difference between cruise control

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

We don’t recognize that sign in. Your username maybe be your email address. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter.

We still don’t recognize that sign in. Retrieve your username. Reset your password.

Forgot your username or password ?

Don’t have an account?

Account Settings
My Benefits
My Products
Donate Donate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Other Membership Benefits:

Guide to Adaptive Cruise Control

How this convenience feature works to reduce your stress on long drives

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is like traditional cruise control, but smarter. ACC systems allow you to set a desired speed until your vehicle encounters slower-moving traffic. Then it will brake to maintain a set distance from the car ahead. Once the traffic starts moving again or if there is no longer a car in the lane ahead, ACC will accelerate to resume the previous set speed. Although ACC systems may take some getting used to, our survey respondents told us they appreciated the stress relief the feature brings.

“I use the feature mostly on the freeway and in stop-and-go traffic. I find it reduces tension and fatigue,” wrote a 2020 Subaru Outback owner. A 2018 Audi Q5 driver agreed. “It is so nice to just set it and let the car worry about the traffic,” they told CR.

The systems use lasers, radar, cameras, or a combination of those. If traffic slows to a stop, most ACC systems will bring the car to a complete stop, then bring it back up to speed when traffic gets going again. Others work only within certain speeds and/or might not start to accelerate automatically.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC): Cruise control that also assists with acceleration and/or braking to maintain a driver-selected gap to the vehicle in front. Some systems can come to a stop and continue while others cannot. If the car comes to a full stop, you may have to press the accelerator or a button on the steering wheel to start moving again.

Not all systems work at low speeds, so drivers who plan to use ACC in slow traffic should check the limitations of any system they plan to buy. These particular systems will often have the words “traffic jam” or “stop and go” in their name.

These features are usually activated using a button on the steering wheel with the image of a car next to a speedometer with an arrow pointing at it. A conventional cruise control system does not automatically keep a set distance away from the car in front, and it is indicated by a similar logo without the car next to the speedometer. A tip to know if your car has adaptive cruise control or regular cruise control is to look for the “gap distance” button, which usually shows a symbol of a car with horizontal distance bars in front. This button will determine how much space your car leaves between its front bumper and the rear of the car it is following.

In our most recent survey, we asked CR members to rate their experiences with the advanced safety and driver assistance systems on their model-year 2017 to 2022 cars. Respondents answered questions about their satisfaction with the systems. The survey covered about 47,000 vehicles. Most respondents told us they were “very satisfied” with ACC. Satisfaction was higher for older drivers.

OVERALL SATISFACTION

What to Look For in an Adaptive Cruise Control System

Every ACC system works slightly differently, says Kelly Funkhouser, manager for vehicle technology at CR. Some do a better job than others at recognizing merging traffic and automatically apply the brakes, while others wait too long to slow your car, requiring the driver to take control—especially when a vehicle in front of you cuts you off with a close merge.

“Most ACC systems can only be set to speeds above 20 mph but will slow the vehicle to speeds below that in stop-and-go traffic,” she says. “There are a few systems out there that don’t bring the car all the way to a stop but instead just shut off at low speeds. That can be dangerous when you’re traveling behind another slowing vehicle.” She recommends reading the automaker’s website closely and learning about the speed ranges before using ACC while on your test drive.

ACC is meant for convenience, not as a replacement for an alert driver, Funkhouser says. So don’t use adaptive cruise control as an excuse to get distracted. “Just because the car is controlling your speed doesn’t mean that you can check out,” she says. “These systems do not do well at detecting or slowing for vehicles ahead if you approach them at a high rate of speed. The driver should always be monitoring the surrounding traffic and looking ahead for potential hazards.”

Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry .

Sharing is Nice

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

Trending in Car Safety

Popular Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2024

Safest New Cars of 2024, According to the IIHS

Best Used Cars for You

Tips & advice

Cruise control and adaptive cruise control: the complete guide

Cruise control is a great extra to have if you do regular motorway journeys, while adaptive cruise control arguably makes even more sense.

What is cruise control? Cruise control is an electronic system that automatically regulates a car's speed without the driver having to keep their foot on the accelerator. That's the simple answer, but today car manufacturers are adding ever-more advanced cruise control systems to their models, all designed to make driving easier and safer, while many of the newer technologies are on the first tentative steps towards autonomous vehicles .

Once upon a time, cruise control was the preserve of high-end luxury cars, but as the technology has become more affordable, car makers have rolled it out on more mainstream models. Today, you can get it on even the smallest city cars , while other models get a proprietary speed limited system that requires a bit more input from the driver.

• What is AEB?

Elsewhere, the progress of technology means that car makers have been able to develop adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems that can vary a car's speed according to traffic, while the most advanced systems are on the steps towards fully autonomous driving.

Here we explain how cruise control works and break down the different kinds of system on offer, highlighting their advantages and limitations, so you can decide if it's an option that's worth ticking on your next new car purchase.

Cruise control history

Cruise control can trace its origins back to the 17th and 18th century, when engineers developed 'speed control' systems for steam engines. These mechanical systems were adapted by some early automobile makers at the start of the 20th century, although the predecessor to modern cruise control didn't appear until the 1950s.

The first car to feature cruise control was a 1958 Imperial, which was Chrysler's luxury division. Called 'Auto-pilot', the system was mechanical and was connected to the engine propshaft. It had a dial on the dashboard to preselect a speed and an electric motor that adjusted throttle position to maintain it.

US firm American Motors produced a budget version of cruise control for its automatic cars in 1965, but cruise control really took off in the US during the oil crisis of 1973. Manufacturers had developed electronic cruise control systems by this time, and these makers promoted the benefits of the system as it delivered constant throttle inputs, rather than the erratic flexing of the driver's right foot for improved fuel economy.

• What is horsepower?

Cruise control found popularity in the US first because of that nation's fondness of automatic gearboxes, long travelling distances and the relatively straight and wide highway network. In Europe, cruise control took a little longer to gain a foothold, but like the US, it first appeared on high-end luxury cars before filtering its way down to more mainstream models.

The first adaptive cruise control (ACC) system appeared in Japan in the early 1990s, although the first systems simply warned the driver of slower traffic ahead, and didn't control the car's throttle or brakes.

Mercedes S-Class Distronic Plus with Steering Assist

The first proper ACC system was Mercedes ' Distronic system, which appeared on the S-Class limousine in 1999. This system not only controlled the throttle, but also the brakes to maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front.

Since then, car makers have embraced ACC, and it can be found on superminis , hatchbacks and sports cars , while the rising level of traffic on our roads means it's arguably a more useful feature than standard cruise control on its own, as it can adjust speed according to traffic flow.

• What is 4x4? All-wheel-drive systems explained

How does cruise control work?

Modern cruise control systems are integrated into a car's electronics, and are often combined with additional tech, such as lane departure warning and blind spot sensors. With standard cruise control, you need to select cruise mode via a switch, then accelerate to your desired speed, and press a button – either on the steering wheel or on a lever on the steering column - to set that speed.

The car's electronics then maintain your selected speed, so you can take your foot of the accelerator. On some cars you can adjust your speed via a button, and the car will automatically change its speed accordingly.

On a car with adaptive cruise control (ACC), you switch on the system, then you can raise or lower your speed as desired, and the car will accelerate to that set speed. These systems use either radar or laser sensors to maintain a set distance to the car in front, and they also have the ability to increase or decrease that distance as required.

To deactivate cruise control, you simply press a button to regain control of the throttle. However, one important safety feature that all of these systems are required to have is that the system will immediately deactivate if the car's brakes are applied. On cars with a manual gearbox, pressing the clutch pedal will sometimes have the same effect, although not all cars behave in the same way. Most cars will have a memory function, so that you can resume the same speed after the brakes have been applied.

Earlier cruise control systems would have a lower speed threshold of around 20-30mph where cruise control couldn't be activated, and some manufacturers still maintain this set-up. However, some of the latest ACC systems also incorporate a traffic function, so they can operate in stop-start conditions.

Cruise control types

Essentially there are four types of cruise control on offer, ranging from the most basic speed limiter to systems that can negotiate stop-start traffic and even change lanes. We look at the benefits and disadvantages of each below.

Speed limiter

What is it? The most basic form of cruise control. There are systems that can be hard-wired into a vehicle to limit its top speed (a 70mph limit in vans, for example), or there are driver-activated systems. You can set a maximum speed for your vehicle, but you maintain control of the car's accelerator at all times. When you approach your set maximum, the car will simply stop accelerating. This will usually happen softly, so you'll barely notice.

Found on: Citroen, Ford, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, vans, can be added aftermarket, too. Advantages: Helps you stick to speed limits, saves fuel. Disadvantages: Driver has to continue using the throttle to maintain speed.

Cruise control

What is it? Standard cruise control is a fairly common feature on new cars. You turn the system on (usually indicated by a graphic on the dashboard), then once you're up to your desired speed, you press a button to set it, and the car maintains that speed.

Found on: Most mainstream new cars, except for the most basic trims. Advantages: Takes strain out of long drives, more fuel efficient than using the accelerator manually, helps you stick to speed limits. Disadvantages: Driver has to take over when traffic slows, only worth using on clear motorways.

Adaptive cruise control

Land Rover Discovery 2017 - official steering wheel

What is it? Either a radar or laser-based system that can maintain speed, but reduces speed if the gap to the car in front falls below a preset distance. This constitutes Level One automation on the automated vehicle classification chart, as they driver is required to take control at any time.

Found on: Assorted BMW, Fiat group, Ford, JLR, Lexus, Mercedes, VW Group models, and increasing in use by other makers. Advantages: Adjusts speed according to traffic, takes strain out of long drives, helps fuel efficiency. Disadvantages: Sensors can be 'blinded' in bad weather, electronics can be slow to react to sudden traffic slowing, distance to the car in front can be big enough to tempt other drivers to cut in front of you, sometime systems are jerky when changing speed.

Semi-autonomous cruise control

The latest hi-tech cruise control systems are one step closer to the fully autonomous self-driving car, and are classed as Level 2 automation. This means the automation can control the throttle, brakes and steering, but the driver still needs to intervene if the systems fail to detect objects. Semi-autonomous systems can vary in sophistication, and can help with steering inputs, move in stop-start traffic, or even change lanes on the motorway with the flick of an indicator, or adjust the car's speed according to GPS data and road sign recognition cameras.

