Instead of a fixed set of gears, Nissan's current CVTs use a steel belt or chain running between pulleys to move through ratios in one continuous motion. D-Step Logic Control software reads vehicle speed and accelerator inputs to choose the ideal ratio, and Nissan says the design delivers strong acceleration from a stop along with seamless merging and passing.

With fewer moving parts than a conventional automatic, Nissan says a CVT runs with less friction and heat, which reduces wear and tear and helps the transmission work harder, longer.

• Steel belt or chain and pulleys, no fixed gears
• D-Step Logic Control software
• Fewer moving parts than a conventional automatic
• Used in the Kicks, Sentra, Altima and 1.5-liter turbo Rogue

CVT fluid does more than lubricate. Nissan explains that it enables ratio changes through hydraulic pressure and protects internal parts from wear while still allowing enough friction between the belt and pulleys to transfer the engine's torque. Over time, heat and contaminants can cause the fluid to lose those properties.

Nissan recommends Genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3, or an equivalent, and warns against using automatic transmission fluid, manual transmission fluid or a mix of fluids, which may damage the CVT. Damage from fluid that does not meet the specification is not covered by the warranty, and Nissan strongly advises against non-approved aftermarket flushing systems.

• Genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 or equivalent
• No automatic or manual transmission fluid
• Wrong-fluid damage is not covered by warranty
• Nissan advises against non-approved flushing systems

CVT fluid schedules vary by model, so the right service starts with your vehicle's exact schedule. Nissan's schedule for the 2026 Rogue calls for a fluid inspection every 7,500 miles or 12 months, with replacement every 60,000 miles under severe driving. For the 2027 Sentra and Kicks, Nissan lists replacement at 60,000 miles or 72 months under standard driving.

Under certain severe conditions, such as using a car-top carrier or driving on rough or muddy roads, owner's manuals for models including the 2026 Rogue and 2027 Sentra also describe asking the dealer to check the fluid's deterioration data with Nissan's CONSULT diagnostic system as an alternative to replacing the fluid every 60,000 miles.

Nissan's owner's manuals describe Nissan technicians as well-trained specialists kept up to date with Nissan's latest service information. Transmission service is part of the work our Nissan-certified technicians perform.

• Model-specific CVT fluid schedules
• CONSULT fluid deterioration check on select models
• Technicians kept current with Nissan service information
• Transmission service at Auffenberg Nissan

Nissan says every new Nissan with an Xtronic CVT comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, whichever comes first, counted from the date the vehicle is first delivered or put into use, covering CVT repairs, replacement and related towing. Nissan's powertrain coverage includes the transmission case, its internal parts and the electronic transmission controls.

As with any transmission, Nissan says it is important to follow the maintenance schedule. When your Nissan is due for a CVT fluid inspection or replacement, our service team can review the schedule and book the visit.

• 5-year/60,000-mile limited CVT warranty on new vehicles
• Covers CVT repairs, replacement and related towing
• Powertrain coverage includes transmission controls
• Follow the schedule in your owner's manual