Tesla’s steering yoke was widely panned by critics, who called it useless, a gimmick, and, among other things, uncomfortable to use. However, that hasn’t stopped Lexus
. The Japanese-based company is releasing its own Tesla-inspired steering yoke with the new Lexus RZ, an EV SUV that’s just about to hit dealerships across the U.S. But what will drivers’ reactions be? What’s the deal with steering yokes, anyway?
A steering yoke sounds a little like it has something to do with an egg—but that’s hardly the case. Green Car Reports
explains that the Lexus yoke is pretty much lifted from Tesla’s own designs, which copied steering wheels that can be found in jets and airplanes. While Tesla has claimed the yoke offers a more refined and responsive driving experience, most drivers and critics haven’t agreed. That’s why it’s a little surprising that Lexus is planning on introducing this feature in their new EV. But—it’s too soon for us to write off the Lexus RZ. Besides, more goes into a steering wheel (or yoke) than we might expect. Steering column joints and bushings control how responsive and loose a vehicle’s steering may be. And with the advent of electric power steering
as opposed to hydraulic, and driving assist features like autopilot, yokes may become more popular. Could Lexus’ yoke be better received than Tesla’s?
It’s certainly possible, for a few essential reasons. A yoke looks cooler than a traditional steering wheel, and offers drivers a better view of their dash gauges and infotainment display, too.
The issue with a steering yoke is that it offers drivers no real way to shuffle hands around while they're driving. Instead, both hands are locked at the 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions, instead of at 10 and 2, long held to be the safest position for both hands. In the event of an emergency, which could require evasive driving, drivers with yokes may have a harder time maneuvering their vehicle.
MORE: This Lexus EV Is Straight Out of a Sci-Fi Film
Will steering yokes become more popular than traditional wheels?
Both Lexus and Tesla must be aware that the design risks they’re taking are setting the stage for both companies to become either trendsetters or gimmick-grabbing buffoons. Right now, most performance and lower-trim options cars aren’t going to be switching out their steering wheels for a yoke, because self-driving isn’t what muscle or supercar drivers want. They like driving, because of the experience.
For those who value affordability over luxury (as Lexus is a luxury brand, remember), a steering yoke won’t likely be an option for them for quite a while. If steering yokes like those used in Lexus or Tesla catch hold as an industry trend, only time will tell.
MORE: A First Look at the 2023 Lexus RX
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