GM's Rare Quadrasteer System For Pickup Trucks Was Innovative (And A Massive Failure)
Jalopnik • • technology
Key Points:
- Four-wheel steering systems emerged in the 1980s with Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Honda introducing different versions aimed at improving vehicle stability and maneuverability, but early models were costly and inconsistent in performance.
- General Motors launched the Quadrasteer system in the early 2000s for its GMT800 trucks and SUVs, offering enhanced maneuverability with rear wheels turning opposite or in the same direction as the front wheels depending on speed, but it was expensive and added significant weight.
- Despite its technical success and benefits in handling and towing, Quadrasteer was priced too high initially ($7,000), leading to poor sales and eventual discontinuation by 2005 due to insufficient consumer demand and high production costs.
- Four-wheel steering has reappeared in the 2026 GMC Sierra EV, available in select trims, but GM has reportedly delayed future electric truck and SUV developments, casting uncertainty on the long-term presence of this technology in their lineup.
