Why Tesla's New "Yoke" Steering Wheel Could Be a Safety Problem

For once we can say that Tesla really has reinvented a wheel. For its newest Model S sedans and Model X SUVs, the carmaker dropped the traditional circular steering wheel in favor of what it's calling a "yoke." This yoke is rectangular and reminiscent of what you might see in a jet or a racecar. Tesla CEO Elon Musk indicated that the company made the change because, "Yet another round wheel is boring & blocks the screen," adding that Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" function--controversial due to safety concerns--"in panoramic mode looks way better with a yoke." Consumer Reports recently published a harsh review entirely focused on the Model S yoke, noting that the organization's test drivers found the steering apparatus to be hard to hold on to and awkward to maneuver.