How Many Gears Are in a Car?

Ever been in the driver's seat and wondered, What do all of these gears do, again? Or perhaps you're in the market to purchase a car and heard terminology such as 5-speed manual, CVT, or 7-speed DCT, and just felt like your head was spinning?

The majority of first-time automobile purchasers and new drivers in India are lost as to how many gears a vehicle has and what they do. It is not an uncommon issue since car brochures, websites, and car dealerships tend to use technical jargon without describing the fundamentals.

Why Understanding Gears Is Important

Gears are not only for car people. Gears matter for day-to-day driving. You might be driving through Delhi traffic or on a weekend getaway to the hills; the type of gears and the number of gears your car has determine how smooth your car rides, how fuel-efficient it is, and the lifespan of the engine.

Following is what can happen if you neglect the gear configuration:

• Traffic struggles: The incorrect gear type can make commuting in the city a chore.

• Subpar mileage: You may be spending extra money at the pump unnecessarily.

• Increased wear and tear: Not understanding how your gears function can end up destroying the engine or transmission down the road.

• Perplexing purchasing decisions: Without an understanding of what gear systems would work best for you, you may buy a car that isn't a fit for your lifestyle.

Let's Break It Down.

Gears are a fundamental but essential component of how a vehicle operates. Whether one owns a hatchback, SUV, or any other type of car, all cars require gears to glide. 

What Are Gears in a Car?

Consider gears as speed managers. When the car is started and the accelerator is pressed, the engine generates power. But you must decide how that power must be transmitted to the wheels. That is where gears are needed.

• Lower gears (such as 1st and 2nd) provide greater torque, useful when beginning or driving uphill.

• Higher gears (such as 5th or 6th) provide greater speed with less effort from the engine, ideal for highway driving.

In plain terms, lower gears = power, higher gears = speed and efficiency.

So, How Many Gears Are There in a Car?

It depends on the type of transmission your car uses.

Manual vs Automatic: Let’s Compare

Manual Transmission (MT)

Manual cars  are still very popular in India. They are known for being affordable, fuel-efficient, and easy to maintain.

Most manual cars come with:

• 5 forward gears

• 1 reverse gear

• Some premium models may offer a 6th gear for highway cruising

This is good because you get better control, especially on hilly roads or during overtaking.

Example:

• Maruti Alto – 5-speed manual

• Hyundai i20 – 5-speed or 6-speed manual

• Tata Nexon – 6-speed manual

Automatic Transmission (AT)

Automatic cars shift gears on their own. You just need to drive, and the car does the rest. Automatic transmission helps with hassle-free driving, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Gear count in automatics varies:

• Basic models may have a 4-speed or 5-speed AT

• Modern models offer a 6-speed to 8-speed AT

Example:

• Maruti Ciaz AT – 4-speed

• Hyundai Creta AT – 6-speed

• Jeep Compass AT – 7-speed or 9-speed

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

CVT does not have “fixed” gears. Instead, it adjusts smoothly to the engine's speed and load, giving infinite gear ratios.

CVT cars feel smoother and more refined. You won’t feel gear changes like in manual or traditional automatic cars. They are perfect for city driving; they give decent mileage and are a smooth ride.

Example:

• Honda City CVT

• Nissan Magnite CVT

• Hyundai i20 CVT

AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)

AMT is like a robotized manual. It has the same gears as a manual car, but the gear shifting is automated. So you don’t need to use the clutch.

It is an affordable automatic option, great for city use.

Gear count in AMT: Usually 5-speed or 6-speed

Example:

• Maruti Swift AMT – 5-speed

• Renault Kwid AMT – 5-speed

• Tata Punch AMT – 5-speed

DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission)

DCT uses two clutches for faster and smoother gear shifts. You’ll often find 6-speed or 7-speed DCTs in performance cars and high-end models.

This type shifts quickly, is fun to drive and has better performance.

Example:

• Kia Seltos DCT – 7-speed

• Skoda Slavia DCT – 7-speed

• Volkswagen Virtus DCT – 7-speed

Do More Gears Mean a Better Car?

Not always.

More gears can help spread engine power better, improve mileage, and offer smoother acceleration.
But too many gears in a small car can lead to confusion, extra maintenance, and higher costs.

It’s not about how many gears your car has.
It’s about how well they’re used for your kind of driving.

Also Read- Is PPF Coating Good for Car In 2025?

What Gear Count is Best for You?

For City Driving

Go for CVT or 5-speed AMT, easy to handle in traffic and budget-friendly.

For Highway Drives

A 6-speed manual or automatic gives you better fuel efficiency and comfort at higher speeds.

For Hilly Areas or Heavy Loads

Manual or DCT with more gears offers better control and torque.

To sum it up

Most cars in India have 5 to 6 forward gears. Automatics may offer more, and CVTs don’t have fixed gears at all.

Don’t let gear talk confuse you. Just focus on what type of driving you do most and choose the right transmission for your needs.

And remember, more gears don’t always mean better performance. It depends on how the car uses them. We would suggest you do your thorough research before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many gears does a normal car have?

Most Indian cars have 5 or 6 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. Some premium cars may have 7 or more.

Q2. Do automatic cars have more gears than manual cars?

Yes. Automatic cars can have 6 to 8 gears. CVT automatics don’t use fixed gears at all.

Q3. What is the benefit of a 6-speed gearbox?

It gives better fuel efficiency and smoother highway performance compared to a 5-speed.

Q4. Is CVT better than manual?

CVT is smoother and easier for city driving. Manual offers better control and is often more fuel-efficient when driven properly.

Q5. Can I drive a car with more gears easily?

Yes. In automatics, more gears usually mean a smoother ride. In manuals, it may take a little more practice.