Which cars don’t have a clutch?
Any car without a manual transmission lacks a clutch pedal—this includes nearly all automatics, most hybrids, and every battery‑electric vehicle. In everyday terms, if a car is labeled automatic, CVT, DCT, e‑CVT, or electric, you won’t be operating a clutch. Below, we explain the difference between having no clutch pedal and having no clutch at all, and list the main vehicle types and examples.
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What “no clutch” really means
Drivers usually mean “no clutch pedal.” Many modern transmissions automate engagement and gear changes, so you only have two pedals: accelerator and brake. Mechanically, some systems still use internal clutches (for example, dual‑clutch transmissions), while others—especially battery‑electric cars—have no clutch mechanism at all. Understanding this distinction helps you pick the right car for simplicity, efficiency, or performance.
Vehicle types that don’t have a clutch pedal
Battery‑electric vehicles (BEVs): no clutch pedal and no clutch mechanism
BEVs use electric motors with a single‑speed reduction gear, so there’s no need for a clutch to connect or disconnect the engine from the wheels. Here are widely available examples as of 2025:
- Tesla: Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X
- Hyundai/Kia: Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona Electric; EV6, EV9, Niro EV
- Ford: Mustang Mach‑E, F‑150 Lightning
- Volkswagen: ID.4 (and ID.3 where sold)
- Chevrolet: Bolt EUV (where still available) and upcoming new Ultium‑based EVs
- BMW/Mercedes/Audi: i4, iX, EQE/EQS, Q8 e‑tron, e‑tron GT
- Porsche/Audi/Polestar/Volvo: Taycan, Polestar 2, EX30/EX90
- Nissan/Renault: Leaf, Ariya; Megane E‑Tech (market dependent)
Because there’s no clutch hardware at all, BEVs deliver the simplest “no‑clutch” driving experience and minimal powertrain maintenance.
Hybrids with e‑CVT or power‑split systems: no clutch pedal
Most Toyota and Lexus hybrids (and similar systems from Ford) use an electronically controlled power‑split device instead of stepped gears or a conventional clutch. You never operate a clutch, and in many cases there isn’t a driver‑facing clutch mechanism to service.
- Toyota: Prius, Corolla Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid
- Lexus: ES 300h, NX 350h, RX 350h, UX 250h
- Ford: Maverick Hybrid, Escape/Kuga Hybrid, Explorer Hybrid (market dependent)
- Honda: Accord Hybrid, CR‑V Hybrid use an e‑CVT‑like system; there’s no clutch pedal, though an internal lockup clutch can engage at speed
These systems prioritize smoothness and efficiency; while some contain internal clutches, the driver never manages them.
Conventional automatics (torque‑converter): no clutch pedal
Traditional automatics use a fluid coupling (torque converter) and planetary gears. There’s no user‑operated clutch pedal, though there are internal clutch packs for shifting between gears.
- Common across brands: Toyota Camry 8‑AT, Mazda3 6‑AT, BMW 3 Series/5 Series (8‑AT), many SUVs and pickups globally
- Hyundai/Kia hybrids add a clutch pack in place of a torque converter, still with no clutch pedal
These transmissions are ubiquitous and well‑suited to daily driving and towing, with simple two‑pedal operation.
CVTs (continuously variable transmissions): no clutch pedal
CVTs vary the gear ratio seamlessly. Most use a torque converter or an automated start clutch; either way, there’s no clutch pedal for the driver.
- Honda: Civic/HR‑V CR‑V (non‑hybrid) CVTs
- Subaru: Outback, Forester, Crosstrek (Lineartronic CVT)
- Nissan: Sentra, Rogue, Altima (Xtronic CVT)
- Toyota: Corolla/C‑HR CVT variants
CVTs focus on efficiency and smoothness, offering two‑pedal driving without manual clutch work.
Dual‑clutch transmissions (DCT): no clutch pedal, but clutches inside
DCTs have two automated clutches that shift rapidly for performance and efficiency; the driver does not operate a clutch pedal.
