How Ford BlueCruise Technology Simplifies Highway Driving
Posted at Mon, Apr 7, 2025 12:30 PM
Ford BlueCruise technology is already changing the way we drive, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped roads. This innovative tech is designed to enhance comfort, safety, and convenience through an autonomous driving experience. But is it really worth the hype? Our team at Stivers Ford South will explore the technology and its functionality, features, subscription plans, and compatibility to show you the benefits.
What Is Ford BlueCruise?
Ford BlueCruise is a Level 2 advanced driver-assistance system that allows you to take your hands off the steering wheel on over 130,000 miles of specific highways. These are called Blue Zones in the United States and Canada. The system uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and map data to offer a safe and controlled hands-free driving experience. The vehicle controls your acceleration, braking, and steering automatically, but you still need to be alert and ready to take over when needed.
How Does Ford BlueCruise Work?
BlueCruise uses a forward-facing camera, radar units, and GPS-enabled digital maps to monitor the road and surroundings. Once in a Blue Zone, you can turn on the system via the adaptive cruise control button. When the instrument cluster shows a "hands-free" prompt, it means you can let go of the steering wheel. The system relies on high-definition maps and real-time data to keep the vehicle centered in the lane and respond to traffic.
Key features include:
- Lane centering to keep the vehicle within its lane
- Adaptive cruise control to keep a safe distance from other cars
- Driver monitoring to make sure you keep your eyes on the road
Step-By-Step Guide to Using BlueCruise
Here's a brief step-by-step guide on how to use BlueCruise:
- Enter a Blue Zone: The system recognizes relevant highways and alerts you in places where hands-free driving is possible.
- Turn on adaptive cruise control: Press the button on the steering wheel to turn on BlueCruise.
- Engage hands-free mode: The app will let you know when you can take your hands off the steering wheel.
- Switch back to manual: Take back control whenever you want by applying the brakes or turning the steering wheel. If you leave a Blue Zone, BlueCruise will turn off and ask you to resume control.
Technology at Play: Sensors and Real-Time Data
Ford BlueCruise uses GPS and light detection and ranging, known as LIDAR, to watch the road. It also utilizes the latest monitoring technology to monitor your activity. Real-time sensors and cameras enable it to read lane markings, respond to road curves, and adjust to traffic for a smooth drive.
Safety Features of BlueCruise
Ford BlueCruise's main priority is safety, followed by convenience. It helps to reduce driver fatigue on long highway trips. It also maintains a safe following distance from the car in front and automatically adjusts speed in traffic based on road signs or curves. Here are some examples:
- Driver monitoring system: Makes sure that you're paying attention
- Automatic lane centering: Ensures the vehicle is safely positioned in the center of the lane
- Collision avoidance: Uses radar and cameras to spot and avoid accidents
- Speed adjustment: Speeds up or slows down depending on traffic and legal speed limits
User Experience and Testimonials
Drivers who have used Ford BlueCruise have reported feeling much more confident when using it. They have shared that BlueCruise has helped reduce fatigue on long trips and that it's convenient and easy to use.
Vehicle Compatibility
Ford BlueCruise is available in select models equipped with the Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 Prep Package. You can find out if your vehicle has Ford BlueCruise availability on your Ford Account under the Connected Services tile. Ford's hands-free driving technology is available on certain 2023 and 2024 Ford models, including the F-150, F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, Explorer, and Expedition. Here's a more detailed breakdown by trim:
- 2021 Ford F-150: XLT, LARIAT, King Ranch, Platinum, and TREMOR
- 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning: LARIAT and Platinum
- 2022 Ford Expedition: Platinum and Platinum MAX
- 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E: Select, Premium, GT, and Rally
- 2025 Ford Explorer: ST-Line, ST, and Platinum
BlueCruise technology is also available on the Lincoln Navigator (Black Label and Reserve trims). Ford plans to expand BlueCruise availability across more of its lineup, including select 2025 models.
Subscription Plans and Costs
BlueCruise requires a subscription, which typically costs $49.99 monthly, $495 yearly, or $2,495 for a one-time purchase. There's also a 90-day trial for eligible new Ford models.
The Road Ahead: Updates and Innovations
Ford continues to improve BlueCruise using over-the-air updates, including better lane-changing capabilities and smoother braking. Future updates aim to increase the network of Blue Zones where drivers can enjoy hands-free driving. These innovations aim to further enhance functionality and user experience.
Experience Ford BlueCruise Technology for Yourself
Ford BlueCruise is a major leap forward in hands-free driving. It offers improved safety, comfort, and convenience for modern drivers. With ongoing updates and expanded compatibility, it sets a new standard for advanced driving-assistance systems. Want to see what the hype is about for yourself? Visit Stivers Ford South to test-drive a vehicle with these tech features and decide if it's worth the fuss. Call us or stop by our Union City, Georgia, dealership in person to arrange a test drive.
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