FYI: Mark Cuban’s Tesla Turn Signal Dilemma Spurs Him to Switch to Kia EV6
Tech entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks’ former owner, Mark Cuban, is contemplating selling his Tesla—an unexpected move fueled by a seemingly minor yet controversial design tweak in the vehicle’s interface. This change relates to Tesla’s reimagined turn signal system, which has sparked diverse reactions across the brand’s enthusiast community.
Iconic Innovators Clash
Cuban, a vocal critic of Elon Musk, has often engaged in public debates with the Tesla CEO on X, Musk’s social media platform. However, it’s not these exchanges but Tesla’s recent decision to replace the traditional turn signal stalk with a steering wheel button in the Model 3, Model S, and Model X that’s prompting Cuban’s switch.
The Feature Debate
In the refreshed versions of these models, Tesla eliminated the turn signal stalk, opting instead for a button on the steering wheel. This modification, designed for simplicity, quickly became a divisive topic among Tesla users. Recognizing this discontent, Tesla reintroduced the stalk in the latest Model Y, eliminating the button feature altogether.
Despite many finding the button easy to adapt to, Cuban remains unconvinced. He finds the button’s placement distracting and prefers the simplicity of the conventional stalk — a preference that led him to favor the reliability of his Kia EV6.
Cuban’s Verdict on the Button
Expressing his views on the "Your Mom’s House" podcast, Cuban shared his frustration: “On the Tesla, you’ve got to find [the turn signal] and push the button…while you’re driving. You can’t pay attention to the road as much. [The Kia] doesn’t try to be too fancy. Your turn signal is like, a turn signal.”
While some, including automotive test drivers, argue that the adjustment period to the new button is short, Cuban’s experience highlights the significance of user-friendly design in maintaining driver satisfaction.
Conclusion
Cuban’s decision underscores a broader sentiment about automotive design changes and their impact on user experience. While the minimalist design is a hallmark of Tesla’s innovation, Cuban’s preference for the straightforward functionality offered by Kia speaks to the diverse needs of modern drivers. As brands continue to innovate, Cuban’s choice serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing cutting-edge tech with practical usability.
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—William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
