eli5: Why does a CVT transmission still “shift” if it can be in any position and move seamlessly as they say?

Question

eli5: Why does a CVT transmission still “shift” if it can be in any position and move seamlessly as they say?

In: 579

Answer 1

2015 Pathfinder with 64,000 Miles. Still going strong but I notice it doesn’t like when a fake “shift” drops the RPM too low under light throttle. It stutters.

It becomes a game of “avoid the shift” where you progressively press the gas pedal or let go of the gas completely to avoid the stutter.

In conclusion, Nissan CVTs suck balls and the fake shifts are where the problem is most noticeable. Ultimately, replacing the transmission will cost less than a used car though.