2021 TESLA MODEL S STEERING YOKE FIRST IMPRESSIONS

EV Channels Review

Consumer Reports' "Talking Cars" podcast dives deep into the controversial 2021 Tesla Model S, focusing heavily on its radical new steering yoke and relocated controls. The hosts express significant reservations about the yoke's ergonomics, particularly during low-speed maneuvers like parking lot navigation and K-turns, where hand-over-hand steering is difficult and grip can be lost. They also criticize the touch-sensitive buttons for turn signals, horn, and wipers, finding them unintuitive and prone to accidental activation or deactivation, often requiring the driver to look away from the road. The predictive gear shifter, while functional in some scenarios, is deemed incomplete. While acknowledging Tesla's innovative spirit, the reviewers conclude that these changes, especially the yoke and button controls, introduce unnecessary complexity and potential safety concerns for everyday driving, making a conventional car like the Hyundai Elantra feel surprisingly more relaxing. They anticipate extensive long-term testing to fully evaluate the vehicle's usability and overall score.