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What is ford bluecruise, how does it work and what's it like to drive with.

A step closer to self-driving cars. But how does Ford's autonomous system actually work?

Ford BlueCruise is a driver assistance system. Launched originally in the US and Canada in 2021, the system has enabled over 68 million miles of hands-free driving, on over 193,000 vehicles. It's also now spreading its wings outside North America, coming to the UK in 2023 - and being the first such system to get regulatory approval for use hands-off driving on the UK's roads.

So is a car with BlueCruise a self-driving car?

"Self-driving" is a term that's popular, but it's a term we need to be careful using. Technically, BlueCruise enables Level 2 hands-free driving. It's a driver assistance system, rather than being about the car driving itself. You still need to be in control of the car and you need to keep your eyes on the road, even if your hands can be off the wheel.

Level 2 refers to the level of autonomy the car can achieve, based on a system devised by the Society of Automotive Engineers . When someone refers to autonomy levels, this is what they are talking about. Level 2 isn't new because it covers a range of functions, technically that the car has systems that can handle all aspects of driving: steering, acceleration and braking. But importantly, the driver has to be able to intervene at any moment.

Isn't this the same as Tesla Autopilot?

Yes and no. Tesla Autopilot is a similar driver assistance system that will do many of the things that Ford BlueCruise will, but the important difference for those in the UK is that Ford has received regulatory approval in the UK for hands-off driving, whereas Tesla has not.

If you're in the US or Canada, however, then yes, BlueCruise is basically the same. In 2023 models that includes automated lane changing - another feature that Tesla is known for. However, for those in the UK, lane changing is not currently offered, you still have to do that manually.

How does Ford BlueCruise work?

BlueCruise is an extension of a number of existing systems that Ford already offers. The most important parts are adaptive cruise control and the lane-keeping assistant. Both of these will be familiar to drivers of recent vehicles, with adaptive cruise control managing the vehicle's speed and distance from the vehicle in front, while the lane-keeping keeps the car between the lines.

Both of these are critical, because from those systems, the car knows what's happening on the road. Being able to see the lines is critical to BlueCruise so it can steer the car and keep it in the correct position on the road, while adaptive cruise control keeps a safe distance from the car in front, while maintaining the correct speed for that road.

Yes, it can read the speed limit from road signs and adjust accordingly, but BlueCruise will work at speeds up to 80mph in the UK - not that you'll ever be driving that fast, of course. Like other cruise control systems, you can knock the speed up or down to your preference, just as you can adjust the distance it will keep from the vehicle in front.

By pulling these systems together the car can take over the controls and you can take your hands off the wheel and feet off the pedals, but you need to stay attentive to the road: there's a camera that monitors your head position and your eyes, so if you look away from the road for an extended period, or close your eyes, it will give you a warning to bring your attention back to the road. Beyond that, warnings escalate and if you fail to respond, the car will start to slow to a safe stop. Essentially, you need to stay in control of the car, with your attention to the road. However, if something happens to the driver, the car will bring itself to a safe stop.

Can I use BlueCruise on all roads?

No you can't. The system uses GPS geofencing defining what Ford calls Blue Zones. When you're in a Blue Zone, the system will be available and if you have cruise control activated, it will offer to switch to BlueCruise. In the UK, the Blue Zones cover over 2200 miles, which is the entire motorway network - basically, if it's a road starting with an M, you'll be able to use BlueCruise.

Ford said it's going to be expanding this to include other roads in the UK and that's likely to include A roads that behave more like motorways.

In the US, over 130,000 miles of highways are within the Blue Zones.

How to engage Ford BlueCruise

BlueCruise is a really automated system, so you don't have to think about whether you're going to use it specifically. In reality, you'll engage cruise control and if you're in a Blue Zone and the conditions are met, BlueCruise will be offered to you automatically. But here's a step-by-step of what you need to do:

• Make sure you're on a Blue Zone road: the lines need to be clearly visible.
• Engage cruise control with a press of the steering wheel button.
• Cruise control will turn on at the speed you're travelling when you press the button.
• The driver display will show a blue balloon indicating that BlueCruise is available, you can press OK on the steering wheel.
• You'll get a message that you can take your hands off the wheel.

That's all there is to it. If, for whatever reason, BlueCruise cannot operate - if you're not in a Blue Zone or if the lines are clearly visible - then you'll remain in regular cruise control and have to keep your hands on the wheel.

What's it like driving with Ford BlueCruise?

We tested Ford BlueCruise in the UK at launch in the Mustang Mach-E . It's a system that's incredibly easy to use as we've detailed above. Once on the motorway, all it takes is a tap of the cruise control button and when BlueCruise was ready - a couple of seconds later - we were free to take our hands off the wheel.

At first this is a little alien, but this isn't the first time we've used such systems. Indeed, if you've taken your hands off the wheel when using some of the existing systems you'll know what it's like. We found the Mach-E reliably stayed in lane, steered smoothly around bends and adjusted speed to keep in position behind other vehicles. The advantage of using a system like this is you can relax a little more on longer journeys. If you're tired, it's an additional safety measure and over long drives, you'll find that something like BlueCruise is an additional measure to keep you safely on the road. Technically, you can't do anything else that distracts you from the road, so you can't legally use your phone or read a book, so you might find that you're left wondering what to do with your hands.

It's not hugely different in experience to the likes of Nissan ProPilot or BMW's Level 2+ system - or indeed Tesla Autopilot, but the omission of lane changing in the UK seems strange. It's offered by Tesla and Mercedes in the UK, for example, so why not Ford? The big difference in experience for UK drivers is that this is the only system you're allowed to legally use without your hands off the wheel. We suspect others will follow soon, but in the short term, Ford has something of a victory on its hands.

