Which Transmission Type is Right For You?

Discover Which Transmission Type Fits Your Driving Style

The process of shopping for a new vehicle can seem overwhelming. After all, there are a lot of questions you need to think about, including what transmission you want the vehicle to have. As you understand how the different transmission types work and what the benefits are of each, you can feel more confident in making a choice.

The right place to shop for a vehicle and learn about transmission is at Toyota of Meridian in Meridian, MS. Our helpful sales staff can guide you in choosing a transmission. We’ll then show you which cars in our inventory have which transmission types.

Manual Transmission

Manual transmission, also called stick-shift transmission, often comes with trucks and high-performance cars. The stick shift component is essential, as it is the device the driver uses to change gears. It is located in the center console between the two front seats. At the same time, the driver will need to press down on the clutch pedal, which is on the floor next to the brake. Instead of using the right foot for the clutch pedal, the driver uses their left foot. The driver must shift when increasing in speed or slowing down.

Manual transmission can be challenging to learn. Still, there are some advantages, including the following:

Manual transmission is less expensive to fix than other transmission types.
Cars with manual transmissions usually are less expensive than vehicles without other transmissions.
Drivers can feel more engaged in driving when using manual transmission.
Vehicles with manual transmission tend to have better resale value.

Automatic Transmission

The most common transmission type is the automatic transmission. It is the opposite of manual transmission, as there is no stick shift or clutch pedal. The driver does not need to do anything to shift gears.

Drivers like this transmission type for the following reasons:

It is easy to learn, as there is no input necessary from the driver.
An automatic transmission is sound in city driving and stop-and-go traffic.
It can be safer to drive a car with an automatic transmission because the driver can keep both hands on the wheel and does not need to focus on other tasks to shift.
The shifting process with an automatic transmission is seamless and smooth.

Semi-Automatic Transmission

Some people like having a combination of manual and automatic transmission. In such cases, a semi-automatic transmission can be appealing. This transmission allows the driver to be in full control and shift gears; however, the individual does not use a stick shift or clutch pedal. A sensor handles the duties the clutch performs. Also, the shifting is automatic, though the driver can shift using paddles or buttons on or near the steering wheel. This style of transmission is gaining popularity.

It has the following advantages:

Vehicles with semi-automatic transmission have excellent fuel economy.
A semi-automatic transmission is standard in high-performance vehicles.
A semi-automatic transmission is relatively easy to learn or operate.
The driver has good control of the vehicle when it has a semi-automatic transmission.

Continuously Variable Transmission

A continuously variable transmission, or CVT, has some key differences from the other three types. First, it does not rely on fixed gears. Instead, this type uses a belt-and-pulley system to work. There are also an infinite number of gear ratios. This type frequently comes with smaller cars, such as compact or subcompact SUVs. Like automatic transmission, the driver does not need to do anything to shift from gear to gear.

The following are some benefits of a CVT:

A CVT is paired with engines that get good fuel economy.
A CVT has fewer parts, so the cars are lighter.
It is easier to learn to use a CVT than it is to learn manual transmission.
A CVT offers a smooth ride in many conditions.

Shop Your Next Vehicle at Toyota of Meridian

Picking a transmission type that you feel good about is essential. As you can see, each of the four types has differences, and there are advantages to consider as well. Some situations may call for one transmission or the other. Your job is to evaluate which one makes the most sense for your needs and budget so you can be behind the wheel of a vehicle you are comfortable driving.

Stop by the Toyota dealership of Meridian in Meridian, MS, and let our staff help you shop for your next vehicle.