They say you shouldn’t reinvent the wheel, but even so, several automakers are looking to offer customers a new interface when it comes to steering inputs – namely, a yoke. Designed to mimic the controls in an aircraft or a race car, some automakers are toying with the idea of replacing the traditional steering wheel with a flat, rectangular steering device. Not only that, but some automakers are going to a drive-by-wire system as well. The question is – should GM follow suit?
Tesla is undoubtedly the most obvious example when it comes to yoke-style inputs and drive-by-wire steering, most famously with the Cybertruck, which includes both systems. However, Tesla isn’t alone here – Lexus also offers a similar setup, while Mercedes-Benz is set to offer a yoke and steer-by-wire by 2026.
However, as is the case with anything, there are pros and cons.
Let’s start with the yoke. One of the biggest advantages of a yoke-style steering are the looks – these things just look cool, especially in conjunction with other high-tech interior items. A yoke also improves visibility, giving the driver a clearer view of the digital instrument cluster and the road ahead. For some, a yoke can deliver a more exciting, performance-focused feel, especially during spirited driving.
However, the design presents some pretty obvious challenges as well. At low speeds, such as while parking, the lack of a full wheel can make hand-over-hand inputs awkward. Indeed, many drivers find the layout tricky to adapt to, and, depending on the driver’s seating position, a yoke could be uncomfortable on longer drives as well.
As for drive-by-wire steering, these systems replace the traditional mechanical steering linkages with electronic controls that translate steering input into digital signals, deleting the physical link between the driver’s hands and the front wheels. This technology offers a few interesting benefits – for starters, it can provide added flexibility, allowing automakers to tune steering response for different drive modes. It also helps free up space in the cabin, given fewer mechanical components are needed. Steer-by-wire is also well-suited to advanced driver-assistance features, making it a great option as AV tech continues to advance.
But there are drawbacks, too. Some drivers report that steer-by-wire lacks road feel, which can reduce confidence behind the wheel, not to mention fun in a sporty car. The system’s complexity also adds to repair and replacement costs, and although reliability has improved, there remains some concern when it comes to over-reliance on an electronic system for something as critical as steering.
That all said, manufacturers will adapt to the demands of the consumers, so what should GM do? Would you like to see a yoke in the cabin or steer-by-wire in your next GM vehicle? Sound off in the comments!
Comments
Hell no. They should be illegal.
NO. Steering and brakes need to work when all other systems (esp. electronic) are haywire or shut down. Reinventing either for novelty’s sake is not the answer.
Yes fly-by-wire works in commercial airliners, but that’s a completely different universe.
NO!!!
NO NO NO. That hand position for any length of driving for me is uncomfortable. Heck I move my hands around a round wheel during a 15 minute drive. I could not imagine a 13hr drive out of town! LOL.
Yes yoke.
No drive by wire.
My new Lincoln is rectangular, no round, as is my friends twin engine plane.
Hell NO! A car is not a video game.
No, Indy car wheels are yoke shaped because their range is less than 360 degrees, closer to 90 degrees. Obviously traditional cars and trucks’ steering wheel range is multiple revolutions of the wheel so it needs to be round. This really seems like common sense, who is making these stupid decisions. It should be outlawed as a huge safety hazard.
HELL NO…There are plenty of Accidents now, and GM changing how you steer and a yoke wheel, get ready for those crashes, And if it’s not broke, dont fix it..Leave well enough Alone
NO, NO, Hell NO !!!!
I’d make it optional for the Corvette.
H3LL NO! Yokes work in an airplane because turning 90° degrees right or left gives the pilot full aileron deflection. In fact you normally fly an airplane with one hand and use the other to work the radios, adjust instruments and navigation systems, and control engine power, mixture, and propeller. But that’s an airplane and a totally different environment. Yokes in mass-market automobiles OTOH is nothing more than lame-brained nonsense, and it doesn’t surprise me a bit that Mercedes-Benz would tease the show car circuit with unrealistic frippery.
Dag Gummit. Back in the day, the misses and I had a ‘79 Chevette Scooter with back seat delete. Great car until it rusted. Ran like a top. Radio played nicely. Traded it in for an ‘85 Nova; great car. Ran for 300k miles. Then we got an ‘09 Equinox. Biggest piece of junk. The timing chain broke at 170k. The dealer told me Chevies are junk today.
Yes, absolutely—there are so many “drivers” on the road that should be in an auto-drive. Either they are too distracted to be a responsible driver, or they are just flat irresponsible. It would be a mercy to other drivers to get these people away from the wheel.
No, except maybe for corvette -but only as an option
Why even have a steering wheel. Just wave your hands in front of a new “steering screen”.
Why are many Tesla drivers opting to have the joke replaced with a regular steering wheel?
It’s an option to get a regular wheel on the Tesla that is extra cost. Let’s get real and leave steering wheels alone.
no they should be illegal people are already too dangerous behind the wheel I see too much dangerous driving habits I am a over the road truck driver
The 2025 Corvette wheel is the best. Do that but keep the wheel please.
Skip the yoke but give me steer by wire!!!
A small, roughly round full circle wheel. Steering feel can/will be improved as steer by wire becomes common.
I say go for it. GM does thorough evaluation and indepth studies into any/all new ideas.
There will always be resistance to “new” innovative concepts, but we must continue to move forward. Even simple ideas i.e. The Corvette changing from round tail lights to angular (square) and not offering manaul transmissions in the newest C8 generation Corvette. Many people expressed their displeasure. However, Chevrolet sells all the C8’s they can make. Can’t argue with success. Progress and continuous improvement leads to innovation. Keep on keeping on, otherwise we would still be riding in horse and buggies.
We figured out long ago that square wheels don’t work well.
Think about it, GM is considering a square wheel, doesn’t even sound good, certainly not innovative.
Woke ? no…
No good idea.
Absolutely NOT and it will be a dealbreaker if they entertain this nonsense more so than doing away with Android Auto.
I am a hand on top of the wheel driver and forcing me to change my style of driving will be frowned upon with great prejudice. I already shun the latest Lincolns for that awkward oval steering wheel.
No thanx to either “innovation”. We need to deal with longevity and durability issues rather than inventing “totally unnecessary” items. Put more energy into better styling. Every single SUV/UUV looks rather identical. Design a retro “Nomad” wagon that seats 6 instead of making another version of the Blazer that is insignificantly different from the Terrain and Equinox. Make something/anything that stands out.
No yoke! Full radius from 9:00 to 3:00 and flat bottom over the drivers knees. Wire? No way. I want to feel the road…