What cars will I be able to get BlueCruise on?

The Mustang Mach-E is the headline model for Ford BlueCruise. That was the original launch model in North America and it's the launch model in the UK. In the UK, it's available on 2023 models, so that's any built after November 2022.

In the US, it's also available on the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford Expedition. There's a similar system available from Lincoln called Lincoln ActiveGlide, which is available on the Lincoln Corsair.

How do I get Ford BlueCruise?

BlueCruise is a subscription option. If you buy a new Mustang Mach-E, you'll get a 90-day trial in the UK, after which you'll have to subscribe for £17.99 a month through the Ford Pass app. You'll be able to subscibe month by month too, so if you only want it for the holidays, for example, you can just subscribe at that time.

Bickford Ford

Official blog.

How to Use the Ford BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving Feature in Your Ford?

Ford bluecruise hands-free tutorial video.

Ford BlueCruise is a remarkable step toward a more convenient and confident driving experience. Its intuitive setup, responsive technology, and enhanced safety features offer a glimpse into the future of hands-free highway driving. You can make the most of this cutting-edge technology and elevate your driving experience in your Ford vehicle. Keep reading this blog by Bickford Motors in Snohomish, WA, to explore more about Ford BlueCruise features and how to use them. Scroll below to watch the Ford BlueCruise hands-free tutorial video that showcases step-by-step instructions on how to set up and then engage this technology while in Blue Zones. Get ready to sit back, let go, and enjoy your rides.

Read More: Learn More About Ford BlueCruise

Shop for New Ford Models with BlueCruise in Snohomish, WA

If you are looking for Ford vehicles with hands-free driving experience, drop by Bickford Motors for a test drive. You can browse our inventory to explore new models or car finance options in Snohomish, WA . Contact our team to get more information.

Also Read: Watch How to Use the Ford’s Dynamic Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist Feature

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We Tested Ford's BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving and Here's What It's Like

I, for one, embrace our new robotic overlords.

• Ford's hands-free BlueCruise tech is coming to the 2021 Mustang Mach-E and F-150 later this year.
• We've driven both vehicles with BlueCruise equipped, so we're here to tell you what it's like on the road.

General Motors got the jump on its rivals when it unveiled Super Cruise back in 2018, taking features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering to new heights with a hands-free mode that only works on certain premapped highways. Now Ford is getting into the hands-free game with its BlueCruise technology suite.

Is this a case of better late than never? Join us as we take an in-depth look at how BlueCruise works and — based on our seat time in an F-150 and a Mustang Mach-E — what it's like on real American roads.

How does Ford's BlueCruise work?

BlueCruise operates on the same principle as Super Cruise. Once the vehicle is traveling on one of the 100,000 miles of qualified roadways (Ford dubs these Hands-Free Blue Zones) and certain conditions have been met, a graphic appears in the instrument panel to let you know that BlueCruise is ready for activation. Simply press the cruise control button on the steering wheel and you can take your hands off the wheel to let the vehicle drive itself.

Like Super Cruise, Ford's BlueCruise system is not autonomous. As the driver, you have to be alert and prepared to take the wheel at any time. BlueCruise will not take evasive action if there is a small obstruction in the road — a box on the freeway, for instance — and you must be ready to perform advanced maneuvers if necessary. To that end, BlueCruise includes a head and eye position sensor to make sure you're watching the road ahead. Divert your attention for too long and the system will deactivate. And because BlueCruise relies on clearly visible lane markers, traveling on highway sections that lack them will deactivate the system.

With these limitations in mind, here are the first vehicles to receive BlueCruise — and we've driven both, so keep reading to find out what BlueCruise is like in the real world.

Which Ford vehicles have BlueCruise?

Am i ready for an ev.

• EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
• If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
• Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.

The first vehicles to receive BlueCruise functionality will be two of Ford's newest models — the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E and 2021 Ford F-150 . In both cases, the BlueCruise hardware is tied to the Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 package.

For the Mustang Mach-E, all trims except the base Select model come standard with Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0, while the Select can get it as part of the optional Comfort/Technology package. Buyers speccing out fully loaded F-150s will find that Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 is already included in the top-trim Limited model. The package is also available on the Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trims.

Each 2021 Ford vehicle with the Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 package will be outfitted with the hardware necessary to activate BlueCruise. However, BlueCruise isn't available just yet — it'll come online in the next few months via an over-the-air software update. For Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0-equipped models produced earlier in the 2021 model year, the hardware is included, and to activate BlueCruise, you'll have to pay a subscription fee. That fee is $600, which will cover the first three years of service. Models with the above package that launch after the software comes online will come with both the hardware and the software (though the price of the vehicle may rise with the software's inclusion).

Though we don't love the idea of subscriptions services in vehicles overall, it makes sense for Ford to charge a recurring rate. BlueCruise will constantly be updated with improvements to expand coverage and add features. For example, automated lane changes and slowing down for upcoming road curves are already being planned as post-launch additions.

What is BlueCruise like on the road?

I had the opportunity to drive both an F-150 and Mustang Mach-E with BlueCruise, and there was no functional difference in how the system behaved in each vehicle. The system itself melds several driver aids that are already present on the majority of cars today, but with a head- and eye-tracking component that makes sure you're paying attention. Once this is established — and you're driving on a preapproved road — a ring will appear around a graphic of the vehicle in the digital instrument panel. This lets you know that BlueCruise is ready to activate. Simply press the cruise control button and acceleration, braking and turning is handed over to BlueCruise.