Found on: Audi A3 /A8/Q7, BMW 7 Series , Mercedes S-Class , Volvo XC90 Advantages: Takes strain out of driving and traffic jams, helps fuel consumption. Disadvantages: Sensors need to be kept clear for it to work, too easy for driver to 'switch off' and lose concentration.

Do you have cruise control or adaptive cruise control on your car? Do you use it? Let us know what you think of the technology in the comments...

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

Most Popular

Used electric car sales spike 71% as ex-company cars reach the market in big numbers

MG model blitz: new MG2 and MG ZS to lead brand's assault on the market

New Skoda Octavia facelift kicks off at under £27k and you can order now

We are searching for --

Please wait. This should take only a few seconds.

Sorry! We could not find the results.

This VIN is corresponding to more than one vehicle

Please choose the vehicle you want values for from the list below:

What Is Adaptive Cruise Control
License Plate

What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Many vehicles today handle some of the driving demands that older cars couldn't help with at all. For that reason, it's easy to drive safer today than it was even five or ten years ago. Many accidents that occur while driving are caused because drivers aren't paying attention, they make poor mistakes, or they fall asleep.

Technology, such as adaptive cruise control, can help reduce some of those issues and guard against accidents and other problems. This modern technology is only offered on some vehicles today, but it's worth getting for many buyers. Before you can decide if you want to pay for this technology, you should know what it is, how it works, and why it's beneficial to you.

What is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise control is a special safety feature that enables your vehicle to control its speed and select other features some of the time. This feature lets your car slow down when necessary to avoid collisions or when your vehicle is too close to the other drivers on the road. This is really helpful while driving on the highways and during traffic jams. The system depends on sensors to figure out what's going on, and they combine with internal electronics to keep your car under control and help you stay a healthy distance from other vehicles, no matter where you're driving.

When you use a car with adaptive cruise control, you set the speed you want to travel using the cruise control buttons; you can feel secure that the vehicle will travel at about the set speed. This feature makes the car much safer to drive, which is why you should look for a vehicle with this technology.

How Do Cars with Adaptive Cruise Control Function?

The cruise control tool will automatically slow you down if someone ahead of you slows down. When that person speeds back up, the cruise goes up to its set speed. This feature makes driving on the highway simpler and less annoying. This technology is powerful, and it's beginning to show up on more vehicles as standard features, too.

What is the Difference Between Adaptive Cruise Control vs. Cruise Control?

Many vehicle owners are familiar with cruise control, and this basic technology is offered on most vehicles today. This simple technology allows you to set the speed you want your vehicle to travel, and it will speed up your ride to keep you at the proper speed as you travel over different road conditions.

Cruise control will help you maintain a nearly constant speed, which can make driving on the highway and in other long and straight conditions simple and convenient. Adaptive cruise control doesn't stop at letting you set the speed you want to travel at. You'll also be able to rely on your vehicle to slow itself down before rear-ending a car in front of you, even if that vehicle slows down below the speed you set for your cruise control.

How to Operate Adaptive Cruise Control

When you want to use this advanced technology to help you drive more safely while on the highway or in another situation where you will have to remain at the same speed for an extended period, to use the technology, simply press the cruise control button and set your vehicle at a level that you're comfortable with.

Once you do that, the car will do much of the work for you. If the vehicle in front of you slows down, your vehicle will slow itself down automatically. This is the major benefit of adaptive cruise control, and it can save you from lots of maneuvering when sitting in traffic or another dull situation.

This isn't something standard cruise control is capable of offering, and that's one of the best reasons to opt for adaptive cruise control. Buying a vehicle with this useful technology will help keep you safer on long drives. Always look at the safety features and get a car history report to learn what happened to the vehicle, whether it was in an accident, and how you can expect the car to hold up over time. Vehicle history reports can also help you know if the car was ever salvaged, if it experienced a flood, or has any open recalls on it, so you know what you're getting into before ever buying that vehicle.

The Benefits of Adaptive Cruise Control Cars

Today most vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control come at a higher cost compared to more standard options. They require enhanced technology, such as cameras and radar, to read the road and make decisions effectively. For this reason, it's important to decide whether there are enough benefits for the technology to be worthwhile for the way you drive.

For example, if you only ever drive to the store and back and live in a small town, it may not be the best investment to make since you will rarely use it. However, if you travel coast to coast as a salesperson, it may be an ideal investment.

The main benefits of having adaptive cruise control include being:

More protected against crashes.
Less likely to rear-end another vehicle.
More comfortable when driving in stop-and-go traffic.
Calmer and more peaceful during road trips or longer errands.
Less stressed when driving.

By getting a vehicle with adaptive cruise control technology, you're reducing the amount of work you have to do while driving long, straight roads dramatically. You won't have to operate your brakes as often because your vehicle will maintain a safe distance from the other cars in front of you.

Not only does adaptive cruise control keep you safer by making you a more cautious driver, but it also helps you stay more comfortable in different driving conditions. In traffic jams, the car will handle all the slowdowns without you having to constantly adjust your speed. When traveling on long-distance road trips, the car will help you slow down and speed up when other vehicles are going slower than your cruise control speed setting. The technology also helps you avoid hitting other people if you get distracted while driving.

Adaptive cruise control is an impressive technology that you can add to your vehicle to make it more capable. It's only available on some vehicles today, but the ones you upgrade with it will perform better thanks to the improvement. It's worth getting the upgrade for most people, and once you have it, you will not want to drive without it.

FREE Vehicle Search

Problem Checks
Title Records
LICENSE PLATE

More resources

Demystifying Adaptive Cruise Control: A Comprehensive Guide

As an auto tech expert and self-driving car enthusiast, I often get asked about Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and how exactly it works to automatically adjust your car‘s speed. ACC is one of the coolest semi-autonomous technologies available today, making highway drives safer and less stressful. But it‘s also complex under the hood!

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll give you an in-depth look at ACC – how it works, different types, key benefits, limitations, and what the future holds for adaptive cruise and autonomous driving.

ACC 101 – Adjusting Speed to the Car in Front

ACC uses radar, laser sensors or cameras to monitor the vehicle ahead and adjust your speed accordingly to maintain a preset following distance. If the vehicle in front slows, so does your car – automatically! ACC reduces the constant manual braking and acceleration required in heavy traffic.

Here‘s a quick ACC capability comparison:

ACC delivers a major safety and convenience upgrade from old cruise control technology first introduced in the 1950s. Let‘s look under the hood at how ACC performs this speed adaptation trickery…

ACC Sensor Technology – Radar vs. Laser vs. Camera

ACC systems rely on forward-facing sensors to detect the speed and distance of vehicles ahead. Most ACC systems use radar (radio waves), while some premium vehicles use laser sensors or cameras paired with image processing. Here‘s how each sensor approach works:

Radar Adaptive Cruise Control

Uses radio waves in the 24 GHz or 77 GHz frequency bands
Excellent range (160m+) and unaffected by weather
Distributed beam provides wide field of view
Cannot identify shape and classification of objects
Overall the most robust and widely adopted ACC technology

Laser Adaptive Cruise Control

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) laser sensors
Very high resolution and accuracy
Narrow, focused beam with longer range than radar
Performance impacted by weather and dirt
Limited adoption due to higher cost

Camera-Based Adaptive Cruise Control

Uses front-facing camera and video processing
Can visually identify vehicles braking ahead
Shorter effective range with narrow field of view
Limited use for ACC, better for lane centering

Radar ACC is the most common since it combines long range, wide scanning angle, with reasonable cost. However, some automakers like Toyota and BMW use both radar and cameras to complement each other.

Real World ACC Performance

In optimal highway conditions, ACC works exceptionally well to adapt your vehicle‘s speed based on traffic ahead. However, ACC has limitations that require driver supervision:

Following distance – Most systems allow setting 1,2 or 3 second gap to car ahead. Younger drivers tend to prefer the risky 1 second gap!

Cut-ins – When a vehicle changes lane in front, ACC response can be delayed

Curves & hills – Around blind turns or over hills, performance drops as radar line-of-sight is lost

Bad weather – Heavy rain, snow, and fog degrade radar and laser sensor effectiveness

Bright light – Low sun angles and bright reflections can overwhelm camera sensors

Small objects – Most ACC systems have trouble consistently detecting motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians

While ACC has its limits, it‘s remarkably helpful day-to-day in reducing driver burden. But expect some occasionally quirky behavior so you‘re not caught off guard!

ACC Availability Across Vehicle Makes

ACC technology premiered in 1992, but only became popular on luxury cars in the early 2000s. ACC is now commonplace across all major auto brands:

And it‘s a standard feature on most luxury vehicles:

With so many automakers offering ACC, it‘s now an expected convenience feature for car buyers.

Comparing OEM Adaptive Cruise Systems

While ACC capabilities are similar across brands, there are some notable differences between automaker systems:

Mercedes-Benz Distronic

Industry-leading ACC technology since introduced in 1998
Uses long-range 77 GHz radar + stereo cameras
Capable of full stop-and-go operation
Automatically adjusts speed for curves and junctions

GM Super Cruise

Camera + radar ACC combined with precision GPS mapping
Enables hands-free driving on limited access highways
Driver attention monitoring via face tracking camera

Nissan ProPilot Assist

Budget ACC + lane centering system
Smooth performance but more limited capability
Delayed responses compared to premium systems

Toyota Dynamic Radar Cruise

Lower speed operation down to 25mph
Conservative speed adjustment when following
Prone to leaving large gaps in traffic

Overall Mercedes sets the benchmark for ACC performance and capability in my opinion, with German automakers continuing to lead the way.

Adding ACC to Older Vehicles

You don‘t need to buy a new car to experience ACC convenience. There are aftermarket ACC systems available to add radar-based speed adaptation to older vehicles:

Comma Two : $1100 standalone ACC system powered by camera and radar sensors. Installs by connecting directly to vehicle CAN bus. Impressive capabilities given aftermarket nature.

Autocruise : $2500 ACC system requiring professional installation. Uses front camera and radar sensors. Provides ACC + lane centering.

RoadMate : $1800 radar-only ACC system. Easier self-install with OBDII plug-in. But limited braking capability.

Aftermarket systems provide a taste of ACC and advanced driver assist capabilities. But overall, OEM automaker ACC integration delivers a smoother and more reliable driver experience.

The Road to Fully Autonomous Driving

A key benefit of ACC systems is paving the way for fully autonomous self-driving vehicle (SDV) technology. The cruise control computers, radars, and cameras ACC relies on provide the foundational sensing and actuation building blocks for SDVs.

