Are any cars made without power steering?
Yes—in practice, virtually all new cars have some form of power steering, but a small number of niche models are sold without any steering assist.
This article explains what “no power steering” means, why it’s rare in today’s market, and where you might still encounter it—from ultra-lightweight sports cars to kit cars and historical examples.
The modern landscape of steering assistance
Today’s mainstream vehicles almost always rely on either electric power steering (EPS) or hydraulic power steering to reduce steering effort and improve maneuverability. EPS is the most common setup in passenger cars, offering varying levels of assist depending on speed and driving conditions. Hydraulic systems, while older in many layouts, are still used in some models, trucks, and specialty applications. Pure, unassisted manual steering—where the driver must muscle the wheel without any boost—has all but disappeared from mass-market production.
Are there any cars made without power steering?
There are a few exceptions, primarily in niche, ultra-lightweight, or track-focused categories, as well as historic or kit-build vehicles. These cars intentionally ship with manual steering to maximize simplicity, weight savings, or driving feel. The vast majority of new cars, however, include some form of steering assist.
Caterham Seven and similar ultra-lightweight road-legal sports cars
Kit cars and replicas of vintage designs
Historic or vintage-era production cars (pre-power steering)
Lead-in: In this class, steering is typically unassisted to preserve lightness and direct feedback, with no electric or hydraulic boost on the basic configurations.
Lead-in: Many kit and replica builders offer or default to manual steering, especially for weight reduction and cost, though some builders can supply optional power-assisted setups.
Lead-in: Clearly these examples are from eras before steering assist was common; they are not representative of today’s mass-market offerings but illustrate that manual steering is possible in production designs.
Conclusion: If a car is marketed to emphasize lightweight, “driving pure and unfiltered,” or is a kit/replica, there’s a higher chance it could be without power steering. In contrast, mainstream new cars on today’s roads nearly always include some form of power steering.
Driving feel and safety considerations
What it feels like
Manual steering delivers a very direct connection between wheel input and front-end response. At low speeds, it can require more physical effort, and the absence of boost means less assist in parking or slow maneuvers. At higher speeds, some drivers appreciate the tactile feedback, but the workload remains noticeably heavier than with EPS.
Safety and practicality
For everyday driving, manual steering can be impractical for many people, particularly in urban environments or for those with limited strength. When choosing a car, consider your comfort level, parking needs, and the kind of driving you do most often. If you’re curious about a model’s steering setup, a test drive is the best way to assess whether unassisted steering is appropriate for you.
Summary
In the current market, virtually all new cars include some form of power steering, making unassisted steering an exception rather than a rule. The most common examples of cars without power steering are niche, ultra-lightweight, track-focused models and certain kit cars or vintage-era designs. For the average motorist, power steering remains standard equipment, delivering safer, easier handling across a wide range of speeds and conditions.
Why do some cars not have power steering?
Some cars lack power steering to save on cost and weight, especially for lighter vehicles that don't need the extra assistance, and for racing cars where a direct feel of the road is prioritized. While hydraulic and electric power steering systems improve ease of driving, they add complexity, weight, and cost to a vehicle, and hydraulic systems also decrease fuel efficiency.
Reasons for not having power steering
- Cost and weight: Omitting the power steering system reduces the final cost of the vehicle and lowers its weight, which can improve fuel economy.
- Vehicle type: Lighter, smaller cars may not require power assistance, as able-bodied drivers can handle the steering with ease. Conversely, heavier cars once relied on large steering wheels for leverage before power steering became common.
- Performance and racing: Many racing cars, like IndyCars, do not have power steering to give the driver a more direct and tactile connection to the road and to reduce weight.
- Simplicity: For certain applications, such as go-karts, the mechanical steering linkage provides a more direct feel and a simpler, more robust system.
- Historical reasons: Older vehicles were not equipped with power steering because the technology was not yet standard, and the steering geometry was different, making it harder to handle bumps.
What is the easiest car for an elderly person to get in and out of?
SUVs and crossovers are generally the easiest cars for seniors to get in and out of because their higher ride height allows for a more horizontal movement, often referred to as the "zero plop factor". Popular models that are good for ease of access include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester, and Honda CR-V, as they combine a good seat height with wide door openings. Minivans also offer a convenient, high-entry design.
Top car types for seniors
- SUVs and crossovers: These are a great starting point because their higher stance means a more comfortable "chair height" entry, reducing the need to sit down or climb up.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: Often cited for its higher seating position and wide door openings.
- Subaru Forester: Known for its good ride height and roomy interior.
- Honda CR-V: Praised for its easy access and safety features.
- Minivans: These offer a very accessible design, especially in terms of entry height.
- Honda Odyssey: A popular choice for its overall convenience.
- Kia Carnival: Another good minivan option for easy access.
What to look for
- "Zero plop" factor: A car is ideal when the seat height is level with the user's hip height, making it easy to slide in and out without climbing or dropping into the seat, according to A Girls Guide to Cars.
- Wide door openings: Wider openings make it easier to get a foot in and out and provide more room to maneuver.
- Spacious interior: A roomy cabin provides more space for getting in and out of the vehicle without feeling cramped.
- Automatic transmission: This is an easy-to-use feature that avoids the complexity of a manual clutch.
Which car has no steering?
Tesla's new car has no steering wheel, no pedals. American EV manufacturer Tesla has finally delivered on its promise to unveil an autonomous car for the rideshare market, unveiling the new Cybercab earlier today. The Cybercab represents a few big steps forward for Tesla and its ambitions of autonomy.
What is Elon Musk's new car without steering wheel?
5 days ago
Tesla unveiled its much-awaited robotaxi, the Cybercab, on Thursday at We, Robot event in Burbank, Calif. CEO Elon Musk revealed that the fully autonomous vehicle, which has no steering wheel or pedals, is expected to enter production by 2026, possibly before 2027, and will cost under $30,000.
