Do modern automatics offer any engine braking?

Over the years I have had several cars with an auto gearbox and have always been very happy with what seems to be appropriate engine braking when going downhill. A friend of mine has recently bought a Volvo XC40 Auto 1.5 PHEV and claims there is no engine braking at all, his dealer told him that automatic cars do not have engine braking and advised him to use the cruise control to limit the speed when descending hills.

Your comments would be most welcome.

Asked on 2 August 2023 by Roy Millington

Answered by David Ross
Generally speaking automatics have little or no engine braking as drive is constantly engaged. However, some hybrids offer the ability to shift into a lower gear or increase the amount of regeneration that occurs, allowing the driver to control the speed without actively pressing the brake pedal.

It is also worth bearing in mind that the advice to use engine braking to control vehicle speed when descending a hill comes from a time when most vehicles were still using drum brakes. Modern cars with disc brakes are far less likely to experience fade in these situations.
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