Here are some of the key ACC enhancements feeding into full autonomy:

Improved camera imaging – Higher resolution, HDR, night vision, wider field of view

Sensor fusion – Combining radar, camera and ultrasounds for 360 degree coverage

Tighter vehicle integration – Braking and steering authority expanded beyond ACC

Detailed 3D mapping – Ultra-precise maps enable self-driving without relying solely on sensors

V2X communication – Sharing intent and sensor data with nearby vehicles, infrastructure

Redundant systems – Backup sensors, computers, and actuators to maximize safety

The big challenge is mastering full self-driving in complex urban environments. While ACC handles long boring highway drives, crowded city streets require an entirely new level of autonomous driving expertise.

Optimizing ACC for the Future

As an auto tech expert, I see great potential ahead for ACC technology. But there are also improvements I‘d love to see:

Quicker reactions – Faster stopping when vehicle cuts in front

All speed operation – ACC availability even in start-stop traffic

Improved object detection – Identifying pedestrians, cyclists, animals

Left/right radar – Side-facing sensors to monitor blind spots

Personalization – Driver tailored ACC preferences and profiles

Intuitive controls – Simplifying overly complex ACC settings menus

Seamless transitions – Handoff between ACC, lane centering and parking systems

Driver monitoring – Alerts for distraction and loss of attention

With future refinement, ACC can move beyond just being a convenience feature and provide truly safe semi-autonomous driving.

Challenges Facing Consumer ACC Adoption

Despite the benefits of ACC, there are still barriers to mass consumer adoption:

Cost – Only available on higher trim models outside budget for many car buyers

Trust – Drivers underestimate capabilities and effectiveness of ACC

Complexity – Many settings overwhelm drivers new to the technology

Reliability – Sensor degradation and performance concerns over vehicle lifetime

Education – Lack of ACC training for consumers

Addressing these challenges will be key for ACC to transition from a luxury feature to a standard capability that drivers actually use day-to-day.

Testing and Validating Adaptive Cruise Systems

Before ACC systems hit the road, automakers put them through rigorous testing to ensure safety:

Hardware-in-the-Loop – Validating ACC sensor + ECU integration

Test track assessment – Repeated runs observing ACC capability in action

Scenario testing – Emulating cut-ins, curved roads, weather effects

Naturalistic driving – Recording ACC use in real uncontrolled driving

Simulation – Modeling ACC components and logic virtually

Public road testing – Validation in early prototype vehicles

Safety audits – Third-party review of ACC functionality

Months of testing provides confidence in ACC operation. But it‘s impossible to evaluate every edge case scenario an ACC system may encounter once on the road.

Insider ACC Troubleshooting Tips

To dig deeper into ACC, I connected with Sam who works on ACC radar sensor calibration at General Motors. He shared some pro tips on troubleshooting ACC issues:

"One problem we see is radar misalignment that prevents ACC from detecting vehicles ahead accurately. This can occur if the radar or front bumper gets even slightly shifted, say due to a minor collision. I recommend first visually inspecting the radar position and realigning if necessary. Also watch out for mud or snow buildup around the sensor which can block radio waves."

"Software bugs are another ACC gremlin, like incorrect gap distance or delayed braking. But these can often be remedied with an ECU update at the dealership. And make sure the windshield in front of the camera is squeaky clean for camera-based systems! Dirty glass is an easy pitfall."

So when ACC acts up, check for sensor obstructions, misalignment, and also ask your dealer to verify the latest software is installed.

I hope this ACC deep dive has helped shed light on how this clever technology works and what the future holds. Let me know if you have any other ACC questions!

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

How-To Geek

Why your next car needs adaptive cruise control.

Here's how adaptive cruise control works, what it offers, and why you'll want it on your next car.

Quick Links

What is adaptive cruise control, how adaptive cruise control works, what's the difference between normal and adaptive cruise control, is adaptive cruise control worth it.

There's nothing better than turning on cruise control and relaxing to some music during a road trip. And while cruise control is useful, the latest premium feature you'll want in your next vehicle is adaptive cruise control (ACC), and here's why.

Whether you buy a fancy electric vehicle or the latest RAM 1500 Rebel, cars these days come with all sorts of exciting technology. Many of the luxury features from several years ago are becoming mainstream and are available on more models. Below we'll tell you what you need to know about adaptive cruise control, how it works, and if it's worth the upgrade.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a popular feature on many vehicles, and it goes by several different names. Brands may advertise it as ACC, dynamic cruise control, intelligent cruise control, radar cruise, or even automatic cruise control.

Related: 7 Awesome Ford F-150 Lightning Electric Truck Features

Those names should tell you everything you need to know. Like regular cruise control, adaptive cruise control (ACC) helps a vehicle maintain a safe speed set by the driver. However, it's not just a setting that keeps your car at 78-mph going down the highway.

Instead, it's an entire system designed to help vehicles maintain a specific speed and a safe distance from others on the road. This system still adjusts the speed automatically, so drivers don't have to, but it also can apply the brakes and stay within a set distance from other vehicles.

The type of ACC your vehicle has will determine some of its features or how it works. The system uses onboard computers and sensors, often including radar or lasers, and can automatically monitor other vehicles and objects on the road.

Once you lock your preferred speed into the system, the computers take over the throttle and brake controls. Many ACC systems will even let you adjust the distance to the car in front of you. Then, the vehicle will automatically slow down and match the vehicle ahead's speed, letting you "tailgate" safely, as shown in our image above. If that car moves over, your modern car will automatically accelerate again and reach your desired speed.

You don't have to hit the brakes, tap the cruise control stem to lower your speed, or do anything when a slower car is in front of you. The system handles everything.

Many modern vehicles offer ACC with stop-and-go or brake-hold features, too, where it can combine all the settings into one. For example, some Ford models can handle stop-and-go traffic, keep a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and follow a car to a stop. Then, reach its designated speed later when possible or after a light turns green. If you've never driven a car with ACC, It's a game-changer.

Related: How to Use Less Gas and Increase Your Car's Mileage

Some cars even take things further with adaptive cruise control and will let owners set a driving mode. For example, you could select ACC with economy mode and it'll slowly accelerate for better fuel economy. Or, some allow for "sport" mode, where the vehicle will accelerate back to the preferred speed as quickly as possible.

Additionally, more advanced ACC systems integrate into the maps and navigation system, cameras, and other autonomous driving features to slow down around sharp turns, reduce speeds automatically based on posted speed limits, etc.

You can even pair it with lane assist features for seriously comfortable driving. But remember, you'll always want to have your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

Modern cruise control was invented in 1948 by the American engineer Ralph Teetor. Fun fact, the first car to offer cruise control was the 1958 Chrysler Imperial, and the automaker marketed the feature as "auto-pilot."

Basic cruise control automatically presses the acceleration pedal or holds it at a certain spot, enabling drivers to take their foot off the pedal in specific situations. Over the years, auto manufacturers improved the feature set by leaps and bounds.

For example, my old 2011 Toyota Tacoma has cruise control, but it's nothing fancy. I can turn it on, set a speed, then manually click the control stem up/down to increase or decrease my speed if needed---but it barely works. Once I tap the brake, it's all over, and everything shuts off. However, there is a resume button I can easily tap to let the system instantly go back to my previously set speed. That's about the extent of its control.

And while that's moderately helpful, driving with ACC is a vastly better experience. Adaptive cruise control isn't anything new, either. Unfortunately, the feature was reserved for more expensive luxury vehicles back in 2011.

These days adaptive cruise control is readily available in cars of all different price points. Whether that's an expensive new BMW, a big offroad RAM Rebel truck, a family Honda CR-V, or even more affordable cars from Hyundai and KIA.

Related: The Electric Truck Problem No One Is Talking About

Up until just a few years ago, unless you were buying a luxury car, ACC was typically reserved for higher trim levels that cost extra. And to a degree, that's still the case. Many vehicles come in a base package with countless features missing, like navigation, extra safety controls, and ACC. But those are easily added with a premium package or a higher trim of the specific vehicle.

So, is adaptive cruise control worth it? Absolutely. As we said earlier, it's a game-changer, especially on longer road trips. Old-school cruise control was barely worth the effort it took to turn on, but modern ACC is 100-percent worth the increased price.

Thankfully, with the rise in technology almost any new car is essentially a giant computer, and most new automobiles come with advanced or adaptive cruise control. For example, Toyota now considers adaptive cruise control "standard equipment" on all vehicles.

If you're looking to buy a new or lightly used car anytime soon, make sure your next ride has adaptive cruise control. You can thank me later.

What is adaptive cruise control and how does it work?

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an active safety system that automatically controls the acceleration and braking of a vehicle. It is activated through a button on the steering wheel and cancelled by driver’s braking and/or another button.

banner-blog-post-adaptive-cruise-control

Adaptive cruise control automatically controls the acceleration and braking of a vehicle.

How adaptive cruise control works

By monitoring other vehicles and objects on the road, adaptive cruise control enables a safe and comfortable driving experience. It does so by helping the driver keep a steady vehicle speed at a given moment. The driver can set their preference regarding certain factors, such as the distance to the car in front, driving mode – for example, economical, sporty or comfortable – and others. Together with information about speed limits, road curvature, accidents data and more, these choices influence the automatically selected speed.

Cruise control has come a long way from its early days in its quest to assist drivers on the road. When first introduced, it was only found in luxury car models due to its high production cost. As less expensive sensors reached the market, adaptive cruise control is steadily becoming a standard feature in new vehicles today.

What is the difference between normal cruise control and adaptive cruise control?

The origins of normal cruise control go back to 1948, when Ralph Teetor invented the speedostat. Having greatly improved since, its focus on throttle control is still central to automation today. One example is automatically pressing the acceleration pedal, which enables drivers to take their foot off the pedal for a few moments when they are on a motorway with low traffic. The need to remain vigilant remains, so they can brake whenever required.

In the late 1990s, several carmakers started introducing a new generation of cruise control: adaptive cruise control. This technology relies on front radar to address the biggest limitation traditional cruise control had: the ability to correctly appreciate the speed of the vehicle in front.

This improvement significantly expanded the continuous operation time of the cruise control function, as automation allowed to control both the acceleration and braking of a vehicle. This allowed the driver to travel for longer distances with their feet off the pedal, even in moderate traffic situations on the motorway. Of course, the need for them to pay attention to the road ahead remained, as cars in front could still brake or suddenly cut in.

