what do you call the joystick in a car

[EleanorAnn]

The device you're referring to is most commonly called a gear selector, gear shifter, or simply the shifter. In modern vehicles, especially those with automatic transmissions, the traditional lever has often been replaced by a dial, a set of buttons, or a small, joystick-like stalk. These are collectively known as electronic shifters or e-shifters.

These electronic gear selectors don't have a direct mechanical link to the transmission. Instead, they send an electronic signal to a computer that controls the gear changes. This design frees up console space for storage and cup holders and allows for more innovative interior layouts. For example, the rotary dial shifter in many Jeeps and Chryslers or the push-button gear selection in some Lincolns serve the same function as a joystick-style shifter.

Feature	Traditional Lever Shifter	Electronic Joystick Shifter (e.g., BMW, Audi)	Rotary Dial Shifter (e.g., Jeep, Land Rover)
Operation	Mechanical linkage	Electronic signal	Electronic signal
Space Used	Significant console space	Minimal space	Minimal space
Common Use	Older & base model automatics	Luxury & performance brands	SUVs and modern sedans
User Feedback	Physical "gate" feeling	Spring-loaded return to center	Tactile clicks
Safety Feature	Mechanical lockout	Automatic return to Park	Automatic return to Park

The primary advantage of these modern designs is their space efficiency and the potential for enhanced safety. Many are designed to automatically shift the car into Park if the driver's door is opened while the vehicle is stationary, preventing rollaways. While it can take some getting used to if you're accustomed to a traditional lever, the function remains identical: selecting Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D).

[Charles]

We just call it the shifter in my family. My dad’s old truck has a long lever on the column, but my new SUV has this little stalk that looks like a window wiper control. You just flick it up or down to change gears. It was weird for a day, but now I don’t even think about it. It freed up a ton of room in the center console for my phone and a big coffee.

[GarrettFitz]

From an engineering perspective, it's an electronic gear selector. It replaces a heavy mechanical cable with a simple switchpack. The shifter itself is just an input device; the actual gear change is commanded by a transmission control module. This reduces weight and allows for more flexible interior design. The "joystick" style, like in some BMWs, is appreciated for its short, precise throws and space-saving design.

[PaisleeMarie]

I remember when a shifter was a big, clunky thing. Now, in a lot of these new cars, it’s this tiny little nub or a dial. My daughter’s car has a dial that pops up when you start the engine. Honestly, I miss the feel of slamming a gear lever into drive. These new ones are efficient, sure, but they lack a certain character. It feels more like operating a computer than driving a car.

[SanHannah]

It’s the gear shifter, but the design has totally evolved. In my electric car, there’s no complex transmission to shift, so the shifter is a small, sleek stalk on the steering column. It’s incredibly intuitive. You push forward for Drive and pull back for Reverse. Because it’s all electronic, the car can automatically select Park when you turn it off. It’s one less thing to worry about and makes the cabin feel much more open and minimalist.