Posted on 8/29/2025
Over the past couple of decades, the number of gears in modern vehicle transmissions has increased dramatically. Where four- and five-speed transmissions used to be the norm, it is now common to see eight, nine, or even ten gears in automatic vehicles. Manufacturers often advertise these extra gears as a sign of improved performance and efficiency. But does more always mean better? The truth is, the answer depends on how the transmission is designed, how the vehicle is used, and what the driver values most. Why Automakers Add More Gears One of the main reasons manufacturers add gears is to improve fuel economy. With more gears, the transmission can keep the engine running in its most efficient RPM range more often. Higher gear counts also allow for lower engine speeds on the highway, which reduces fuel consumption and engine wear. Extra gears can also improve acceleration. Shorter lower gears get the vehicle moving faster, while higher gears at the top end improve ... read more