As drivers are getting more and more comfortable with using ACC while driving, the expectation for an even longer duration of continuous operation time for the system is rising. In turn, this puts pressure for it to be further improved. As new enhancements are made, the market is shifting to a new standard in ACC, called intelligent cruise control.

Intelligent speed assistance with the TomTom ADAS Map

What use cases are supported by modern adaptive cruise control?

The latest intelligent cruise control systems aim to tackle the entire journey, offloading the driver’s tasks whenever possible. Here are some of the most interesting use cases:

Stop & Go cruise control Traffic congestion is a real problem across the world. Major cities worldwide are faced with the challenge of optimizing their traffic networks. Even driving bumper to bumper at low speeds can result not only in discomfort for drivers, but also accidents. This is where Stop & Go cruise control can play a role. Operating similarly to adaptive cruise control on motorways, the difference is in slow-moving traffic, when it automatically stops or starts vehicle movement under driver supervision. The car will brake and accelerate on its own, while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Speed limit-aware cruise control One of the situations requiring ACC adjustment by the driver is when passing a speed limit sign. However, intelligent cruise control can automatically adjust the set speed to the newly detected speed limit, thanks to input from the traffic sign recognition system. This is done by fusing camera observation and map data to provide reliable speed restriction information.

Eco cruise control for fuel and EV capacity savings When in eco mode, cruise control adjusts the set speed so that the minimum amount of energy – whether electricity or fuel – is consumed during the journey. In a situation where a vehicle would go uphill, the system could drop the speed of the vehicle with 15-20%, in appreciation of the expected downhill speed gain shortly after. To be able to make such judgment, ACC relies on ADAS map data, specifically gradient information. Being able to rely on slope data means that the TomTom ADAS Map has been proven to provide between 5-10% fuel savings.

Cruise control in curves Especially on country roads and junctions, but also on motorways, the driver usually needs to correct the speed set by adaptive cruise control when facing bends and turns. Using curvature data from the ADAS Map, intelligent cruise control can eliminate human intervention by calculating the safe and comfortable speed for a given road segment. It does so by also considering specific vehicle dynamics. There is also ample opportunity for customization. When in sport mode, the system can cater to drivers with a sporty driving style and shows them the dynamic driving capabilities of the vehicle.

Turn-by-turn cruise control One of the most recent advancements in intelligent cruise control technology is the capability to automate acceleration and braking at highway exits, entrances, junctions and roundabouts. Even when a driver corrects the vehicle speed by braking, as soon as the pedal is released, the system resumes its activity and sets the speed according to the upcoming road feature it detects. For example, this can be a drivable profile through a roundabout. Map data is critical to this operation, as the system relies on insights based on traffic signs – stop, yield, traffic lights – and curvature at junction information.

Predictive adaptive cruise control to anticipate road hazards ahead When there is a road accident, a broken vehicle on the road or severe weather conditions such as icy roads, special caution when driving is required. Intelligent cruise control systems rely on the vehicle’s connectivity to obtain early warnings and adjust speed accordingly. The result is a safer and more comfortable journey for the driver and passengers.

Parking speed control The first and the last stage of a car journey with adaptive cruise control is always the same: controlling the speed when maneuvering in a parking or a driveway. To assist the driver in such a scenario, it is imperative to use additional sensing and very low speed. Currently, many ACC systems under development target not only self-parking, but also maneuvering through large parking lots.

Dynamic priority cruise control: an emerging technology The next step for modern adaptive cruise control systems is the ability to perceive and automatically handle changing traffic lights and other vehicles at junctions. Intelligent driving strategies that support this use case include priority negotiation and sensing a rapidly changing situation with high confidence. Of course, the driver can still observe the vehicle’s choices and intervene at any given moment.

Adaptive cruise control helps drivers adjust the speed of their vehicle.

The TomTom ADAS Map: designed for intelligent cruise control use cases

Intelligent cruise control use cases rely on data beyond sensors. The TomTom ADAS Map is designed for this purpose, providing a range of attributes that power modern ADAS systems.

Since it needs to meet the highest of expectations in terms of correctness as well as being up to date, the quality of map data is of utmost importance. This way, it can confidently fulfill ADAS use cases.

“ Around the world today, over one million SAE Level 1 and Level 2 automated vehicles use the TomTom ADAS Map – both private and commercial. Having doubled in less than one year, this number is bound to rise in the future. Tsjerk-Friso Roelfzema

banner-blog-post-adaptive-cruise-control-adas-map-facts

The TomTom ADAS Map covers 5.5 million kilometers in 73 countries.

The TomTom ADAS Map includes the following attributes:

Gradient Enables predictive gear-shifting to optimize energy use.

Curvature on road Helps with driving strategy choices, such as selecting a safe speed for the upcoming bend.

Curvature at junction Helps with driving strategy choices at roundabouts and junctions, without cruise control cancellation (selecting a safe speed).

Traffic sign Helps with driving strategy choices, such as fuel-efficient slowing down ahead of an upcoming stop.

Speed restriction Helps with driving strategy choices, such as selecting a safe speed.

Lane at junction Complements the vision of the system's detections. Completes curvature data for wider roads.

banner-blog-post-adaptive-cruise-control-levels

The five levels of autonomous driving

Bosch and TomTom

Bosch has developed several ADAS functions relying on TomTom ADAS Map data services for intelligent cruise control, upcoming curve alerts and jam tail warnings. All these are critical components for car manufacturers developing the latest standard in automated driving systems.

What is the future of adaptive cruise control?

The benefits of adaptive cruise control make it a worthwhile technology to continue investing in. It provides longitudinal control of a vehicle, such as acceleration and braking. Increasingly, it can be combined with steering assist technology like lane centering for automated lane changes. The longitudinal and lateral control systems working together leads to autonomous driving, the next mobility revolution, which is expected to evolve rapidly over the next decade.

TomTom creates technologies for a moving world that supports all levels of autonomous driving. To learn more about how the ADAS Map is already powering automated vehicles on the road today, download the product sheet.

Want to learn more? Download the TomTom ADAS Map product sheet.

How ADAS helps truck drivers stay safe and drive efficiently

The future of mobility is connected

Measuring road traffic density: how to find the perfect spot | TomTom Newsroom

Measuring road traffic density: what you need to know

* Required field. By submitting your contact details to TomTom, you agree that we can contact you about marketing offers, newsletters, or to invite you to webinars and events. We could further personalize the content that you receive via cookies. You can unsubscribe at any time by the link included in our emails. Review our privacy policy .

/ TomTomOfficial
/ tomtomglobal
Navigation apps
Personal and professional sat navs
In-dash navigation
Accessories
Maps and service updates
TomTom Orbis Maps
Navigation Map
TomTom Satellite Imagery
Traffic APIs
Routing APIs
Map Display API
Places APIs
Tracking & Logistics APIs
Automotive APIs
TomTom Digital Cockpit
Navigation Engine
Navigation User Interface
Virtual Horizon
Navigation SDK
How we hire
Diversity and inclusion
Press releases
TomTom Traffic Index
TomTom Customer Portal
TomTom MOVE
TomTom Suppliers
Privacy policy
Legal information
Terms of use
Report vulnerabilities
Report a map change

Tips and advice

What is cruise control and adaptive cruise control?

Cruise control is a handy feature that can reduce fatigue when driving – we explain how it works.

Modern cars are crammed with impressive tech to make driving both easier and safer, and cruise control is perhaps the most common system of the lot. It allows drivers to travel at a preset speed without having to use the accelerator pedal, taking some of the strain out of long motorway drives. The system has existed for decades, but the latest computer and sensor technology has made cruise control smarter than ever.

Not all cruise control systems are the same. Some include a speed limiter function, designed to stop the driver exceeding the speed limit, while more advanced cars feature adaptive cruise control, allowing the car to slow down and speed up with traffic automatically. In this guide we cover the differences between different systems, as well as how to use them.

What is cruise control?

Cruise control is a system that can control the speed of a car automatically. Most cruise control systems allow the driver to set a specific speed that the car will maintain without the need to use the accelerator pedal. It can be found on cars with an automatic or manual gearbox, although its functions are usually more limited in the latter. Most electric cars also come with cruise control.

It’s designed to be used on long A-road or motorway journeys, allowing the driver to rest their right foot. The first cruise control systems held the throttle open mechanically, but modern systems are computer-controlled. Many cruise control systems will only activate above a certain minimum speed, usually around 25 to 30mph.

What is adaptive cruise control?

Adaptive cruise control (often abbreviated to ACC) is a more advanced cruise control system that uses lasers, cameras or radar mounted in the front bumper to track the speed and position of the vehicle in front. Cars fitted with the system can automatically match the speed of the vehicle in front and maintain a safe distance. Many systems allow the driver to set their preferred distance to the vehicle in front.

If the vehicle ahead slows down, the driver’s car will also slow down without the need to use the brake pedal. If the vehicle ahead speeds up, the driver’s car will only speed up until it reaches the limit set by the driver. However, only systems paired with an autonomous emergency braking system will automatically perform an emergency stop if the car ahead comes to a sudden halt.

The system is sometimes referred to as ‘dynamic’ cruise control, while other automakers use their own names; Mercedes calls it ‘Distronic Plus’ and Porsche, ‘Porsche Active Safe’.

Some vehicles even have ‘Traffic Jam Assist’, an extension of adaptive cruise control that can automatically slow the car to a halt as well as accelerate and brake at low speeds in congestion, reducing driver fatigue. It’s worth noting that after coming to a halt for more than a few seconds, safety requirements mean driver intervention is usually required; squeezing the accelerator should allow Traffic Jam Assist to resume.

How do I use cruise control?

Check your car’s handbook for the location of the cruise control buttons as they differ from vehicle to vehicle. They are often found in an easy-to-access location, such as on the steering wheel or column stalk, to make them quick and safe to use.

The system can be overridden by pressing on the brake pedal, so you should keep your foot close to the brake in case of emergencies. There may be differences in controls between different manufacturers, so always read your car’s handbook first. Some typical cruise control buttons include:

On/off: This activates the system, but probably won’t hold you at your desired speed. Turning it on will almost always be accompanied by a dashboard light.
Set: Once the system is switched on, pressing the set button should tell the car to hold the current speed. In most cars this will turn the dashboard indicator green.
Cancel: This pauses the cruise control, so you have complete control again, without turning cruise control fully off. The cruise control should still remember the speed you chose to cruise at.
Res or resume: Pressing this will see the car accelerate back up to the speed you chose before hitting the cancel button or pressing the brake pedal. You'll still need to change gears in a manual car if necessary. An automatic gearbox will change gears for you.
Up and down arrows or ‘+’ and ‘-’: With cruise control activated, use these to increase or decrease the car’s speed. Single presses often increase or decrease the speed in small increments, while holding the same button or stalk changes it in increments of 5mph or even 10mph. Of course, this varies from one model to another.