In this way, BlueCruise functions similarly to GM's Super Cruise. The primary difference is that GM vehicles with Super Cruise have an LED light bar integrated into the steering wheel to let you know when Super Cruise can be activated. Ford's system isn't so obvious in letting you know when it's ready. When you press the cruise control button, however, the instrument panel graphics turn blue to inform you that BlueCruise is active and you can take your hands off the wheel.

The other difference between the two competing systems is that GM's Super Cruise has one prescribed distance for the adaptive cruise control (ACC) aspect. Ford has decided to treat BlueCruise like a typical ACC system in which you can choose one of four following distances.

When engaged, BlueCruise does a good job at approximating typical human driving behavior. I never had to adjust the following distance from one of the medium settings, and the system gives you a few beats to put your hands on the wheel when it needs you to resume control.

I didn't experience many technical issues in either vehicle on my limited test drive, but there was one instance in which I was forced to make an emergency maneuver. A Civic driver with little concern for their personal safety accelerated to merge right in front of my F-150, and the truck didn't slow down quickly enough. This wasn't necessarily a fault of BlueCruise itself — I have found that ACC systems in general are slow to react to vehicles merging into or out of my lane — but it goes to show that you still need to have your wits about you at all times.     

Edmunds says

Like GM's Super Cruise, Ford's BlueCruise provides a hands-free driving experience on certain limited-access highways. It certainly takes some stress out of driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and should be similarly pleasant on long-distance road trips. But these are not autonomous systems, and drivers need to be ready to take the wheel at any time to react to changing road conditions.

Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

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Ford BlueCruise Review: User-Friendly, Hands-Free Driving Assistance for the Masses

Packing SAE Level 2 driver assist in America’s best-selling vehicle should make many more hands hands-free.

seythmiersma

Rather than inching up on anything using the word “autonomous,” Ford’s positioning for its ready-to-launch BlueCruise seems to be an exercise in understatement. Making smart use of its already available suite of driver-assist technologies, BlueCruise is essentially a sophisticated take   on adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping. The Ford “hands-free highway driving technology” allows for unfettered driving on some 100,000 miles of “prequalified” divided lane highways throughout the U.S. and Canada.

An event to test drive the system, near Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, was equally low-key. Some of the engineers and product planners responsible for the tech loaded me up into   a BlueCruise-equipped F-150 in about 10 minutes. Ford’s Shane Larkin, Supervisor, Driver Assist Advanced, rode shotgun to give me the lowdown. 

Basically, BlueCruise’s sensor array is a techy cocktail of GPS maps, a high-mounted, front-facing camera, and a front-bumper-mounted radar sensor. The GPS data serves as a general positional reference, while the camera reads lane markings and scans surrounding traffic, and the radar handles forward vehicle tracking. 

In the cabin, a camera in the upper corner of the center stack tracks eye and head movement to ensure the driver is keeping their eyes on the road. Infrared lights mounted to the left and right of the driver help eye-tracking in dark conditions (and through sunglasses). And while the camera tracks your eyes, it won’t record you picking your nose. “There’s no data saved,” said Larkin. “Nothing leaves the camera module.”

Using BlueCruise

In practice—and, it should be noted, practice on a public highway loop in Ford’s backyard—BlueCruise is a straightforward thing to switch on and use. Activate the advanced cruise control system by way of the left control cluster on the steering wheel, drive out to a qualified highway, and wait for the display in front of you to read “hands free” and change to Tron blue. It’s no more difficult than any other cruise control system to operate, and I imagine with time and practice one starts to learn the best spots to go hands-free in their own daily driving cycle. 

Larkin and I drove hands-free with a complete lack of drama or incident (save for the time I turned the system off by playing with the steering wheel buttons). Our F-150 stayed firmly centered in its lane, very gently modulating from side to side on the few slightly curved sections of the freeway on the route. No fuss or muss, which is the whole point. 

When my attention turned away from the road for more than about five seconds, BlueCruise gave a little chirp. That’s in part by design—a warning against drivers checking emails or Instagramming morning-light driving selfies for too long. But Larkin explained the mask I was wearing over my nose and mouth exacerbated this.

“It’s really looking at your whole face; using all of your facial features to identify where your eyes are,'' said Larkin. “Once it identifies where your eyes are, it locks onto those and is tracking where they’re moving. A lot of this development was done pre-COVID, when [wearing a mask] wasn’t really a use case.” 

Like General Motors’ Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot before it ( much before it), BlueCruise feels like a useful way to make commuting incrementally less stressful. And with Ford’s rollout of the tech later this quarter on the Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 , it’s likely to have a much larger effect in aggregate: The company expects an eventual take rate of about 15 percent for F-150 buyers. Considering Ford sells 700,000 to 800,000 F-Series trucks in good years, the number of BlueCruisers will scale fast. 

Certain trims on new 2021-model year Mach-E and F-150 buyers have already been able to spec vehicles with a BlueCruise prep-pack, which includes all of the needed hardware and will require only a $600 over-the-air software update to enable. And Ford’s rates are actually reasonable in context. 

Compared with Cadillac’s $2,500 Super Cruise sticker price (no word on Chevrolet or GMC pricing as yet), BlueCruise is a bit more reasonably priced—at least for the trucks. As part of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Active 2.0 package on F-150, the hands-free system will run for a total of $1,595. On the Mach-E, BlueCruise will be standard on California Route 1, Premium, and First Edition trims, or can be bundled with the Comfort and Technology pack on Select trims for $3,200.