- Volkswagen/Audi: DSG/S‑tronic on many models
- Porsche: PDK (e.g., 911, 718)
- Hyundai/Kia/Genesis: various wet and dry DCTs (e.g., Veloster N, some Kona/Elantra N Line, Ioniq 5 N uses a unique setup)
- Mercedes‑Benz: 8G‑DCT on select compact models
DCTs deliver quick shifts without driver input, blending performance with convenience—still no clutch pedal to press.
Automated manual transmissions (AMT/“single‑clutch automatics”): no clutch pedal
AMTs are manual gearboxes shifted by actuators. There’s a single internal clutch, but the system handles it automatically.
- Examples include older Smart ForTwo, some Fiat/Alfa Romeo “Dualogic/TCT,” and budget‑market city cars in select regions
While uncommon today, these are still two‑pedal cars from the driver’s perspective.
How to tell if a car has no clutch pedal
Spec sheets and badges often reveal transmission type. Look for these terms when shopping or scanning a window sticker.
- “Automatic,” “AT,” “8‑speed automatic,” “10‑speed automatic”
- “CVT,” “e‑CVT,” “Power‑split hybrid,” “Hybrid Synergy Drive,” “i‑MMD”
- “DCT,” “DSG,” “PDK,” “S‑tronic,” “8G‑DCT”
- “Single‑speed,” “reduction gear,” “BEV,” “EV,” “electric drive”
If you see any of the above—and no mention of “manual” or “MT”—you can assume there’s no clutch pedal.
Why choose a car without a clutch pedal?
For many drivers, two‑pedal cars are easier in traffic and on hills. Here are typical advantages.
- Ease of use in stop‑and‑go driving
- Smoother launches and hill starts
- Advanced driver‑assist features often pair best with automatics
- BEVs and many hybrids add lower running costs and fewer wearable components
These benefits make clutchless driving attractive for commuters and families.
There are also trade‑offs to consider, especially if you value driver involvement or specific maintenance profiles.
- Less driver engagement compared with a manual
- Some automatics/DCTs can be costly to repair out of warranty
- CVT feel may not appeal to all drivers
- Performance variants can still be pricey despite no clutch pedal
Balancing convenience against feel and cost will guide the best choice for your needs.
Bottom line
If you don’t want to use a clutch, choose any automatic, CVT, hybrid, or electric—every one is a two‑pedal car. Only manual transmissions require a clutch pedal. For the simplest setup with no clutch hardware at all, pick a battery‑electric vehicle; for a familiar automatic feel, choose a torque‑converter automatic or a CVT; for performance with two pedals, consider a dual‑clutch.
Summary
Cars without a clutch pedal include all automatics (torque‑converter and CVT), dual‑clutch automatics, automated manuals, most hybrids (e‑CVT/power‑split), and every battery‑electric vehicle. EVs eliminate the clutch entirely; other systems automate it internally. Look for labels like automatic, CVT/e‑CVT, DCT/DSG/PDK, or single‑speed electric to confirm you won’t be operating a clutch.
Are clutchless manual cars good?
The mechanicals of the iMT are similar to those of a regular manual transmission, except that the clutch is now operated automatically. It does not shift as quickly as a regular manual gearbox when driven enthusiastically, but most of the time, in regular driving conditions, the shifts are seamless.
What car does not have a clutch?
Automatic cars don’t have a clutch pedal or traditional gearstick. Instead, they have a gear shifter, allowing you to switch between neutral, park, reverse and drive.
Are there cars without clutch?
Clutch-less Manual Transmission
iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) is a reliable and superior technology to conventional Manual Transmission. It offers a clutch pedal-free drive but with manual gear shift control for a thrilling yet comfortable driving experience.
Do all cars have a clutch?
Q5: Does every car have a clutch? A5: Only vehicles with manual transmissions have clutches; automatics use torque converters instead. H B Auto & AC is here for all of your vehicle’s transmission maintenance and repairs! All you need to do is a quick phone call!