Cruise control is best used on long stretches of motorway and should be used to maintain a safe speed while the driver pays full attention to their surroundings. Drivers should not treat cruise control like an autonomous driving system, and the driver needs to pay as much attention to the road when using cruise control as they do with regular driving. Keep your foot near the brake pedal in case of emergencies – a tap of the brakes will deactivate cruise control and allow you to stop safely, without needing to reach for the cancel control.

What is a speed limiter?

Some cars are fitted with a speed limiter, either alongside cruise control or on its own. As with cruise control, you set the maximum speed you’d like to travel at, but unlike cruise control, you're still required to press down the accelerator. This is ideal for busy speed-limit zones, where you may want to maintain complete control of your speed without exceeding the limit. Squeeze the accelerator, and your car will simply reach your chosen speed and stop accelerating. However, pressing the throttle pedal all the way down will override the system –it’s a fail safe designed to let you accelerate out of trouble if needed.

What is the benefit of cruise control?

When should i use cruise control, is cruise control safe, does cruise control save fuel, car technology made simple….

What are brake pads and discs?
What is autonomous emergency braking?
What is ESP on a car?
What is traffic jam assist?
What are blind spot monitoring systems?
What is cross traffic alert?
Euro NCAP: how safe is my car?

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer , as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express , DrivingElectric and evo . As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

The best cheap fun cars from under £5k to over £10k

Car tax rates 2024: VED explained and how to tax my car

Tips & advice

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024

The Evolution Of Cruise Control And How It Works Today

Cruise control is one of the most useful safety and convenience features in modern cars, here is its history and how it works.

Cruise control is a common feature in modern cars, making driving easier and potentially saving money on gas.
Ralph Teetor, a sightless engineer, created the first cruise control in 1948, influencing the majority of cars today.
Adaptive cruise control uses radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, enhancing safety and convenience.

It is probably instinct for you to be driving along a freeway and clicking on cruise control, giving your foot a rest, and watching the road. You probably don't even think about it now as you cruise along the stretch of road where you usually get to work or to see family regularly.

Or, you could be a driver who doesn't realize that your car features it, but, cruise control is featured in the majority of modern cars, whether that be a new electric car, a frugal hybrid car , a pick-up truck, a sports car, or a powerful sedan . All are likely to boast cruise control, or at the very least, it comes as an optional extra. Cruise control is one of the modern auto world's most useful and convenient features that not only makes your life easier but, also could potentially save you money on gas. Something we all need now that gas prices have recently gone up .

If you are like us and like to know how cars and electric cars work , you have probably thought to yourself before, how does cruise control work? Modern examples of cruise control have come a long way since the original model, and have become a safety measure in cars, so it is now an integral part of driving for a lot of people. For these reasons, we have scoured a wide range of sources to find out where cruise control came from, how it works, what cars feature cruise control, and how it has evolved from the first example, to what it is today.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various Kia's website, Ford's website, and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book, The Rolls-Royce and Bentley Technical Library, The Smithsonian Magazine, MIT, Car Buzz, JD Power, Department Of Energy.gov, and Fuel Economy.gov.

How Car Engines Work: The Difference Between Gasoline And Diesel Engines

The beginning of cruise control.

The earliest known example of cruise control was created by an engineer named Ralph Teetor in 1948 . Legend has it that the idea came to him after being driven by an acquaintance who would slow down his driving every time he wanted to talk to Ralph. Ralph Teetor was sightless and, according to his family, had a 'legendary sense of touch', so the small deviations in speed would have been noticeable to him.

Others, including his family members, have said that the mandatory gas-saving speed limit of 35 MPH imposed by the American government during WWII could have also been an influence. The increased need for road safety could have played a part. For whatever reason, Ralph Teetor created something that has gone on to influence nearly all the cars on our roads today.

The first example of cruise control was called the Speedostat, and consisted of a dashboard speed selector connected to an engine compartment mechanism. As the driver-set speed got closer, the governor mechanism overcame spring tension to activate a piston capable of pushing back against the gas pedal, making it hard for the driver to push down the gas and gain any more speed until it was deactivated. Teetor obtained a patent for the Speedostat in 1950.

Early Models With Cruise Control

Over the next 5 years after 1950, the Speedostat was improved and a speed lock, which consists of an electro-magnetic motor that allows the driver to reach the needed speed and tap the brakes to maintain the speed, was added.

The first automaker that offered the Speedostat as an optional extra in their luxury models was Chrysler in 1958. The 1950s Chrysler models that feature the early version of cruise control are:

1958 Chrysler Imperial
1958 Chrysler New Yorker
1958 Chrysler Windsor

A couple of years later, Cadillac offered cruise control, as they had re-named it, in all of their models as an optional extra. The earliest Cadillac models to feature cruise control are:

1960 Cadillac deVille
1960 Cadillac Eldorado
1960 Cadillac Coupe deVille

How Cruise Control Has Progressed

Cruise control was not seen as a needed addition to cars until 1973 when an oil embargo against the U.S.A. created the need to save gas wherever possible. Meaning, that the implementation of cruise control became far more widespread and more than just a convenient feature to have. It became a gas-saving device that was needed at the time. Today, cruise control is one of the most common features of modern cars, alongside advanced safety features, which make the roads a safer place .

The change in cruise control comes in the form of throttle control and works in the following steps:

Speed is selected by the driver via buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard (dependent on the car model).
An electric motor (part of cruise control which is managed by your car's engine management unit), controls the position of the throttle with assistance from sensors and an actuator.
The throttle position is set at the angle where the right amount of air can be let into the combustion chamber of the engine and the right amount of fuel can be injected to match your desired speed.
The throttle is held in that position until you deactivate the cruise control by pressing the brake or accelerator to either increase or decrease your car's speed manually.
Your car's cruise control may also accelerate or decelerate depending on the road surface and inclination of the road, but this depends on what car you have (we will cover this below).

Volvo Engine Teardown Reveals How Time And Use Affects Precision Components

How cruise control works in modern vehicles.

With more and more cars on our roads than ever before, just setting a speed and leaving at that speed would be great. It would make every journey a lot easier, but, of course, there are other road users to think about. This is how cruise control has become a very handy safety feature as well as a good way of saving fuel , getting a long driving range from your car , and making your trip easier.

In modern cars, radar-controlled cruise control, or adaptive cruise control, is used extensively to ensure you have a convenient ride and your drive is safe. Adaptive cruise control uses the following components to keep you at a safe distance from a vehicle ahead of you:

Radar sensor
Digital signal processor
Longitudinal controller

Like the use of cruise control, an actuator controls the position of your throttle at your desired speed. The main difference between older versions of cruise control and adaptive cruise control is that a radar is placed behind the grille of a car and will help to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles in front of you.

Information is passed from the mentioned adaptive cruise control components to your engine management computer and then to the actuator that controls the throttle and reduces, or increases your speed.

Why Automakers Use Cruise Control

Automakers like Ford have implemented Active Cruise Control in a lot of their cars , and it is an optional extra for a wide range of their models too. Like Ford, many automakers have said that the use of cruise control and adaptive cruise control is being implemented for the following reasons:

To save fuel
To provide a safer drive
To help reduce fatigue and loss of concentration
To help you stay within speed limits

The Benefits Of Convenience

One of the main things that cruise control or adaptive cruise control is beneficial for in the modern world, apart from safety, is for saving gas. With rising prices pretty much everywhere in everyone's lives, this may be of paramount importance to you.

According to Fuel Economy.gov, the use of cruise control can potentially help you save gas because there will be constant speed of driving upheld. The more you accelerate and decelerate, or change speeds, even unintentionally, the more gas you use. The Department Of Energy has also said that the use of cruise control can help you save gas by maintaining a constant speed on the highway or in low-traffic situations.

Honda VTEC: What It Is And How It Works

Models of modern cars with cruise control.

Most new and some used cars and pickup trucks, depending on the age, and on the auto market come with cruise control or adaptive cruise control as standard. Even if you buy one of 2024's most fuel-economical gas-powered cars , regardless of what engine is featured, it will likely come equipped with either cruise control or adaptive cruise control as standard.

Along with efficient engines that are boasted in mainstream cars , one of the best potential gas-saving features is cruise control. We have taken a look around and found some stand-out examples of pickup trucks and cars that feature cruise control as standard .

Best Trucks And SUVs With Cruise Control

Though pickup trucks are not the most fuel-economical vehicles on our roads, they can be made relatively fuel frugal thanks to their powertrains and features, that help to bring down their combined MPG rating. Of course, the speed you set your pickup truck or SUV at, and how you use cruise control, can affect your combined MPG.

We have written before about the best hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs for 2024 and 2025 . From our list, the following pick-up trucks and SUVs not only feature some great luxury features, work capabilities, and powerful powertrains, but also feature cruise control or adaptive cruise control:

2025 Ford Ranger PHEV
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e
2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
2024 Kia Niro PHEV

Best Cars With Cruise Control

Featuring in many cars on the market at the moment, cruise control is very common. Adaptive cruise control, as a standard feature though, is a little less common in 2024 budget cars .

If you are looking at buying a new car in 2024 , it is always worth asking, of course, but it is likely that it will feature cruise control as standard. From its humble beginnings in the mid-20th century to the almost required safety and gas-saving device in modern cars, cruise control has had a long history. A history full of adaptations to suit the needs of the driver and the changing road environment. Cruise control has even been rolled out in a few motorbike models as well. It is becoming arguably necessary and common on our roads.

Wanna Know How Brake-By-Wire Works? Here's Your Explanation

Schedule Calibration Appointment
Location Announcements
ADAS Technician Training
Press Releases

Own A Calibration Center
ADAS Glossary

Adaptive Cruise Control: What is ACC in ADAS?

June 3, 2021

Table of Contents

What is ACC in ADAS?

When it comes to cars, ACC stands for Adaptive Cruise Control. In a Consumer Reports survey , 85 percent of drivers with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on their vehicles said they were very satisfied with it. What’s more, 19 percent said their ACC system helped to avoid a crash.