However! BlueCruise will likely hit you up with a monthly subscription fee after the three-year service period ends, just as Super Cruise does . A Ford rep confirmed BlueCruise will go on sale in Q3 but I'll update this post if I get a more specific timeline.

The General in Ford’s Rear View

Ford will presumably have a large number of users in a short period of time thanks purely to F-150 sales volume. But come the first quarter of 2022, things might feel slightly less super than the GM hands-free tech.

In the Battle of the Cruises, Ford’s advantage will be having a truck offering first in the U.S. But Super Cruise currently offers about double the number of usable highway miles (200,000 and counting) compared to the Ford system. And as of model-year 2022 products, Super Cruise will be able to initiate lane-change maneuvers and enable hands-free towing —both features that Ford won’t have at launch. 

And despite Ford touting hands-free lane-change functionality and adjusting vehicle speed for road curves in a coming over-the-air update, Larkin didn’t hesitate when I asked him about towing with today’s BlueCruise. “We don’t recommend it. The feature hasn’t been developed for that usage,” he said. 

Larkin did concede that while hands-free towing is not something Ford has talked about, “it’s definitely something that we’re thinking about.” 

Think fast, guys. 

The Musk-Ask Question

How does BlueCruise stack up to Tesla’s often-touted, ever-evolving, terrifyingly-YouTubed Autopilot? Larkin and his Ford colleagues wouldn’t even entertain the conversation. While all three of the Tesla, GM, and Ford systems qualify as SAE Level 2 driver-assist tech , the Tesla rig technically (see also: legally) requires hands on the steering wheel at all times. 

Still, Tesla is the OG of the Level 2 game. And even with its recent in-cabin camera activation for purposes of attention monitoring , it’s pretty safe to assume that leaps forward in driver-assist functionality will come much more frequently to Tesla products than they will for the ever-conservative GM and Ford. Then , the question becomes: Where does your thirst for new technology meet your appetite for risk? 

I wasn’t able to drive the Mach-E with BlueCruise on this sunny day near Detroit, but The Drive will undoubtedly report in as those vehicles make their way into test fleets. There’s no question that hands-free in an EV is a more interesting story. But, for most Americans, most of the time, lightening up commuter stress in a pickup will be a far more relevant selling point.

Got a tip? Email [email protected].

Everything You Need To Know About Ford's BlueCruise Hands-free Driving

I n recent years, the automotive landscape has witnessed a rapid transformation, a transition marked by the unrelenting march of autonomous driving technology. Among the key players in this evolutionary spectacle, Ford , an automotive juggernaut with a storied history, has displayed a resolute commitment to embracing this transformative journey. Ford's entry into the realm of hands-free driving represents a calculated response to the challenges and opportunities posed by this burgeoning field.

Ford's hands-free driving system aptly named the BlueCruise , aspires to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for automated driving systems. The intention here is not merely to follow in the footsteps of others but to set a new standard, showcasing a system that stands as a paragon of excellence in the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) arena.

The information for this article was sourced from Ford among other reliable sources such as Tesla, NHTSA, and Consumer Reports.

Related: Will Hands-Free Off-Roading Really Become A Thing?

How The Ford BlueCruise Self-Driving System Works

BlueCruise uses a combination of sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and maintain its position in the lane. It can also adjust the vehicle's speed and make lane changes automatically.

Variety of sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings:

• A radar sensor to detect other vehicles and objects in the road ahead
• A lidar sensor to create a detailed 3D map of the road and its surroundings
• A front-facing camera to monitor the driver's eyes and head position
• Four cameras mounted on the corners of the vehicle to provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings

BlueCruise uses the information from its sensors and cameras to create a comprehensive view of its surroundings. It then uses this information to make decisions about how to control the vehicle. For example, BlueCruise uses the radar sensor to detect other vehicles in the road ahead. It then uses this information to adjust the vehicle's speed and make lane changes safely. BlueCruise also uses the lidar sensor to create a detailed 3D map of the road and its surroundings.

This information is used to help BlueCruise maintain the vehicle's position in the lane and to avoid hazards. The front-facing camera is used to monitor the driver's eyes and head position. This helps BlueCruise to ensure that the driver is paying attention to the road and that they are ready to take control of the vehicle at any time. The four cameras mounted on the corners of the vehicle provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings. This information is used to help BlueCruise avoid collisions and to make safe lane changes.

Ford specifies that the initial step to activate the system involves the use of the FordPass app , where you'll be prompted to input your vehicle's VIN number for registration. Once this registration process is complete, you can proceed to enable the Connect Modem. This step is essential before engaging the hands-free lane-centering function. To access this feature, navigate to the settings menu, enter the Driver Assistance section, and select adaptive cruise control. Subsequently, when entering a Blue Zone, a notification will appear on your heads-up display indicating the availability of "Blue Cruise." To activate it, simply press the adaptive cruise control button as directed.

Related : Is Tesla's Autopilot Really The Best ADAS Currently?

The BlueCruise Is Only Available On A Handful Of Models

Consumer Reports' testing of the BlueCruise system has not only affirmed its commendable performance but has also applauded its efficacy in maintaining driver engagement. This flagship system from Ford is an amalgamation of advanced technologies, continually refined and enhanced to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive landscape. In its quest for excellence, Ford introduced the 1.2 version of BlueCruise, a testament to the company's commitment to addressing previous shortcomings and delivering valuable upgrades. Notably, these enhancements were seamlessly integrated into the system through convenient over-the-air updates.

