[MGaissert]

I agree with those positive about CVTs. "I love driving different vehicles and learning their differences." YoGeorge
We live in the mountains, but when we drive to the San Jose, CA, we cross a long area of flat land. However, there is a section of two very steep hills that drove my 2009 four speed into 4500 rpms in cruise control. (I turned it off as soon as I realized that this would happen, actually I caught it at 4500 as I don't know what it actually would have reached.) With my wife's 2016 and my 2019 the CVT just goes up and down those same hills in cruise control without revving higher than 3500.

 

[MGaissert]

Actually the CVT was invented in 1919 in the Netherlands but needed improving and didn't see any action until 1958 in the Netherlands at DAF trucking. One guy wanted a small car, as Europe has small streets, so he made one and debuted it at the Amsterdam Motor Show on February 7, 1958. With its 590 cc two cyclinder and Variomatic (CVT) transmission. With a top speed of 62 miles per hour it didn't take off but the transmission was so good that it was put in race cars that did well. DAF cars turn 60
I saw them parked along the AutoBahns in Germany in the late 60's, their aircooled engines needed more air. So, I would occasionally see one stopped with the hood open to let the engine cool off, as I blasted by in my export Beetle with 54 horse power.

 

[MGaissert]

I've got a 2020 Forester and have done several long distance road trips with it. I'm not sure what it is called but the engine all too frequently jerks as if the engine is misfiring or the fuel filter is clogged. I think this usually happens on high speed uphill stretches. It feels worrisome but I've been told this is due to the CVT. Quite unnerving and worrisome.

Daniel

I have also experienced the feeling that the engine was misfiring.

My brother runs alcohol free gas in his 30 year old Chrysler Touring car. The first time he filled the tank he felt that he had a new car. He had been getting ready to park it.

So, I tried it in my 2019 Forester. After several days use, it felt like it was misfiring. Dealer said no codes were showing. So, I returned to regular unleaded gas and no more misfiring.

So, check out the station where you buy your gas. Is it top tier? If not, move up and see if that cures the problem.

 

[MGaissert]

There are two things I like about the CVT transmissions. One, I live in the mountains and there are some straight sections where I can use cruise control. With the 2009 automatic I would have to take it out of cruise control at a few steep hills. With the 2016 and 2019 we can leave it in cruise control and go right over those hills without the motor going ballistic.
Two, gas mileage. We live 160 miles from San Jose, our old home. With the 2009's automatic we got roughly 28 miles to the gallon on a round trip. With the 2016 or 2019 anywhere from 30 to 33 MPH depending on traffic conditions.
Edit: Looks like I have already mentioned part One of this. Pardon me!