Standard cruise control has been around since the 1950s . Adaptive cruise control has been in development since the 1990s . Mercedes was the first automaker to bring ACC to the U.S. market in 1999 . Twenty years later, automakers are still working to improve their cruise control offerings. In the meantime, ACC technology has become one of the building blocks of autonomous driving.

In this article, we will explain adaptive cruise control and how it works, provide examples of ACC features in ADAS packages, and explain the importance of adaptive cruise control calibration.

What is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise control or Active Cruise Control (ACC) is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that automatically adjusts a vehicle’s speed when there are slow-moving vehicles ahead, with the aim of maintaining a safe following distance. When the road ahead is clear, ACC automatically accelerates to your pre-set speed. Adaptive cruise control is ideal for highway speeds.

ACC is a major component and precursor of fully autonomous vehicles. According to SAE , Driving Automation Level 1 driver support features provide steering OR brake/acceleration to the driver while the jump to Level 2 requires features that provide both steering AND brake/acceleration to the driver. On its own, ACC is a Level 1, but when combined with another driver assist feature that steers, your vehicle reaches Level 2 on the Driving Automation scale – a step closer to fully autonomous driving .

As a foundation of autonomous driving, ACC has the capability of reducing driver stress and radically improving driver safety. A study from the Highway Loss Data Institute studied insurance claims data from 2013-2017 BMW vehicles to see how ADAS affected collision, damage, and injury rates. The BMW Driving Assistance package added ACC to the following ADAS: Forward Collision Warning , Lane Departure Warning , Front Automatic Emergency Braking . With the addition of ACC, this package reduced the rates of property damage by 27 percent and bodily injury claim rates by 37 percent.

How does Adaptive Cruise Control work?

Just as with traditional cruise control, the adaptive cruise control system requires drivers to choose their preferred speed. Next, ACC requires drivers to set their preferred following distance from the vehicle’s pre-set options. Many have close, medium, and far selections to toggle between.

Sensors Used in Adaptive Cruise Control

Vehicles with adaptive cruise control use ACC sensor data to tell your car’s speed, distance from other vehicles, and the speed of vehicles ahead of you. There are many types of adaptive cruise control technology. The following types of sensors have all been used for ACC:

Laser (Lidar)

Most (but not all) current forms of this ADAS use radar as their main source of information. A radar sensor mounted in the front of the vehicle is used to analyze the road ahead. It does this by emitting radio waves and measuring how long they take to return to the ACC sensor. A few internal calculations and your vehicle can tell the car’s distance and speed. Data from the radar distance sensors and the vehicle speed sensors are used to adjust your speed and keep your car a set distance from the one ahead of you.

ACC System Versions and Commonly Bundled ADAS

Most automakers have their own version of adaptive cruise control. Not everyone uses the same names for their ACC system. Here are a few industry terms that are all different names for ACC:

Dynamic cruise control
Intelligent cruise control
Radar cruise control
Radar adaptive cruise control
Dynamic laser cruise control
Autonomous cruise control
Smart cruise control
Dynamic radar cruise control

ACC with Stop & Go, Traffic Jam

Beyond the similar naming, there are several different features that adaptive cruise control is often bundled with to provide sensor fusion. One example of this is a feature called ACC with Stop and Go or ACC with Traffic Jam Assist. This adds the ability to come to a complete stop via automatic braking and then re-accelerate to the car’s set speed as traffic moves. All the while, data from sensors is used to keep a set, safe distance from cars ahead when you encounter heavy traffic.

Because it’s not an autonomous car, those with stop and go capabilities will only “go” again within three seconds if traffic flow allows. If it’s longer than three seconds, driver action is needed to re-engage the system.

ACC + Forward Collision Warning & Automatic Braking

Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) advanced driver assistance systems are often combined with ACC to provide audible alerts, instrument panel alerts, and tactile warnings of a forward collision risk, then automatic braking to prevent or mitigate damage from a collision.

ACC + Lane Centering

Adaptive Cruise Control works well with others. As previously mentioned, when adaptive cruise control is combined with an ADAS with steering capabilities like lane centering and proactive lane keeping assist systems, your car is considered a Level 2 on the SAE autonomous driving scale — meaning that the vehicle can accelerate, decelerate, and steer on its own — under very specific conditions, including initiation speed and weather. While it’s a step up in terms of driving automation, for safety, a human driver is still required to supervise constantly, including steering, braking, or accelerating.

ACC + GPS or Traffic Sign Recognition

Some ACC systems offer advanced traffic sign recognition , while others utilize GPS speed limit data. These optional ACC features help to combat the use of ACC technology to speed.

4 Examples of Adaptive Cruise Control

There are many different flavors of ACC. Names, tech, and bundled features make the automotive landscape — dotted with endless features, diverse names, and function variations — a bit tricky to navigate. To help you recognize ACC features, here are four automaker examples.

Ford Adaptive Cruise Control

Ford is one example of an automaker with adaptive cruise control. Here’s how Ford’s describes its system and capabilities:

“Available on select Ford vehicles is a series of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) features employing advanced radar and camera technology. ACC lets you set a cruising speed and distance from the vehicle ahead of you. When it slows down, you automatically do too; when traffic picks back up, you resume your preset speed and distance. Then comes ACC with Stop-and-Go, which enables you to come to a complete stop when the vehicle ahead stops. Now add Lane Centering, which scans the lane markings to help you stay in your lane if the system detects you’re drifting out of it. And that’s not all. Now there’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which includes all of these features plus new Speed Sign Recognition that can automatically adjust the set speed of your vehicle to the posted speed limit.”

Honda Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow

In the Honda Sensing ADAS package, the automaker offers ACC on many 2021 models with what it calls Low Speed Follow. Here’s how Honda describes it :

“Cruising on the open highway has never been easier! Honda’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow lets you set your cruise speed and interval behind a vehicle detected ahead, and then maintains that interval by braking your vehicle or applying the throttle. And the Low-Speed Follow function can bring your vehicle to a complete stop when a vehicle detected ahead slows to a stop, and it lets you resume operation by pressing a button or the accelerator.”

Hyundai Smart Cruise control (SCC) with Stop & Go

Hyundai offers adaptive cruise control, including on the Santa Fe. Here’s how the automaker describes it :

“While traveling at a speed set by you, it uses radar to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. When the system slows the vehicle to a stop, it will reactivate if the vehicle in front moves within 3 seconds.”

Hyundai also offers Highway Driving Assist that works together with Smart Cruise Control. Here’s how Hyundai describes this feature :

“Your “co-pilot” for highway driving, when actively engaged with Smart Cruise Control or Lane Following Assist, this smart convenience automatically helps keep you centered in your lane and traveling at a safe distance behind the car ahead. Not only that, it also can keep you driving at the right speeds, automatically setting your pace based on GPS and highway data.”

Subaru EyeSight Adaptive Cruise Control

As part of Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist Technology Package, ACC is standard on many of the brand’s 2021 models and optional on the rest. It uses dual forward-facing color cameras mounted near the rearview mirror. Here’s how Subaru describes its ACC system in a promotional video :

“With adaptive cruise control, eyesight can help you stay with the flow of traffic. When you set cruise control, you can select from up to four present following distances. EyeSight watches ahead and if it detects traffic is slowing, adaptive cruise control adjusts your speed accordingly to keep your selected distance. Once traffic starts moving faster, it can automatically accelerate back up to your set speed. It can even work in stop-and-go traffic.

For some, it’s less worry about adjusting cruise control. For others, it’s like having an extra set of eyes on the road.”

Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations

Drivers should know that they are responsible for what happens when they are behind the wheel. Every company makes sure to include an asterisk and notice that drivers are still needing to be actively engaged in driving. Some drivers are using ACC to speed . A study of 40 drivers by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that they were more likely to speed when equipped with ACC.

ACC works well in clear day and night driving, and in light weather. However, if there is fog, heavy rain, or snow, it won’t work. Additionally, if dirt, snow, or ice are on the sensors, they won’t work. ACC also has trouble on winding roads.

With or without ACC, it’s important to always leave more space during poor driving conditions, including inclement weather.

Adaptive Cruise Control Calibration

ACC is one of the most common ADAS features in vehicles today. Like other ADAS systems, ACC needs to have sensors recalibrated after a collision and many vehicle services like windshield replacement . ADAS calibration keeps ACC systems working properly.

What is adaptive cruise control calibration?

Adaptive Cruise Control calibration takes place when the camera, lidar, and radar sensors that inform your vehicle’s actions are re-aligned to improve or re-establish sensor accuracy.

Getting a car calibrated takes drivers knowing about it and recognizing the warning signs.

ACC Calibration Warnings for Drivers

For drivers, the biggest sign that you need a car calibration is a recent collision. Other circumstances that necessitate Adaptive Cruise Control calibration include any time you repair or replace something nearby the location of a sensor. Another sign would be an overly sensitive ACC system, even when you have changed the settings (where possible). Here are some related warning messages that may signal it’s time to get an ADAS calibration:

Adaptive cruise control sensor blocked
Adaptive cruise control failure
Adaptive cruise control temporarily unavailable

ADAS Calibration for Auto Shops

When a car comes into the shop, techs need to know when to order or perform ADAS calibrations . They also need to understand their importance. If calibrated incorrectly, ACC systems may have following distance settings that drivers aren’t used to. They can also make the systems overly sensitive, or not sensitive enough.

Every new model year brings more and more ADAS-equipped vehicles to the streets. Cars need to be calibrated after collisions, and any repairs that may affect sensor alignment. If you want to capitalize on this impending influx of needed calibrations, Car ADAS Solutions can help. We are at the forefront of the ADAS calibration services industry. We provide turnkey ADAS calibration solutions with framework, specialty software, training, and support, built-in. Contact Car ADAS Solutions today !

Additional ACC Resources:

Cars with Adaptive Cruise Control – Car and Driver
10 Best Cars with Adaptive Cruise Control – TrueCar
Adaptive Cruise Control – MyCarDoesWhat.org

Adaptive Cruise Control FAQs

What is Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and how does it differ from regular cruise control?

Adaptive Cruise Control is an advanced driver assistance feature that automatically adjusts your vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Unlike traditional cruise control that maintains a constant speed, ACC can speed up or slow down based on the flow of traffic.

ACC uses a combination of radar, cameras, and various other sensors to monitor the distance to the vehicle ahead and its relative speed. This data is processed by the car’s computer systems to adjust the throttle and apply brakes if necessary, ensuring a safe following distance.

