What type of transmission fluid does the Toyota Vios use? How to choose the right one for each model year.

What type of transmission fluid does the Toyota Vios use? How to choose the right one for each model year.

What type of transmission fluid does the Toyota Vios use?

Not all Toyota Vios models use the same type of transmission. Therefore, the choice of transmission fluid should not be based solely on the car model name, but rather on accurately identifying the model year, version, and type of transmission being used.

Older Toyota Vios models were equipped with a traditional automatic transmission, while many newer versions use a CVT continuously variable transmission.

Currently, Toyota Vietnam distributes the Vios in three versions: 1.5E-MT, 1.5E-CVT, and 1.5G-CVT. Both automatic versions use a CVT transmission. Toyota Vietnam

Therefore, before changing the transmission fluid in a Toyota Vios, the following principle should be followed:

Identify the vehicle make → identify the transmission type → check the oil specifications → select the appropriate product.

What type of transmission fluid does an older Toyota Vios use?

Some older Toyota Vios models use a traditional 4-speed automatic transmission. This is a completely different type of transmission from the CVT found in newer versions.

For this group of vehicles, it is necessary to use ATF oil designed for traditional automatic transmissions and meeting the specific standards required by the transmission.

CVT fluid should not be used as a substitute simply because both products are generally referred to as "transmission fluid".

GARTZ currently has a lineATF G4Intended for traditional automatic transmissions. According to GARTZ's product information, the ATF G4 is intended for use in older Toyota models such as the Vios, Corolla, and Camry that use a 4AT transmission. Gartz Lube

Suggested internal link:
GARTZ ATF G4 – 4-speed automatic transmission fluid

However, you shouldn't choose a product based solely on the vehicle's year of manufacture. For older vehicles or those with a history of transmission repairs, garages should check the transmission code and oil standard before changing the oil.

The new generation Toyota Vios uses a CVT transmission.

In newer generations, CVT has become the most common transmission type in the automatic Toyota Vios.

Toyota Vietnam currently lists both the Vios 1.5E-CVT and Vios 1.5G-CVT models with a CVT continuously variable transmission. Toyota Vietnam

For this group of vehicles, the following is required:Specialized CVT transmission fluid.

CVT fluid is designed to meet the specific operating characteristics of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). In addition to lubrication and cooling, the fluid must also maintain appropriate friction properties during power transmission.

Therefore, using conventional ATF instead of CVT oil is not a suitable option.

Which GARTZ transmission fluid can be used with a Vios CVT?

GARTZ currently has two product lines geared towards CVT transmission systems, with the Toyota Vios being among the applications.

GARTZ CVT RED

GARTZ CVT RED is a CVT transmission fluid developed by GARTZ for Toyota, Nissan, and other vehicles using metal belts in CVT transmissions. Gartz Lube

This could be an option for the Toyota Vios CVT, as the product standards meet the vehicle's technical requirements.

Internal link:
GARTZ CVT RED – CVT transmission fluid for Toyota

GARTZ CVT GOLD

GARTZ CVT GOLD is another option for CVT transmissions. The GARTZ website currently lists Toyota Vios, Corolla, and Corolla Cross among the Toyota models that can use this product. Gartz Lube

Internal link:
GARTZ CVT GOLD – CVT Transmission Fluid

The choice between CVT RED and CVT GOLD should still be based on the required oil standards for the vehicle, operating conditions, and appropriate technical recommendations.

Toyota Vios transmission fluid selection chart by transmission type

Toyota Vietnam has confirmed that both the Vios 1.5E-CVT and 1.5G-CVT use a CVT transmission, while the E-MT uses a manual transmission. Toyota Vietnam

The table above should only be used for initial classification. For each specific vehicle, especially older models, further technical documentation or transmission information should be checked before changing the oil.

Why shouldn't you use the same type of oil for all generations of Toyota Vios?

A common misconception is that all Toyota Vios models can use the same type of transmission fluid.