How To Raise Or Lower Your Genesis Steering Wheel
Driver ergonomics play a larger role in road safety than most people consider. An improperly positioned steering wheel affects visibility, arm fatigue, airbag effectiveness, and overall vehicle control.
At Lakeland Genesis, our new models feature adjustable steering columns that accommodate a wide range of driver builds and preferences. Knowing how to raise or lower your Genesis steering wheel correctly means you are always positioned for optimal control and comfort before the drive begins.
Why It Matters To Raise or Lower Your Genesis Steering Wheel
Steering wheel position directly influences your driving posture. A wheel set too high forces the arms upward, restricting shoulder movement and increasing fatigue on longer drives. A wheel positioned too low can obstruct the view of the instrument cluster or place the hands in an awkward angle relative to the driver's seated position.
Industry-standard ergonomic guidelines recommend a steering wheel position that allows the wrists to rest comfortably on the top of the wheel with the arms slightly bent and the shoulders relaxed against the seat back. This baseline makes a useful starting point before fine-tuning to personal preference.
Locating the Steering Column Release Lever
Genesis vehicles are equipped with a tilt and telescopic steering column. The release mechanism is a lever located on the left side of the steering column, positioned just below the column shroud. This lever controls the locking mechanism and must be disengaged before any adjustment can be made.
To release the column, pull the lever downward or toward the driver, depending on the specific model. The column will then move freely in both the vertical and horizontal planes.
Adjusting Tilt and Reach
Tilt adjustment raises or lowers the steering wheel arc to change the vertical angle of the wheel relative to the driver. Telescopic adjustment moves the wheel closer to or further from the driver along a horizontal axis.
Both adjustments should be made with the vehicle stationary and the driver seated in their normal driving position. Making adjustments from the correct seated position yields a more accurate result than estimating positioning while standing outside the vehicle.
The recommended reach position places the driver far enough from the wheel so the arms are not fully extended, with a slight natural bend at the elbow. This positioning also maintains an appropriate distance from the steering wheel airbag deployment zone.
Locking the Column Back Into Position
Once the desired position has been set, the release lever must be pushed back firmly into the locked position. A properly secured column will not shift or move when pressure is applied to the wheel.
Always confirm the column is fully locked before driving. A loose steering column is a safety concern and should be addressed immediately if the lever does not re-engage securely.
Memory Steering Settings on Select Models
Higher-trim Genesis models may include memory seating and steering-column functions. These systems store preferred steering wheel positions linked to individual driver profiles, allowing automatic adjustment when the corresponding profile is selected. This feature is particularly useful in households where multiple drivers share a vehicle.
When Adjustments Feel Stiff or Unresponsive
If the steering column feels resistant to adjustment or the locking lever operates unevenly, the mechanism may require professional inspection. Schedule a service appointment with our certified technicians so our team can assess the column hardware and restore proper function safely.