Can Adaptive Cruise Control bring my car to a complete stop?

Yes, many modern Adaptive Cruise Control systems come with stop-and-go technology that can bring your vehicle to a complete stop and then resume driving when traffic starts moving again.

Is Adaptive Cruise Control safe to use in all driving conditions?

While ACC is designed to increase safety and convenience, it is most effective in steady traffic conditions on highways or well-marked roads. It is not recommended for use in city driving, in adverse weather conditions, or on roads with poor lane markings as these factors can reduce the system’s effectiveness.

Will Adaptive Cruise Control work with any vehicle ahead of me?

Adaptive Cruise Control is generally designed to recognize and respond to most passenger vehicles and trucks. However, it may not detect objects small vehicles like motorcycles and bikes, or pedestrians. This is why it’s best to avoid using in dense cities.

Share this post

What is ADAS? Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Guide

Male hand on steering wheel windshield calibration Image

Understanding ADAS: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

Man turning around in driver seat to back up vehicle

Rear AEB: The ADAS That’s Putting the Brakes on Backing Crashes

New Automotive Night Vision ADAS Technology Illuminates Driving at Night

Basic Guide: ADAS Calibration Equipment

Implementing ADAS Calibration: 6 ADAS Challenges Most Shops Face (and What to Do About Them)

Subscribe To Blog Updates

Get notified when a new blog post is released!

Own Your Own ADAS Calibration Center

Enjoy high profits in an industry that is growing exponentially!

Salt Lake City Calibration

SLC Calibration Center
ADAS Calibration Services
Schedule Calibration

Calibration Centers

Calibration Center Locations
(801) 810-1150
(855) 500-1533 Toll Free
[email protected]

Auto Reviews

All about Cruise Control: The Difference between Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control

Oct 15, 2019 11:23 PM EDT | Staff Reporter

Most modern cars are full of electronic conveniences, that make driving easier. Now, cars are almost a no brainer to drive, and filled with plenty of driver aids. One of these functions is Cruise Control to reduce fatigue on long drives. For most drivers on road trips that will be for quite a distance. Stepping on the accelerator is rather inefficient, especially when travelling on long distances. Cruise control makes it easier to drive long distances! Most cars are equipped with it and are standard equipment in countries like the United States especially.

The wide expanse of the continental United States makes overland crossing with cars that have cruise control very practical. The valve which controls the throttle does not actively engage the actuator like normal driving. Precise electronic control via the car's electronic control unit (ECU). Most cars have sensors that are bundled with the car ECU. Sometimes, those who suffer from having Lead Foot will find cruise control a better way to control the car's speed!

Cruise control and Adaptive Cruise control By this time, cars are equipped with either Cruise control or Adaptive Cruise Control which are available as standard equipment. Setting up cruise control is done by setting speed and then to COAST which activates it. Just a tap on the SET/ACCEL will add a little speed to cruising, but a tap back will lower the speed. Stepping on the brakes will turn off cruise control automatically.

This operation is simple to do, but it needs active driver intervention. Driving with cruise control is just a simple driver aid that is very basic. Though the driver needs to be alert when using it. Convenient and keeps a Lead Foot from over speeding though it needs to be used with discretion. Not advised for city driving or areas that are dense with cars or people.

A newer type of this system has been developed and it is Adaptive Cruise Control. One of the biggest drawbacks of the older cruise control is that there's no way to stop the car from hitting the one in front! But ACC has increased safety factor when in use and even more reliable! It works the same way as Cruise control but with several major differences.

The ACC system adjusts automatically to the distance of the car in front to avoid an accidental collision. Utilizing radar sensors measures the distance from the car and engages the brake automatically. Coupling the Autonomous Braking System with the ACC enhances safety better. Upgrading the cruise control to ACC is made possible by linking the ECU to external sensors.

Next time, when going on long trips or short ones in the city. Using adaptive cruise control allows easier driving, but it is the same function with upgrades! Just make sure to know how it works before using it. Both work with the same principle but the ACC is far better because it minimizes instance of crashing into the car in front.

See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?

NHTSA Investigates Random Braking in Honda CR-v and Accord: 1.7 Million Units in...

Manual vs. Automatic: Which Gear is Better for Winter Driving?

https://autoworldnews.com

BY 2022 AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WILL BECOME STANDARD

HERE Debuts Cloud-Based Mapping Service For Improved Automated Driving

Important Car Insurance Policies to Keep in Mind

The Three Best 3D Printing Pens

Are You Struggling with Car Repayments?

What Documents Do I Need for a Car Finance Application?

Join the Conversation

Hyundai to Invest $16.1 Billion for EV Business; Sets Annual Sales Goal of 1.87M Electric Cars by 2030

World's Most Expensive and Most Heavily-optioned Porsche 928 GTS is Coming Home to the U.S.

Major Boost as Tesla Giga Berlin Facility in Final Phase of Approval Process; Delivery Event Set This Month

Audi Looking for e-tron Electric Vehicles to Spur Car Brand's Growth in India in 2022

Toyota Offers Free EV Charging to Owners of 2023 bZ4X After Partnership Agreement with EVgo

2022 Suzuki Baleno Finally Unveiled in India: What are the Specs and Features of this City Car?

Can a Private Seller Be Liable for a Car Accident?

Insurance for New Drivers: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Car Insurance Policy

Catalytic Converter Costs Unveiled: What You Need to Know

Optimizing Your Auto Business for Success

3 Crucial Questions to Ask When Buying Business Vehicles

How to Get Your Car Ready for Camping

How to Tune Your Racing Carburetor

2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Review: Here Are Its Price, Top Speed, Specs, Interior

The End of Speeding? This is How ALPR Cameras Help

Sure Stop: 5 Tips For Choosing The Right Braking System

What is cruise control and adaptive cruise control?

Cruise control is a helpful tool in improving the driving experience, with benefits for you the driver as well as your car - but how does it work and are there different kinds of cruise control?

What is cruise control?

Cruise control is a feature that allows you to set certain speed conditions on your vehicle, i.e. you can set your vehicle to 70mph on the motorway and you can then take your foot off the pedal. This makes driving more comfortable, particularly on longer journeys.

Cruise control has other benefits in that the consistent speed is more beneficial for your fuel consumption, and it can stop you from accidentally going over the speed limit, saving you money on speeding fines.

Cruise control is best used on motorways and A roads as they're generally not too hindered by stops or turns.

What are the different types of cruise control?

Conventional cruise control.

Conventional cruise control is the kind of cruise control discussed above and allows the driver to set their vehicle to drive at a specific speed.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a smarter technology than conventional cruise control. As well as setting your desired speed, you can also set a preferred following distance. This refers to how much space is between your car and the car in front. When you have adaptive cruise control activated, your car will travel at the speed you set, unless the car in front is going more slowly, in which case your car will automatically slow down to match the speed of the car in front.

For instance, if you were to set your car to a speed of 70mph and the car in front of you was doing 65mph, your car would automatically drop to 65mph. If the car in front of you was doing 75mph, your car would stay at 70mph. Once the car in front of you moves out of your lane or accelerates beyond your set speed, your car will return to the speed you have set.

Speed limiter

A speed limiter works a little differently from cruise control because it still requires you to keep your foot on the accelerator, but it stops you from going over a set speed. If you were to set your speed limiter to 70mph, you would not be able to go over that speed. The only exception to this is when you may be going down a steep hill or in wet, slippery conditions; in both cases, you should pay extra attention to your speed and driving.

What's the difference between conventional cruise control and adaptive cruise control?

Conventional cruise control will keep you at a set speed the entire time it's activated while adaptive cruise control will slow the car down when it detects a car in front of it, adapting to the speed of that vehicle.

How do I use cruise control?

The specific mechanisms will vary slightly from car to car, but generally speaking, there is an on/off toggle as well as buttons to increase or decrease the speed. These buttons are typically located on or just behind the steering wheel. On cars with adaptive cruise control settings, you'll also be able to specify your minimum following distance.

When you have reached your desired speed (or thereabouts) you can activate cruise control via the on/off toggle, then use the up/down buttons to set your exact desired speed. Continue to watch the road, steer and indicate as you normally would, and you can either use the brake or the on/off toggle to deactivate the cruise control setting.

Refer to your owner's manual for the specific location and operating instructions for your vehicle's cruise control. Ask our friendly team to show you when collecting your next car or van, we would be happy to help!

When shouldn't I use cruise control?

Although cruise control is a very helpful feature, there are some circumstances when you shouldn't use it. These are situations when it's difficult or unsafe to maintain a constant speed, such as on winding roads (or any blind corners), in heavy traffic, going downhill or when approaching bridges with blind spots.

You should also avoid using cruise control on slippery roads or when you're tired - not having to manage the speed of your vehicle can make it easier to fall asleep behind the wheel.

Cruise control with Carbase

If you're thinking of buying a pre-loved car with cruise control, take a look at our cars with cruise control and adaptive cruise control now.

Reduce Your Fuel Consumption

reduce your fuel consumption, so you're at the pumps less frequently. Below are some top tips on how to improve your fuel efficiency ...

Caring For Your Tyres

Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touches the ground, meaning they are responsible for your steering, braking and accelerating ...

5 Simple Maintenance Tips

Here, we provide five simple tips for your car maintenance checklist, to help keep your pride and joy in tip-top condition. ...

Matches in stock:

Improve Your Experience

We have detected you are using an outdated and unsupported web browser. We recommend upgrading to improve your experience.

Please choose from a web browser below:

Customer Viewpoint Ratings and Reviews

Who leaves ratings and reviews?

Ratings and reviews are provided by customers who have either purchased a vehicle or visited a dealership for service.

How are ratings and reviews collected?

Customers are invited to participate in a survey administered by MaritzCX, an independent, third-party supplier.

Can dealerships edit or remove reviews?

No. Ford personnel and/or dealership personnel cannot modify or remove reviews.

Are reviews modified or monitored before being published?

MaritzCX moderates public reviews to ensure they contain content that meet Review guidelines, such as:

‣No Profanity or inappropriate defamatory remarks

‣No Personal Identifying information (e.g., customer phone number or email)

‣No Competitor references (e.g., another brand or dealership)

‣Dangerous behavior (e.g. threatening to harm employees or others)

‣Lack of adequate text (e.g., symbols, emoji’s and random letters)

Reviews on the product and not the customer’s Sales or Service experience

Electric Vehicles
Pay my bill
Update my SYNC
Replace a Part

How do I use Ford Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control * ?

