GM's Super Cruise vs Ford's Bluecruise: Compare hands-free driving systems
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As these systems become available on more new cars, it’s important that consumers understand their limitations. No matter what the automakers might imply in their marketing, none of the systems we tested here are capable of doing the driving for you. We evaluated the systems in terms of how clearly they communicate in real time about when drivers should—and should not—be using the technology. We also looked at how well they "explain" themselves in instances when the system won’t engage or suddenly turns itself off.
Carnival Cruise Line
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Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
Originally called Active Drive Assist, Bluecruise (or Activeglide on Lincoln vehicles) didn't launch until the second half of 2021. Cruise, or speed, control dates as far back as the rivalry between America's top two automakers. Yet, the first car to feature a modern version of cruise control was the 1958 Chrysler Imperial that was advertised as "Auto-pilot." That's the same and now controversial name Tesla uses for its semi-autonomous drive system. Onboard both BlueCruise and SuperCruise capable vehicles are cameras capable of tracking the driver’s eyes.
Silversea Cruises
If the system detects the driver is not paying attention to the road or is engaged in other tasks, it will prompt the driver to take control of the vehicle. SuperCruise offers features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and automatic lane changes. It also has a driver attention system that uses a small camera to ensure the driver's focus remains on the road ahead.
Systems to Help Keep the Driver Safe
It doesn’t, for example, show a display of the car, lane lines, or the car ahead, as other systems do. For many people, the next new car they buy will be their first experience with an active driving assistance system. The ACC function of Tesla’s Autopilot system is capable of stopping the car, such as at a red light behind another vehicle, for an unlimited amount of time before resuming again. But without an adequate driver monitoring camera, this is potentially unsafe as there’s no way to know whether the driver is still paying attention when the vehicle starts moving again.
The systems try to create a “center” of the lane but often end up steering too close to the unlined edge of the road. It’s equal parts eerie and amazing to experience Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving feature as it takes over your car’s steering, braking, and acceleration while you travel down the highway. For travelers whose vacation budgets have no limits, consider upgrading to "the most exclusive address at sea" — the Regent Suite. These include a private car and driver in every port, an exclusive private dining experience and an in-suite spa with unlimited treatments. Couples looking for the best cruise lines for a romantic adventure should make reservations with Viking Ocean Cruises.
Works With the Driver, Not Against
Active Driving Assistance systems rely on several of a car’s high-tech features working together. In the simplest terms, ADA is the simultaneous use of a car’s adaptive cruise control (ACC) to control speed and lane centering assistance (LCA) to control steering. ACC is an advanced form of cruise control that brakes or accelerates to keep the car a set distance from vehicles traveling ahead of you in your lane. LCA provides steering support to keep the vehicle at or near the center of the lane. Level 2 has been identified as using active lane control and adaptive cruise control at the same time, with the driver maintaining control of these functions even if their hands are off the wheel. The Super Cruise driver assistance technology uses Global Positioning System (GPS) sensing, GPS-enhanced data, a high-precision map and network of cameras to maintain automatic control of vehicle steering on compatible roads.
Clear When Safe to Use
It keeps the vehicle centered in its lane, even around curves, using cameras and sensors to monitor lane markings. Ford BlueCruise and GM SuperCruise are two of the most talked-about innovations in the autonomous driving technology space. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce accidents and save lives through advanced sensors and algorithms that can detect and react to potential hazards more quickly than humans. Hyundai’s newer system—Highway Driving Assist 2—isn’t any better than the original system in this regard.
CR Rates Active Driving Assistance Systems - Consumer Reports
CR Rates Active Driving Assistance Systems.
Posted: Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The Level 2 autonomous systems from Ford, GM, and Tesla aren't created equal.
The system can be integrated with the vehicle's navigation system to anticipate curves, highway exits, and other potential challenges on the route. The driver-facing camera monitors the driver's attention and will intervene if the system detects that the driver is not paying attention or has become disengaged. The intervention comes in the form of visual and audible alerts to regain the driver’s focus. BlueCruise will use a driver-facing camera to make sure you're paying attention while the system is operating. We only included vehicles in our testing that were equipped with a system that allows for the simultaneous use of ACC and LCA at highway speeds.
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If it detects otherwise, Bluecruise will flash an alert in the instrument cluster that says "Watch the Road," and there may be an audio reminder. If you don't respond to the warning, Bluecruise shuts down and automatically slows the vehicle while maintaining the center lane. Proper conditions and an attentive driver are required in order to activate and use Super Cruise. Make sure you’re on a compatible road with clearly visible lane markings and that your camera and radar sensors aren’t covered, and ensure your eyes are on the road so the Driver Attention System detects you’re paying attention. BlueCruise may include a lane change assistance feature, allowing the driver to activate the turn signal to indicate a lane change intention, and the system assists with the maneuver when it deems it safe. It’s alarming that, with the Honda and Kia systems, if a driver becomes unresponsive to warnings to put their hands on the steering wheel, the ADA systems will shut off before bringing the vehicle to a stop.
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It operates on pre-mapped, compatible highways, which Ford continuously updates and expands. Our testers evaluated how easy it was for drivers to engage the systems and make adjustments to the settings. They also reviewed the types and amount of information displayed to drivers, and how easy it was to know and understand what the system was doing. But while BlueCruise’s capabilities are impressive and can make driving more relaxing, cars that can truly and safely drive themselves remain a long way off. Bluecruise does not have an auto lane change function yet, but Ford hasn't rolled it out yet. Semantics aside, both Chevy SuperCruise and Ford BlueCruise are similar technologies, tracking the driver and the road simultaneously.
Right now, Consumer Reports says only Ford and GM qualify for extra points in its scoring structure thanks to infrared cameras that monitor the driver's eyes, ensuring they are always looking ahead while driver-assist systems are active. However, Ford BlueCruise offers consistent performance in highway driving, while GM SuperCruise shines with its automatic lane change feature, which sets it apart in complex driving situations. While ADA systems are generally not designed for narrow, curvy roads, most systems do allow drivers to use them in those environments. We think it’s smart that GM’s Super Cruise, Lucid’s Highway Assist, and Rivian’s Highway Assist use GPS-based geofencing to ensure operation within relatively safe driving environments, such as divided highways.
Each manufacturer designs and develops features that may or may not perform equivalently due to differences in sensors used, data interpretation, and other vehicle mechanizations. Feature comparisons based on data from competitors’ websites and owner manuals. However, the latest Consumer Reports review of 12 systems shows significant differences in how well they work. BlueCruise allows for hands-free driving on pre-mapped, divided highways in the United States and Canada. When the system is engaged, the driver can take their hands off the steering wheel, but they must remain attentive to the road and be ready to take control if necessary.
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