I never thought about it before but that is probably why AT temps stay in-line even when towing in the CX-5. In my experience AT's in locked up mode and lower gears don't really generate any heat in my experience. In my GX 460 on a grade un-locked you can watch temps climb but in lockup temps start to drop. I'm going to be towing my boat with CX-5 over local pass on Friday. I'm gonna pay attention again to AT temps under heavier load.
LOL. I watched a YouTube engineering video on the SkyActiv transmission somebody shared here. They engineered the transmission to have the torque converter locked as much as possible while driving. There is not much slipping at all when engaging or disengaging like a traditional transmission which allowed a small bump in efficiency.