As of October 2023, the BlueCruise system encompasses an impressive array of features designed to elevate the driving experience:

• Predictive Speed Assist: A feature that intelligently adjusts your vehicle's speed based on upcoming road conditions and speed limits, optimizing safety and efficiency.
• Driver-Facing Camera: This sophisticated camera system keeps a watchful eye on the driver, ensuring continuous monitoring and engagement with the road.
• Lane Positioning Tech: A technology that aids in maintaining precise lane alignment, enhancing the system's effectiveness in lane centering.
• Lane Change Assist: A vital component that provides assistance during lane changes, contributing to the safety and convenience of highway driving.
• In-Lane Repositioning: A feature that optimizes your vehicle's position within the lane, ensuring optimal lane centering and alignment

In terms of vehicle compatibility, BlueCruise is exclusively available on a select lineup of Ford models, each designed to cater to a distinct set of driving preferences and needs. These models include the robust Ford Expedition, the iconic F-150, the electrifying F-150 Lightning, and the versatile Mustang Mach-E SUV . The Mustang Mach-E SUV, with its imposing frame and potent engine, has often been the preferred choice for testing the ADAS system, illustrating its versatility across diverse driving scenarios.

Furthermore, BlueCruise boasts an extensive range, extending across more than 100,000 miles of North American roads, ensuring widespread accessibility for users seeking the benefits of advanced driver assistance. The commitment to excellence is not confined to the Ford brand alone, as the BlueCruise system is also seamlessly integrated into select Lincoln vehicles. In particular, the 2023 Corsair SUV and the luxurious 2023 Navigator SUV offer an opportunity for Lincoln enthusiasts to experience the cutting-edge ADAS capabilities that have garnered acclaim and recognition.

Related: GM Super Cruise vs Tesla Autopilot: Who's The Daddy?

Ford BlueCruise vs. Tesla Autopilot

When navigating the intricate landscape of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the choice between Ford's BlueCruise and Tesla's Autopilot is far from a simple decision. While both systems offer remarkable advancements in the realm of autonomous driving, a nuanced exploration of their distinctions is warranted. It's essential to acknowledge a key difference between the two systems. Tesla's Autopilot is an inclusive offering , seamlessly integrated into its entire fleet without exception. In contrast, Ford's BlueCruise takes a divergent approach, opting to charge customers for the privilege of accessing its autonomous driving capabilities. This distinction begs the question of cost and accessibility, a factor that prospective buyers may find pivotal in their decision-making process.

The performance of these systems unveils a fascinating interplay of strengths and weaknesses. Tesla's Autopilot stands out with its precision in maintaining lane centering and offering responsive feedback. This attribute aligns well with its design philosophy of offering a human-like driving experience with minimal intrusion. However, this advantage comes with a caveat: Tesla's Autopilot falls short when it comes to proactive lane-switching. The responsibility for this task firmly rests on the driver's shoulders, and any lane change necessitates the restart of the entire Autopilot system.

Additionally, while it offers a commendable driving experience, it's noted for occasional hesitance, particularly in complex driving scenarios. Conversely, Ford's BlueCruise shines in its decisiveness and swiftness in responding to changing road conditions. The system's ability to adapt seamlessly to different driving environments has garnered praise from reviewers, distinguishing it in this aspect. However, BlueCruise encounters challenges on long, sweeping curves, where it may exhibit limitations in handling with the precision of Tesla's Autopilot.

One of the defining aspects where Ford's BlueCruise asserts its superiority is in the realm of safety. It employs an innovative Direct Driver Monitoring System (DDMS) that mandates the driver's continuous engagement. In practice, this means that the driver must maintain their gaze on the road, a requirement enforced by infrared cameras meticulously angled at the driver's face. If the driver's attention veers away from the road for more than five seconds, the system initiates a gradual speed reduction, ultimately stabilizing at 6 mph. The vigilance instilled by the DDMS not only promotes safety but has also earned accolades from notable reviewers, including Consumer Reports, which lauds this setup as the gold standard for ADAS safety.

It's crucial to mention that, as of now, only General Motors and Ford have risen to meet these stringent standards. In stark contrast, Tesla's Autopilot, while effective in numerous aspects, has faced scrutiny for its relatively lenient requirements regarding driver engagement. It permits drivers to go hands-free for up to thirty seconds, which has raised concerns and contributed to reports of drivers engaging in risky behaviors, such as sleeping behind the wheel. These incidents have generated a flurry of safety discussions, highlighting the need for more rigorous monitoring and adherence to safety protocols.

The issues surrounding Tesla's Autopilot also extend into the legal and ethical realms. Misunderstandings regarding its capabilities have led to arrests and unfortunate accidents. Phantom braking, a phenomenon where the system erroneously applies the brakes in response to static objects, has been a persistent challenge. In response, Tesla has continuously refined its software, releasing updates and test versions to address these issues. It's clear that Tesla is actively striving to improve the system, and as of September 2023, customers can opt for the Full-Self Driving Beta, albeit for a fee of $12,000.

An integral aspect that often gets misconstrued is the level of autonomy offered by these systems. The levels of autonomous driving range from 0 to 5, with the former necessitating full human control and the latter demanding no human input. Tesla's Autopilot operates at Level 2 of Driving Autonomy, requiring substantial human oversight

Related : Self-Driving Cars: How They Will Change The Future Of Transportation

Scrutiny Surrounding Hands-Free Driving Systems

The claim made by Ford regarding the stress-reduction benefits and the liberation of drivers for multitasking while utilizing hands-free driving systems has ignited a contentious debate. This debate, however, is not isolated to Ford alone. Hands-free driving systems across the industry have encountered relentless scrutiny, much of which has emanated from authoritative bodies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA's inquisitive eye has been cast upon the automotive landscape, and the implications of these autonomous features are being dissected.

