transmission

#1. Expensive to Repair.

Although CVT does not often develop slight mechanical faults, in the situations where it does, repairing or replacing the system costs a lot compared to improving other transmission types.

Furthermore, from records, the CVT transmission has a life expectancy of 80-100,000 km/s, shorter than that of different transmission types. 

This means that it tends to decay and fail faster. In addition, the entire unit might have to be replaced, which further increases the cost of repair.

#2. Droning Sound During Acceleration.

The CVT engine produces a peculiar sound when accelerating. Drivers and the general public have not been very accepting of this droning “noise.”

This sound comes up when a CVT engine keeps a high RPM as it speeds up.

As this happens, the rubber band effect comes into play. So, the contraction and expansion of CVT belts during acceleration results in the sound.

#3. High Maintenance Cost.

As simple as the CVT system is, keeping it in top shape requires a lot of effort.

Mainly, this is because CVT uses a special oil that can not mix with other transmission fluids. This CVT oil grabs the metal parts so slippage does not occur.

This is a stark contrast to other transmissions, where their oils lubricate the metal parts to enable easy movement.

Does Hyundai Santa Fe have Transmission Problems?

Hyundai Santa Fe has transmission problems; also, CVT is not exempt from faults, primarily if it has not been adequately maintained.

When shifting with a cold engine, problems like hard jerking can come up even in new cars.

In some cases, the transmission problems could signify that your CVT system is nearing the end of its life expectancy.

You should not be caught unawares by transmission problems, so here are some signs to look out for in your Hyundai Santa Fe.

• The transmission will not shift or even engage at all.
• The check engine light keeps coming on. This indicates something wrong with the engine that you need to check out.
• Very slow acceleration or no acceleration at all.
• The transmission is stuck in park mode.
• Hyundai will not move in gear or drive mode.
• Shaking during acceleration.
• Slipping during gear changes.
• Delayed gear shifts.
• Burning smell.

Tips To Solve Transmission Problems

#1. Check Transmission Fluid Level.

The transmission fluid in your CVT engine might be running low, so you have to check for that. First, you should set the parking brakes and run your shifter through all the gears to check.

Next, turn off the engine and pop open the hood. Pull out the transmission dipstick, which is different from the engine oil dipstick, and wipe it clean.

Reinsert the dipstick, remove it and read the transmission fluid level. If you find the level within the recommended cold range, drive the vehicle around for 25 minutes.

Then, repeat the procedure to see the transmission fluid level when it is warm. If the level is low, add the Hyundai CVT transmission fluid according to your owner’s manual instructions.

#2. Inspect the Gear Selector Switch.

This switch allows you to choose from the reverse, park, or drive options connected to the shifter in the car.

Unfortunately, the switch or the connecting cable can rust and results in transmission problems. Spraying with penetrating oils may ease this issue.

However, take care not to pour the oil on the electrical connector next to the cable.

Conclusion

When solving your CVT transmission problems, be cautious of dangerous engine parts.

Also, these tips might only offer a temporary solution, so you should get a professional to take a look at your Hyundai Santa Fe instead.

Finally, the CVT system is as fragile as it is efficient, so you should handle your vehicle while following your owner’s manual instructions.