Does a steering wheel have to be round?

Yoke steering wheels are in vogue and making a splash… but safety could soon bring manufacturers back to reason.

In the automotive world, the round steering wheel has reigned supreme for over a century. But now, bold shapes are in fashion. Tesla, Lexus, and soon Peugeot are experimenting with yoke, tulip, or even rectangular steering wheels, as if driving a car is becoming a futuristic art form. The idea? To offer a unique experience, akin to a racing simulator or a spaceship. And it’s true, I must admit that it’s quite fun.

However, all these fanciful designs have their limits. China has just called a halt: starting in 2027, yokes will be officially banned on new vehicles. The authorities rightly cite a safety issue. A round steering wheel offers a complete “hoop” to absorb shocks and protect the head in case of impact. With a yoke, there are empty areas, increasing the risk of hitting the steering column or the dashboard. Regulators have even specified precise tests on ten points of the steering wheel, tests that yokes simply cannot pass.

And common sense?

Beyond regulation, there’s a slight return to basics: despite all the innovations, nothing replaces the simplicity and effectiveness of a good old circle. Excentric shapes may be fun for a few seconds of show at an exhibition or to impress on Instagram, but for everyday driving, the round wheel remains king.

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So, can we still dare to use a yoke steering wheel? Yes, but cautiously and for thrill-seekers. For everyone else, when it comes to turning, maneuvering, and braking without a headache… the classic hoop retains the advantage. Simple, intuitive, and above all, safe. After all, certain fundamentals have stood the test of decades for a good reason.

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