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Master the Terrain: How Advanced Steering Technology Powers Off-Road Performance

July 22, 2025

Adventure starts where the pavement ends. From overlanding and hunting to working farm fields or navigating beach towns and golf courses, off-road vehicles (ORVs), also known as all-terrain vehicles or side-by-sides, are built for versatility. But regardless of where the ride takes you, one thing stays the same: Drivers want confidence, control and comfort.

That’s where Nexteer’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) comes in. Whether you’re cruising at high speeds on open trails or maneuvering through tight, rocky paths, our advanced EPS technology delivers smooth, responsive handling that transforms the ride making it safer, more exciting and more intuitive.

Improving the Rider Experience

Trail riding is a whole different beast. Unlike the steady predictability of highway driving, ORVs demand sharp reflexes and real-time steering feedback for adventurers to conquer rugged, uneven terrain. Yet many ORVs still rely on manual steering or basic EPS with limited assist. Nexteer takes steering adventurers further – integrating advanced hardware and software that gives drivers precision control, quicker response, and greater confidence with every turn. Nexteer EPS in ORVs offers higher levels of steering assistance, reducing the driver’s exhausting effort to turn the steering wheel. This enables drivers to navigate tight turns more easily. An active return-to-center also helps drivers on winding paths and as they steer around obstacles. Additional performance, convenience and safety features include:

  • Unmatched thrill, control and comfort. Variable effort steering adapts in real time, meaning the driver has precise control and low-speed maneuverability on rough trails, as well as unmatched stability at high speeds on open trails.
  • Smoother rides and longer escapes. Active damping and high-frequency assistance reduce steering kickback and vibration. This leads to a smoother, more controlled ride and decreases fatigue for riders, powering hours of adventure.
  • Extreme durability and maximum reliability. Nexteer’s EPS is tested in extreme temperatures, water submersion and high-impact conditions. Tough components are built to last, meaning less downtime and more ride time.

A Competitive Edge for ORV OEMs

At Nexteer, we’ve mastered steering for full-size, safety-critical vehicles. Now, we’re bringing that powerhouse expertise to the trail. By developing hardware and software together, we don’t just meet ORV driver expectations, we’re flying past them. Our advanced software tuning lets us dial-in the steering feel to match any terrain or vehicle, delivering the kind of sporty, responsive ride that ORV drivers crave and OEMs count on to stand out.

Through our in-house testing and development capabilities, we work with OEMs to customize our EPS to their needs. Count on Nexteer for:

  • Industry leadership and experience. Our in-house ownership of research and development, design, testing and manufacturing drives innovation, quality and flexibility. Nexteer has produced more than 115 million EPS systems.
  • Brand differentiation. Advanced steering technology enhances control, comfort and feel, delivering unmatched performance and innovation.
  • Seamless integration. Lightweight, compact designs integrate effortlessly with vehicle platforms for streamlined engineering and manufacturing.
  • Automotive-grade durability. Fewer repairs mean more satisfied riders.
  • Higher torque and payload. Nexteer EPS supports ORVs for construction and agricultural work sites by increasing their hauling capacity.

Ready for the ride of a lifetime?

From high-octane trail runs to long workdays in the field, Nexteer’s EPS transforms how ORVs handle the terrain. We don’t just power vehicles.  We elevate experiences. With unmatched ORV steering precision, durability and customization, our technology connects drivers to the road (or no road at all) like never before.

Whether you’re building the next great ORV or riding it, count on Nexteer to steer you forward.

Justin Foley
Justin Foley is Senior Manager, Business Development at Nexteer Automotive.


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