Merely Once, Toyota Must Revolutionize The Wheel

Throughout the years, cars have transformed significantly with enhanced safety measures, innovative propulsion mechanisms, and the capacity to navigate almost any challenging terrain you’re daring enough to explore. They also come in a diverse range of designs, from sleek convertibles to robust SUVs and trucks. There’s a myriad of options – yet they share some commonalities.

An essential aspect that cars of various shapes and sizes have in common is an instrument cluster – where drivers can access data concerning speed, rpm, fuel levels, engine temperature, and alerts.

Instrument Clusters: All Shapes and Sizes

Numerous car manufacturers are transitioning from conventional dials on the dashboard to fully digital displays. At times, this information may appear on the entertainment screen, such as in the Volvo EX30 displayed below, or even on a head-up display – yet it’s present somewhere as it’s crucial.

I’ve driven vehicles with diverse instrument clusters, all presenting the essentials like speed and mileage, along with additional information that may not be crucial but is convenient to have readily available. Some showcase the navigation data retrieved from the entertainment system, or exhibit the current radio track. Electric cars include details on range and power consumption – some, like the 2025 Mini Countryman Electric, even exclude a cluster in front of the driver, as shown below:

Digital instrument clusters are beneficial as they provide a wealth of information and are easily customizable, allowing you to view only what’s pertinent. They also enable engineers to have some fun with animated sequences when starting or stopping the vehicle, or occasionally while browsing through available options.

drive settings. The extensive display in the latest Lincoln Nautilus is impressive, featuring all components integrated into a single elongated screen that sweeps along the dashboard – the visual impact is truly striking.

I’m satisfied with the array of setups for the dashboard interface with one condition: I must have clear visibility of the display.

My Issue Is as Follows

Let me paint the picture, I recently put a Toyota bZ4x through its paces, complete with a digital dashboard set slightly back into the console. It’s a kind of tunnel design with flanking components that draw attention to the central screen. This layout is also seen on the Subaru Solterra and not only does it look aesthetically pleasing, but it also provides a clear distinction between the entertainment screen and the dashboard gauges without overwhelming you with a massive array of screens.

Everything seemed fine until you take a seat and realize that no matter the seating adjustment, the top of the steering wheel intersects the screen. It was frustrating. Despite attempts to reposition my seat and change the steering wheel angle, the issue persisted. I compromised by adjusting my position for a good view of the road and tilting my head either up or down to ensure I stayed within the speed limits on the highway. Not an ideal scenario.

Now, standing at about 5’ 6” tall, and after talking to others of similar height, they encountered identical challenges. Through my anecdotal survey of random journalists with contacts on my phone, individuals of my stature and even taller encountered difficulties, while those on the shorter end didn’t face any issues. It seems to affect a substantial portion of individuals, leading to a shared source of frustration.

A Proposed Solution by Subaru

The Subaru Solterra, jointly created with Toyota, shares many design elements – notably, it previously had the same issue. That changed in the latest update. Well, not a complete overhaul, but they did alter it to feature a flat top and bottom, a change that is highlighted in the 2024 upgrades.

This small adjustment resolves the issue and enhances visibility of the gauge cluster, as our Solterra test drive demonstrated.

While Toyota declined to comment on future plans, I personally believe enhancements to the steering wheel are essential for improved cluster visibility.

Although Toyota refrained from speculating on future developments, I personally advocate for a revamped steering wheel design to ensure optimal visibility of the gauge cluster — a crucial factor.