Abstract: Disclosed herein in an exemplary embodiment is a method for providing variable assist in an active steering system of a vehicle. The method comprises: receiving an input signal that includes at least one of, a variable ratio command signal, a stability command signal, a hand wheel position signal, a vehicle speed signal indicative of a speed of the vehicle, a signal indicative of an operator selected function, and a signal indicative a vehicle operating mode. The method also comprises: generating an assist command to an assist mechanism responsive to the input signal wherein the assist mechanism is operatively coupled to the differential actuator and a road wheel of the steering system to provide an assist torque responsive to the motion of the output shaft. The active steering system includes a hand wheel operatively coupled to an input of a differential actuator and a motor operatively coupled to the differential actuator.