An active steering system with variable assist includes a differential actuator having an input gear and an output gear. The differential actuator has a default kinematic relationship between the input gear and the output gear such that magnitude of an output speed and an output torque is approximately equal to a magnitude of an input speed and an input torque with opposing directions. The system also includes an input device that is in operable communication with the differential actuator and an output device that is in operable communication with the differential actuator. The differential actuator is operable to vary a ratio between the input device and the output device. The system also includes a steering mechanism that is in operable communication with the differential actuator and the steering mechanism is configured to reverse the opposing directions to the output device.