A noteworthy example arises from the annals of Tesla's autonomous endeavors. In an unprecedented move, Tesla was compelled to acknowledge that its hands-free driving system was potentially culpable for accidents. The repercussions of this revelation reverberated throughout the automotive world, prompting a monumental recall encompassing over 360,000 vehicles .

The incident that perhaps resonates most vividly is the colossal eight-car pileup that sent shockwaves through San Francisco in 2022. This harrowing event cast a stark spotlight on the inherent risks of self-driving technology, underscoring that even advanced autonomous systems are not immune to lapses in safety. While these systems mandate drivers to maintain visual focus on the road, it has become evident that adherence to this directive is not always consistent. In the grand tapestry of technological advancement, such incidents serve as potent reminders that the road to fully autonomous driving is fraught with challenges.

Yet, it's essential to acknowledge that these hands-free systems are not static entities; rather, they are dynamic constructs continually evolving in response to real-world experience. As technology matures and the industry learns from its setbacks, there remains a tantalizing promise that these systems will only improve, ultimately delivering on the potential to enhance road safety and driving convenience.

In conclusion, Ford's BlueCruise system represents a significant stride forward in the ever-evolving landscape of autonomous driving. With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to safety, Ford has created a system that not only maintains driver engagement but also adapts swiftly to changing road conditions. While it faces its own set of challenges, notably in long, sweeping curves, the introduction of innovative features like Predictive Speed Assist and Driver-Facing Camera positions it as a formidable contender in the ADAS arena.

The debate between Ford's BlueCruise and Tesla's Autopilot showcases the nuances in the world of autonomous driving systems, with cost, accessibility, and safety being key differentiators. Ford's emphasis on vigilant driver monitoring through its Direct Driver Monitoring System sets a high safety standard, a notable contrast to Tesla's more lenient approach. As hands-free driving technology continues to evolve, the industry grapples with the challenges and opportunities it presents, knowing that the road to full autonomy is marked by both progress and pitfalls. In this dynamic landscape, Ford's BlueCruise stands as a testament to the ongoing pursuit of safer, more convenient driving experiences.

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Home » Technology » Discover Hands-Free Highway Driving with the Ford BlueCruise Technology

Discover Hands-Free Highway Driving with the Ford BlueCruise Technology

Tutorial Video of the Ford BlueCruise

Ford vehicles have always offered the most advanced features and functions to make driving more convenient no matter where you go. Ford BlueCruise is one such technology designed to provide a more confident driving experience. With its user-friendly setup, responsive interface, and enhanced safety elements, it gives a glance into the future of hands-free highway driving. The Ford BlueCruise function delivers a care-free driving involvement in your Ford vehicle by giving you the confidence to drive hands-free on the highway. Know more about this function by reading this blog from the team of Kimber Creek Ford in Pine River, MN. Check out this tutorial video of the Ford BlueCruise offering the steps for setting up and engaging this technology in Blue Zones.

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To test drive Ford vehicles with the Ford BlueCruise feature, visit Kimber Creek Ford and explore your match. You can also browse our new inventory to discover the latest models and car financing options in Pine River, MN. Reach out to our team for further details.

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Ford BlueCruise 146  Brings You Hands-Free Highway Driving

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BlueCruise 146  and You

Help reduce stress on your ride

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Technology that drives confidence.

Operates on 97% of Controlled-Access Highways across North America

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BlueCruise is Hands-Free Highway Driving

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Ford BlueCruise 127 is a Hands-Free driving assistance feature designed to help make driving easier, more enjoyable, and less stressful.

130,000 miles.

Of controlled access highways in areas called Hands-Free Blue Zones across U.S. and Canada

Take the stress out of driving, not the fun.

Top-Rated Technology

Schedule a Test Drive & Try it for Yourself 

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How Does BlueCruise Work?

Step 1 welcome to the blue zone.

When you enter a pre-qualified section of a divided highway — a Blue Zone — you’ll see a prompt on the instrument cluster letting you know BlueCruise is available and ready to assist.

Step 2 Let BlueCruise Assist

Simply tap the Adaptive Cruise Control button on your steering wheel and let BlueCruise assist, while keeping your eyes on the road. The system helps handle steering, keeps you centered in your lane, and adjusts your speed as needed — all without you ever touching the wheel. Designed with driver collaboration in mind, you can always take over and steer manually within the lane without BlueCruise disengaging.

Step 3 Feel the Magic of Letting Go

• Driver Facing Camera    

360° Perception

Connected maps.

Driver Facing Camera

Explore the BlueCruise Map

Real drivers, real delight., “ coming from a previous tesla owner, in the autopilot…you’re constantly nudging that wheel. and that's where i was blown away by the bluecruise, because it's literally hands-free.”.

Mother of five, current Mustang Mach-E ® owner

“ I can take a few moments and not be fully tunnel visioned on the road. That really is a life improvement.”

Current F-150 Lightning® owner

Hands-Free. Less Stress.

A More Relaxed Rush Hour

Commuting Made Easy

Ford BlueCruise Remains the Consumer Reports Top-Rated Active Driving Assistance System.*

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BlueCruise Access that Fits Your Needs. Don’t Take Our Word for It — Experience the Magic for Yourself.

At vehicle order or purchase options, $2,100/ 3 years, $700/ 1 year, post trial 
subscription options.

