Kia is stepping up its game by adding new features for more efficient drives. One of the most interesting implementations is the addition of intelligent variable transmission or IVT for short. It provides a smooth drive, saves on gas, and gives you a quicker response when you hit the accelerator. With the IVT, Kia aims to make driving more fun and cars more gas-friendly. Keep on reading to see what all this transmission has to offer.
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Intelligent Variable Transmission Explained
An intelligent variable transmission improves on the traditional continuously variable transmission (CVT). If you don’t know about CVTs, think of them as a type of car transmission that can smoothly shift gears, offering unlimited gear ratios. This differs from manual transmissions, which only have a few fixed gear options and can sometimes feel rough when changing gears.
CVT vs IVT
Traditional CVTs often create a lot of noise and don’t respond quickly, which can make driving a bit dull. On the other hand, IVTs provide a more enjoyable ride because they simulate shifting gears and utilize a broad-ratio pulley system. This setup operates across a wider range, allowing you to get more miles per gallon when in higher gears and improve performance at lower ratios.

Driver Feedback
IVTs stand out due to their ability to mix various features, making them super flexible. Kia’s use of the Shift Control Strategy plays a big role hereāit helps the car react quicker to the driver’s actions, boosts speed, and enhances overall performance. This technology also improves how smoothly gears change, giving you a shifting experience that resembles what you’d expect from traditional automatic transmissions.
Manual Mode
Want to mix up your trip? Check out the Manual Mode option. It allows you to manually switch gears for a more engaging drive. Just move the shift handle from “Drive” to “Manual” to activate it. Once you do, your car adjusts its steering, engine, and gearbox settings accordingly.
This option lets you decide when the car switches to a higher gear. You can also shift gears while pressing the gas pedal, a feature that isn’t possible with manual transmissions.
IVT Tips
- Like CVTs, pressing the accelerator all the way down makes the transmission switch to a lower gear. This helps when you need to speed up to pass another car or drive uphill.
- Take off gently when stepping on the accelerator. Rushing to speed up might result in a slight hesitation.
Kia is enhancing the joy of driving with its innovative variable transmission technology, making city travel smarter and improving the overall driving experience. They’re focused on upgrading existing features for increased enjoyment on the road.
Should you have more questions or want to understand Intelligent Variable Transmissions better, don’t hesitate to reach out to Crain Kia of Fayetteville’s sales team. We’re located at 2277 Foxglove Drive in Fayetteville, AR.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.