Illustrated glossary · CVT vs eCVT
CVT vs eCVT: does a hybrid transmission use a belt?
A conventional belt-or-chain CVT changes the effective size of two pulleys. A hybrid eCVT can produce a continuously variable effect through different machinery. The similar names do not mean the transmissions contain the same parts.
See how it works
Change the , then compare a low-speed and cruising power path.
Transmission example
Typical situation
At low speed the input pulley is smaller relative to the output. Changing their working diameters varies the ratio without selecting a fixed gear.
A mechanism comparison, not a gearbox teardown or a synchronized gear-speed model. Toyota and Honda hybrid examples are shown separately because their arrangements differ.
A conventional CVT varies its pulley ratio
A belt or chain runs between pulleys whose working diameters change. That varies the ratio continuously instead of selecting a small set of fixed gears. Some designs also include a launch gear, so even conventional CVTs are not all identical.
Toyota’s power-split hybrid uses another mechanism
In the Toyota power-split example, gearing and motor-generator control manage the relationship between engine speed and wheel speed. It does not vary a belt between pulleys. The drawing shows the connections rather than claiming one gear layout fits every Toyota .
Honda’s two-motor system is different again
Honda’s drive motor powers the wheels in many driving situations while the engine can turn a generator. A clutch can connect the engine mechanically for suitable cruising conditions. That is different from both a belt and Toyota’s power-split arrangement.
Explore it on a vehicle
Pick an equipped build to explore. Prices before .
2026 Honda Accord
- LXStandard · Continuously variable transmission$28,395Sedan
- SEStandard · Continuously variable transmission$30,695Sedan
- Sport HybridStandard · Two-motor hybrid direct-drive unit$33,795Sedan
- EX-L HybridStandard · Two-motor hybrid direct-drive unit$35,095Sedan
- Sport-L HybridStandard · Two-motor hybrid direct-drive unit$35,495Sedan
- Touring HybridStandard · Two-motor hybrid direct-drive unit$39,495Sedan
2027 Toyota Corolla
- LEStandard · Dynamic-Shift CVT$23,325Sedan
- Hybrid LEStandard · Hybrid electronically controlled CVT$25,175Sedan
- SEStandard · Dynamic-Shift CVT$25,765Sedan
- Hybrid SEStandard · Hybrid electronically controlled CVT$27,615Sedan
- XSEStandard · Dynamic-Shift CVT$29,040Sedan
- Hybrid XLEStandard · Hybrid electronically controlled CVT$29,540Sedan
About these examples
Year-specific examples from our catalogs, not a complete market list. A missing vehicle or trim does not establish that the feature is unavailable. Each illustration and link uses the shown build. Unknown prices stay unknown.
2026 Honda Accord
Both conventional and hybrid examples are listed. The vehicle x-ray explains its powertrain, not internal gear speeds.
2027 Toyota Corolla
Both conventional and hybrid examples are listed. The vehicle x-ray explains its powertrain, not internal gear speeds.
Our Corolla data has the six mainstream 2027 U.S. sedan grades, gas and hybrid, Hybrid LE/SE AWD, and the three verified factory packages. It doesn't have Hatchback, Corolla Cross, GR Corolla, the announced Anniversary edition, paint or port/dealer accessories yet, so something missing from this page may still be offered.