2024 and 2025 model year vehicles equipped with BlueCruise come with a 90-day complimentary trial period, starting with your vehicle's warranty start date. After the trial, you can choose to purchase BlueCruise monthly or annually based on your needs.

*Pricing Is Subject To Change

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How much does Ford BlueCruise cost?

Ford vehicles equipped with Ford BlueCruise come with either a 90-day complimentary trial period, or an included connected service plan duration, starting from your vehicle's warranty start date. Starting with the 2023 model year Mustang Mach-E produced after June 30, 2023, and for all 2024 model year vehicles equipped with BlueCruise, you have the option to purchase three years of BlueCruise access for $2,100 when you buy the vehicle or you will receive a 90-day complimentary trial. At the end of the initial complimentary trial or included plan duration, you can choose to purchase an annual plan, currently available for $800, or a monthly plan for $75 per month.

Pricing is subject to change. To purchase a BlueCruise Connected Service plan after a complimentary trial expires, visit the Connected Services tile on your Ford Account. An active Connected Service plan is required to use BlueCruise.

How do I use BlueCruise?

Watch the 'how to' video  here

One-time setup:

• Download the FordPass® App and add your VIN

•  Activate your FordPass Connect modem  on your vehicle’s center screen display

• In the vehicle’s center screen display, turn on Lane Centering with Hands-Free,  Select settings icon > Driver Assistance > Adaptive Cruise Control > Lane Centering with Hands-Free

Once you’re on the road:

• Drive hands-free with your eyes on the road

To confirm you’ve got the newest features active, check your in-vehicle settings:

For SYNC® 4* (With BlueCruise 1.2 or higher):

Select Features > Driver Assistance > Cruise Control > Lane Centering, then toggle on  In-Lane Repositioning and Lane Change Assist.

For SYNC 4A* (With BlueCruise 1.2 or higher):

Select Driver Assistance > Cruise Control > Lane Centering, then toggle on In-Lane Repositioning and Lane Change Assist.

*Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.

How do I know if my vehicle has Ford BlueCruise?

What’s the difference between bluecruise versions 1.0, 1.2 and 1.3.

Ford BlueCruise is currently available on these select Ford models:

Explorer® SUV (2025) Mustang Mach-E® SUV (2021 and newer) F-150® Lightning® Truck (2022 and newer) F-150 Truck (2021 and newer) Expedition® SUV (2022 and newer)

What’s the difference between BlueCruise and Ford Co-Pilot360® Technology?

How do i know which bluecruise version is available on my ford vehicle, how do i know which version of bluecruise my vehicle has currently.

To see which software update you currently have, go to the SYNC® screen in your vehicle — go to Settings and select Software Updates. The Update Details section will include the latest software update that your vehicle has received.

Vehicles eligible for newer versions of BlueCruise will receive those updates via software updates on a rolling basis. The table outlines which  software update delivers the corresponding version of BlueCruise. If you do not see your vehicle listed here, that means it isn't yet eligible to receive an updated version of BlueCruise. 

To make sure you are able to receive the latest Software Updates, turn ON Automatic Updates and set a recurring schedule for a time that your vehicle is typically parked (like overnight). Visit our software updates page for more details.

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Lincoln BlueCruise *

Bluecruise is the top-rated driving assistance system.

READ THE REPORT

(AVAILABLE ON SELECT NAVIGATOR AND CORSAIR MODELS)

LEARN ABOUT BLUECRUISE

HOW LINCOLN BLUECRUISE WORKS

Hands-free highway driving technology</div> " }" data-fd-metrics-open="{"id":"action0018","app":"brand","variables":{"onclick_onclicklinkname":"{($siteprefix)}:bluecruise:lp:content:action","onclick_onclick":"ln:bluecruise:lp:content:accordion:hands-free highway driving technology"}}"> hands-free highway driving technology, blue zone indication</div> " }" data-fd-metrics-open="{"id":"action0018","app":"brand","variables":{"onclick_onclicklinkname":"{($siteprefix)}:bluecruise:lp:content:action","onclick_onclick":"ln:bluecruise:lp:content:accordion:blue zone indication"}}"> blue zone indication, attentive driving alerts.

HOW TO USE LINCOLN BLUECRUISE

Available on.

Navigator® SUV

Aviator® SUV

Nautilus® SUV

Corsair® SUV

Hands-free blue zones, what is lincoln bluecruise, why is lincoln bluecruise so impressive, how does lincoln bluecruise differ from competitors’ products.

In 2023, BlueCruise was recognized by Consumer Reports as the top-rated active driver-assist system. **  

BlueCruise was top-rated in the categories of “Keeping driver engaged” and for being “Clear when safe to use.” **Consumer Reports does not endorse products or services.

Where can I use Lincoln BlueCruise?

What is the difference between bluecruise versions 1.0 and 1.2.

BlueCruise 1.0 - Builds on available Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering to add hands-free driving capabilities that operate on 97% of controlled-access highways in areas called Hands-Free Blue Zones across the U.S. and Canada.  

BlueCruise 1.2 - Adds new features including In-Lane Repositioning (which can give you more space by subtly shifting away from certain vehicles in adjacent lanes) and Lane Change Assist (tapping your turn signal to initiate a hands-free lane change).

What is the difference between Lincoln BlueCruise and Lincoln Co-Pilot360® Technology?

Which vehicles have lincoln bluecruise hardware.

Lincoln BlueCruise hardware is currently available on select:  

• Nautilus ® SUVs (2024).
• Navigator ® SUVs (2022 and newer).
• Corsair ® SUVs (2023 and newer).

Is Lincoln BlueCruise a self-driving car?

