Rethink Steering Wheel Design?

[dleepnw]

Let me just start by saying design is subjective.

I hope the steering wheel design is not final. I think a round wheel or a round wheel with flat bottom would be preferred by most folks. From a design pov, don't like the two spoke design either. I know its a throwback look but in combination with the shape of the wheel not aesthetically pleasing. Somehow makes me think of my dad's old Buick.

 

[KarlT]

Design is subjective. So is function, but less so. I think round is more functional.

 

[J Alynn]

I think the design is great (and subjective). I would prefer if they just go flat bottom, keep the horizontal format in the center because I like the look and also keep the design elements of the wheel (inset metal band, contrast stitching, etc…) because in person it looked better than any wheel I’ve seen on modern day cars. I do think the ‘flattened’ top looks great and emphasizes the linear feel but practically I think it will be awkward

 

[KarlT]

I think the design is great (and subjective). I would prefer if they just go flat bottom, keep the horizontal format in the center because I like the look and also keep the design elements of the wheel (inset metal band, contrast stitching, etc…) because in person it looked better than any wheel I’ve seen on modern day cars. I do think the ‘flattened’ top looks great and emphasizes the linear feel but practically I think it will be awkward

Seeing it in person carries a lot of weight.

 

[Albal]

I think it should be fully round or, if there is a clearance problem just a flat bottom. I don’t care for the design either, at least not in the photos. Perhaps it’s the two spoke, or perhaps it just looks unnecessarily busy. Prefer the on/off button to be someplace else. More out of the way and impossible to accidentally touch. Maybe even one of the switches above.

 

[J Alynn]

I think it should be fully round or, if there is a clearance problem just a flat bottom. I don’t care for the design either, at least not in the photos. Perhaps it’s the two spoke, or perhaps it just looks unnecessarily busy. Prefer the on/off button to be someplace else. More out of the way and impossible to accidentally touch. Maybe even one of the switches above.

I will say the start button location was different-not good/not bad-just different. Still on the fence about that. Would almost rather move it to the corner of the UX screen

 

[Scoutsie]

I’m used to the Start button being close to where the ignition would usually go: to the right of the steering column, near the base of the stem. It’s also handy if you’re in the passenger’s seat and want to start the car up (and happen to use a cane so you can press the brake pedal).

I wasn’t nuts about the octagonal steering wheel. It’s something that I could grow to live with, but it was weird to not see a round steering wheel. It seems like that’s going to be awkward when you’re turning hand over hand. On the other hand, you’ll always know what direction the wheels are facing, I guess, which is the point of turning hand over hand instead of doing the shuffle. I don’t know, I really disliked it at first. Maybe this is good because it differentiates it as something from THE FUTURE. As long as it’s comfortable to hold onto for several hours at a time, it’s probably okay.

 

[Mihenry]

Look, I’m impartial to the steering wheel shape. BUT… PLEASE LEAVE THE START BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL!!!

It’s one of the little things that I loved about the steering wheel design.

 

[mrjjlanglois]

I really like the way it looks. Too often new vehicles come out with great interiors but the wheel looks dated.

Having said that, function is key.

 

[LastDayScout]

Seeing it in person carries a lot of weight.

I thought it looked great in person.

 

[Mihenry]

I thought it looked great in person.

Jealous

 

[R1TVT]

Like it flattened on the bottom for easier ingress and egress, but rounded on the top. Could live with this. Thank god it Ain't a Tesla yoke

 

[CSpott]

I really like the look of the steering wheel. It seems to have the right functionality, and still allow the proper spacing for the hands on the wheel, while also giving plenty of options for people who prefer to have slightly different hand placement.

I absolutely loathe the Ford steering wheels. I've driven my husband's Ranger enough that when I have to drive it, I have a moment of "ugh, I have to deal with that crummy steering wheel" along with the, "I love his truck!" feelings. Everything on the Ford steering wheel is thick and chunky. There are bump outs for the hands at 10 and 2, which is not at all where hands are supposed to be placed. In fact, the NHTSA recommends NOT to place your hands at 10 and 2 to prevent injury from air bag deployments (https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/steeringtechniques.pdf "Two and 10 o’clock is not recommended because it can be dangerous in vehicles with smaller steering wheels and equipped with air bags.") Yet, Ford doesn't care about whether you might break your arms from the airbag, they're still trying to build your grandma's car, with 10 and 2 holding points on the steering wheel and selling the cars with all the gray colors you could possibly want as the only color options. (OK, there's a bit of sarcasm there, I can't help it. I want to see things going forward, but Ford seems stuck in the past.)

 

[Harris005]

Like it flattened on the bottom for easier ingress and egress, but rounded on the top. Could live with this. Thank god it Ain't a Tesla yoke

I align with this take as well.

I did like seeing the Scout logo staring back at you as you are driving. It is once again off to the right, signed like a piece of art. I also liked the start button with drive mode dial where it is at. I'll be curious to see how well the radio dial type buttons work. I'm use to holding the volume button down, not scrolling your thumb. I'm sure it will be just fine, but one thing I was thinking about when I saw it.

 

[OleScout]

I thought it looked great in person.

I concur, plus it support the 10 and 2 proper form!

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I really like the look of the steering wheel. It seems to have the right functionality, and still allow the proper spacing for the hands on the wheel, while also giving plenty of options for people who prefer to have slightly different hand placement.

I absolutely loathe the Ford steering wheels. I've driven my husband's Ranger enough that when I have to drive it, I have a moment of "ugh, I have to deal with that crummy steering wheel" along with the, "I love his truck!" feelings. Everything on the Ford steering wheel is thick and chunky. There are bump outs for the hands at 10 and 2, which is not at all where hands are supposed to be placed. In fact, the NHTSA recommends NOT to place your hands at 10 and 2 to prevent injury from air bag deployments (https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/steeringtechniques.pdf "Two and 10 o’clock is not recommended because it can be dangerous in vehicles with smaller steering wheels and equipped with air bags.") Yet, Ford doesn't care about whether you might break your arms from the airbag, they're still trying to build your grandma's car, with 10 and 2 holding points on the steering wheel and selling the cars with all the gray colors you could possibly want as the only color options. (OK, there's a bit of sarcasm there, I can't help it. I want to see things going forward, but Ford seems stuck in the past.)

LOL - This is where personal preference comes in. I would rather see something a little more chunky with a flat bottom. I love the steering wheel in my TRX, it just feels right. It’s fun to see different perspectives.

 

[JasonF]

I like the steering wheel shown in concept .

 

[Itsarebuild]

I would like a round wheel and minimal control buttons. Cruise control or volume are fine but nothing of importance like gear selection or ignition.

 

[HeyImMike]

I like the current design. I love all the different things about this. Knobs and switches instead of all touch screens, front bench seat, range extender!

 

[pwrofgrayskull]

I don’t dislike it at all and really have no complaints at this point. For some reason though, the picture in the first post here just doesn’t really scream “tough and rugged SUV/pickup” if I’m honest. It could just be that picture though because I didn’t dislike it during the reveal.