Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) Driving Experience

Introducing Kia’s new Intelligent Variable Transmission or IVT, available on select models. The Kia IVT is a form of a continuously variable transmission, only smarter!
Conventional CVTs can be noisy and are not too much fun on the open road, as they offer minimal feedback to the driver.
The Kia IVT, by comparison, provides superior efficiency and it simulates gear shifts like a conventional automatic transmission. It utilizes a wide ratio pulley system that provides a broader ratio of operation compared with competitive transmissions. This helps to improve fuel economy at higher gear ratios while improving performance at lower ratios.
On the road, you’ll notice the Kia IVT is very responsive.
It incorporates Kia Shift Control Strategy that improves feedback of driver inputs, vehicle behavior, and acceleration. In other words, shift response is enhanced by allowing it to closely replicate the feel of automatic transmission step shifts.
It’s like the best of both worlds.
Here are some additional tips to get the most out of a Kia IVT:
Like a conventional automatic transmission, when passing another vehicle or climbing a grade, fully depressing the accelerator will get the transmission to “shift” to a lower gear.
When first accelerating away from a stop, you may experience a slight time lag at takeoff during aggressive acceleration, so try to be smooth when pressing down on the accelerator.
For a sportier driving experience, you can select Manual Mode. To access Manual Mode, move the shift lever from the Drive position into the Manual gate. When you do that, the vehicle will automatically adjust the steering effort as well as the engine and transmission logic for an enhanced driving experience.
Manual Mode also allows you to select when the transmission shifts up to the next higher gear. And in contrast to a conventional manual transmission, Manual Mode allows gearshifts while you’re pressing on the accelerator.
When in Manual Mode, pushing the shift lever up shifts “up” one gear…
While pulling the lever backwards allows you to shift “down” one gear.
On a Kia, our IVT is an asset that lets you thoroughly enjoy your Kia.
Leave it to Kia to take an existing design and make it smarter and more fun to drive.
For additional information on the Intelligent Variable Transmission, please refer to your Owner’s Manual, the Features & Function Guide for your vehicle or the Kia Features & Functions Videos YouTube channel.
Thanks for watching.