How much does lincoln bluecruise cost.

Lincoln vehicles equipped with Lincoln BlueCruise come with either a 90-day complimentary trial period or an included Connected Service plan duration, starting from your vehicle's warranty start date.  

At the end of the initial complimentary trial or included plan duration, you can choose to purchase an annual plan, currently available for $800, or a monthly plan for $75 per month. Pricing is subject to change.  

To purchase a BlueCruise Connected Service plan after a complimentary trial expires, visit the Connected Services tile on your Lincoln Account . An active Connected Service plan is required to use BlueCruise.

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Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free system under investigation after fatal crashes

Federal safety regulators have opened an investigation into Ford’s hands-free driver-assistance system, BlueCruise, after it was found to be active during two recent crashes  that killed multiple people.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) said on Monday that it has confirmed BlueCruise was active in both crashes. One of the crashes happened in February in Texas, and the other occurred in early April in Pennsylvania. They are the first known fatalities resulting from crashes involving the use of BlueCruise.

The investigation into the two crashes ratchets up the scrutiny on BlueCruise, which is currently available on the Mustang Mach-E, and certain Ford F-150s (including the Lightning), Explorers and Expeditions. The National Transportation Safety Board has already opened an investigation into the Texas crash. Ford said in a statement that it is “working with NHTSA to support its investigation.”

The new probe comes just days after ODI closed its most high-profile driver-assistance investigation to date . The safety agency initially opened an investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot in 2021 after multiple reports of Teslas crashing into stationary emergency vehicles while the drivers were using Autopilot. In closing the investigation, the ODI said last week that it determined a “critical safety gap between drivers’ expectations of [Autopilot’s] operating capabilities and the system’s true capabilities” created “foreseeable misuse and avoidable crashes.”

Ford announced BlueCruise in 2021. It is only available on pre-mapped highways, and Ford pairs it with a camera-based driver monitoring system that checks whether drivers’ eyes are still on the road when the system is active. Those represent much tighter constraints on the system than Tesla puts on the use of Autopilot.

Still, while BlueCruise is highly rated by some, including Consumer Reports , the recent crashes and resulting investigations suggest there may be a more fundamental problem with advanced driver-assistance systems than some of these companies are willing to admit.

Note: This story has been updated to include a response from Ford.

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US opens investigation into Ford crashes involving Blue Cruise partially automated driving system

FILE - The Ford logo is seen on the grill of a Ford Explorer on display at the Pittsburgh International Auto Show in Pittsburgh, on Feb. 15, 2024. Two fatal crashes involving Ford’s Blue Cruise partially automated driving system have drawn the attention of U.S. auto safety regulators. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

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DETROIT (AP) — Two fatal crashes involving Ford’s Blue Cruise partially automated driving system have drawn the attention of U.S. auto safety regulators.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation of the crashes, both involving Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles on freeways in nighttime lighting conditions, the agency said in documents Monday.

The agency’s initial investigation of the crashes, which killed three people, determined that Blue Cruise was in use just before the collisions.

One of the crashes occurred in February in San Antonio, Texas , killing one person, while the other happened in Philadelphia in March in which two people died.

The agency says the investigation will evaluate how Blue Cruise performs driving tasks as well as its camera based driver monitoring system.

Ford said Monday it is working with NHTSA to support the investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which already is investigating the Feb. 24 San Antonio crash, determined in a preliminary report that it was operating on Blue Cruise.

The NTSB can only make recommendations, but NHTSA has the authority to take action including seeking recalls for safety issues.

Ford says on its website that its driving systems do not replace human drivers, who have to be ready to take control at any time.

The Texas crash occurred on Interstate 10 in San Antonio. The NTSB report says the Mach E struck the rear of a 1999 Honda CR-V that was stopped in the middle of three lanes around 9:50 p.m. The 56-year-old driver of the CR-V was killed.

Another driver who was able to avoid the CR-V told investigators that neither its tail nor hazard lights were working at the time.

The NTSB said it intends to issue safety recommendations to prevent similar crashes. It has said it opened the probe due to continued interest in advanced driver assistance systems and how vehicle operators interact with the new technology.

The other crash involving a Mach E killed two people around 3:20 a.m. March 3 in the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania State Police said Thursday that a Mach E was in the left lane when it struck a stationary Hyundai Elantra that earlier had collided with a Toyota Prius.

The Mach E hit the Hyundai, pushing it into the rear of the Prius. During the crash, the driver of the Prius, who was outside of his vehicle, also was struck and thrown into the southbound lanes, the release said.

A police spokeswoman said a person from the Hyundai also was on the roadway and was hit. Both victims, males ages 21 and 20, were pronounced dead at the scene.

A police news release on the crash says a criminal investigation is underway and a charge of homicide by motor vehicle while driving under the influence is possible against the 23-year-old woman driving the Mach E.

Ford’s Blue Cruise system allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel while it handles steering, braking and acceleration on highways. The company says the system isn’t fully autonomous and it monitors drivers to make sure they pay attention to the road. It operates on 97% of controlled access highways in the U.S. and Canada, Ford says.

There are no fully autonomous vehicles for sale to the public in the U.S.

Both NHTSA and the NTSB have investigated multiple previous crashes involving partially automated driving systems.

Last week NHTSA began investigating whether Tesla’s fix for a December recall involving more than 2 million vehicles equipped with the company’s Autopilot automated system took care of the problem. The recall was done because the driver monitoring system was inadequate and posed a safety risk.

NHTSA said it ultimately found 467 crashes involving Autopilot resulting in 54 injuries and 14 deaths.