Watch the video and follow the steps below to learn how to use Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which combines Speed Sign Recognition with Adaptive Cruise Control , to adjust the cruise set speed to the speed limit detected by the speed sign recognition system. For example, if the Speed Sign Recognition system detects a 50 mph speed limit, the cruise set speed is updated to 50 mph.

Using Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control

Additional information.

What is Speed Sign Recognition? What is Adaptive Cruise Control? What is Lane Centering? What is Auto Hold?

* Feature is available on select vehicles. Features may vary based on model year, trim, options, packages, and supply availability. Use the Build and Price tool to view feature availability on current models. If you have questions or need more information, reference your Owner’s Manual or contact your Ford Dealer . Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

** 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.

*** Actual screens may vary. See your Owner’s Manual for information specific to your vehicle.

Hybrids & EVs
Motorsports
Tips, Tricks & Trends

A customer looks at a gray Hyundai Motor Co. Sonata N Line sedan at the company's Motorstudio showroom in Seoul, South Korea

What Is Hyundai Smart Cruise Control, and Is It the Same as Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise control , optional on many new vehicles today, is one of the latest advanced car safety features. It’s very similar to cruise control, which allows you to set your car to a certain speed. However, the systems offered by automakers like Hyundai use radars to determine when neighboring cars get too close.

Hyundai vehicles also have their own version of adaptive cruise control named Hyundai Smart Cruise Control. Is there anything that makes it better than regular adaptive cruise control? Here’s what the folks at Rosen Hyundai have to say.

All the Hyundai Smart Cruise Control’s features

Since it’s a cruise control system, you can set Hyundai Smart Cruise control at a specific highway speed. It doesn’t mean the car can drive itself, but that’s less pressure that you have to apply to the accelerator. It’s a useful feature to have for road trips, especially if you easily get sore limbs.

Hyundai Smart Cruise Control also has the same elements of adaptive cruise control. The radar system emits waves that reflect off of the car in front of yours, detecting its speed. If the preceding car speeds up or slows down, the Smart Cruise Control adjusts your vehicle’s speed accordingly. It also has a Stop and Go setting, which tracks the driving behaviors of cars around you during traffic.

If the car ahead of you stops unexpectedly, the Smart Cruise Control brakes itself as well. The radar waves are so fast that there’s no delay between the data received from the radars and the resulting functions. Oftentimes, humans can’t react as quickly in emergency situations, resulting in fender benders or collisions. The Cruise Control button is located on the steering wheel, so it’s easy to engage or disengage at a moment’s notice.

The Smart Cruise Control’s radars also won’t be limited by hazardous weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog. Rosen Hyundai also boasts that Smart Cruise Control is highly reliable, even inspiring some new lunar excursion technology.

What makes Hyundai Smart Cruise Control different?

Our latest evolution of Smart Cruise Control, the Hyundai SCC-Machine Learning, makes autonomous driving a lot less awkward. Learn from its creators how #AI technology helps make this happen here: https://t.co/28HGpDSD63 pic.twitter.com/KtDUDMaKZH — Hyundai Worldwide (@Hyundai_Global) August 6, 2020

Many of the functions offered on Smart Cruise Control can be found on any adaptive cruise control system. However, the Hyundai software offers one really useful perk: the front-mounted radars can still work when the vehicle’s grille gets dirty. Wintery conditions can cause your car’s grille to become covered in snow and slush, which can be hard to remove.

If you’re driving during a blizzard, you can’t really keep your grille clean as you’re driving. Adaptive cruise control is essential in severe weather conditions, especially when drivers around you might struggle to see clearly. Hyundai Smart Control is also usually included in its cars’ standard features, whereas other automakers might make you pay extra.

Which vehicles have Hyundai Smart Cruise control?

Many of the latest Hyundai vehicles have Smart Cruise control, including the 2021 Hyundai Sonata . It also has a nice collection of other standard safety features, like driver drowsiness monitoring, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims can have blind-spot monitors, sensing any vehicle driving above 20 mph.

The Hyundai Sonata also benefits from two engine options, with great gas mileage for the base trim. The cabin feels luxurious, but taller passengers in the backseat might not have enough legroom.

The Hyundai Palisade is more spacious, able to seat up to eight riders. The first two rows are incredibly roomy, and even the third row can accommodate some adults. It only has one engine choice, but it packs enough horsepower to keep this SUV moving quickly.

Critics also report it handles well despite the added weight over its sedan siblings. Like the Sonata, the Palisade includes Hyundai Smart Cruise control in its generous library of standard driver’s aids.

Is Adaptive Cruise Control Worth It? Absolutely

Cars From the 90s Can Be More Dangerous Than You Know

Car A/C control knob with "MAX A/C" and "A/C" buttons

Automakers Called to Move Away from ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Car AC Systems

A rider on a Sea-Doo RXP-X jet ski PWC kicks up spray.

The Most Powerful Sea-Doo Jet Ski Ever Will Outsprint a Toyota GR Supra

Produced by Digital Editors

Our experienced team of Digital Editors works to produce all of our content from contributing authors, including everything from assigning headlines and crafting the angles that readers will be interested in, to editing and publishing the articles once they’re drafted. Our DEs are editors and writers in their own right, who each have several years of experience in digital media and publishing.

Each one caters their work to their specific interests.

IMAGES

What is Adaptive cruise control?
Driving 101: DOs and DON’Ts when using Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Adaptive cruise control: How does it work and is it safe?
What Is Adaptive Cruise Control
2020 Cars With Adaptive Cruise Control

VIDEO

Cruise Ship Size Difference 😳 #cruise #royalcaribbean
Cruise vs ballistic missile
Did you Know about this Powerfull Missile of India? #shorts
FATEH-2 MISSILE|DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRUISE & BELASTIC MISSILE||WHAT IS HYPERSONIC MISSILE||Amitshukla
দুবাইর প্রমোদ তরীতে অদ্ভুত প্লেট ডান্স। Dubai Cruise Ship Strange Dance
Looking Between Cruise Ships #3

COMMENTS

What Is Adaptive Cruise Control? Is It Worth Paying For?
Most adaptive cruise control systems allow the driver to adjust the following distance at intervals ranging from close to far. Advanced systems integrate with the vehicle's navigation system and ...
Adaptive Cruise Control: How Does It Work?
Simple to use, all you need to do is turn on the system in your vehicle, reach your desired cruising speed, and set it. The system then assumes control of the accelerator, maintaining the set ...
Cruise Control
What's the difference between cruise control and speed limiters? Speed limiters are similar to cruise control as they let you set a maximum speed that your car can't go over. But unlike cruise control, you still need to use the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. Some cars let you manually set a speed limit.
Guide to Adaptive Cruise Control
Updated May 9, 2022. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is like traditional cruise control, but smarter. ACC systems allow you to set a desired speed until your vehicle encounters slower-moving traffic ...
Cruise control and adaptive cruise control: the complete guide
On a car with adaptive cruise control (ACC), you switch on the system, then you can raise or lower your speed as desired, and the car will accelerate to that set speed. These systems use either ...
What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a system designed to help road vehicles maintain a safe following distance and stay within the speed limit. ... The main difference was that it was the driver's ...
Cruise Control: How Does It Work?
Cruise control is a feature allowing the driver to set a predetermined speed, which the system's computer maintains until the driver adjusts the speed, taps the brake, or disengages the system ...
A guide to adaptive cruise control
What's the difference between cruise control and adaptive cruise control? First introduced in higher-end models back in the 1960s, traditional cruise control allows drivers to keep their car at a set speed without having to constantly keep their foot on the accelerator, regardless of the road gradient. ...
Understanding Adaptive Cruise Control: A Comprehensive Guide
What is the Difference Between Adaptive Cruise Control vs. Cruise Control? Many vehicle owners are familiar with cruise control, and this basic technology is offered on most vehicles today. This simple technology allows you to set the speed you want your vehicle to travel, and it will speed up your ride to keep you at the proper speed as you ...
Demystifying Adaptive Cruise Control: A Comprehensive Guide
Radar Adaptive Cruise Control. Uses radio waves in the 24 GHz or 77 GHz frequency bands. Excellent range (160m+) and unaffected by weather. Distributed beam provides wide field of view. Cannot identify shape and classification of objects. Overall the most robust and widely adopted ACC technology.
Why Your Next Car Needs Adaptive Cruise Control
Like regular cruise control, adaptive cruise control (ACC) helps a vehicle maintain a safe speed set by the driver. However, it's not just a setting that keeps your car at 78-mph going down the highway. Instead, it's an entire system designed to help vehicles maintain a specific speed and a safe distance from others on the road.
What is adaptive cruise control, and how does it work?
Adaptive cruise control as of 2013 ranges from $2,500 at the high end to as little as $500. Less costly "partial ACC" only works at speeds of 20 or 25 mph and up, but it's markedly cheaper.
What is Adaptive Cruise Control?
What is the difference between normal cruise control and adaptive cruise control? The origins of normal cruise control go back to 1948, when Ralph Teetor invented the speedostat. Having greatly improved since, its focus on throttle control is still central to automation today. One example is automatically pressing the acceleration pedal, which ...
What is cruise control and adaptive cruise control?
Cruise control is a handy feature that can reduce fatigue when driving - we explain how it works. ... There may be differences in controls between different manufacturers, so always read your ...
The Evolution Of Cruise Control And How It Works Today
The main difference between older versions of cruise control and adaptive cruise control is that a radar is placed behind the grille of a car and will help to maintain a safe distance from other ...
Adaptive Cruise Control
Conventional Cruise Control can maintain a steady speed that you set. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an enhancement of conventional cruise control. ACC automatically adjusts the speed of your car to match the speed of the car in front of you. If the car ahead slows down, ACC can automatically match it. Once the car ahead moves out of your ...
Adaptive Cruise Control: What is ACC in ADAS?
Adaptive Cruise Control is an advanced driver assistance feature that automatically adjusts your vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Unlike traditional cruise control that maintains a constant speed, ACC can speed up or slow down based on the flow of traffic.
Cruise control
Common cruise control icon on dashboards specified by ISO-7000-2047, ISO 2575:2010, and ISO 6727. Another icon exists for the more modern adaptive cruise control, but some cars also use the cruise control icon for the speed limiter function, which has no standard icon.. Cruise control (also known as speed control, cruise command, autocruise, or tempomat) is a system that automatically controls ...
All about Cruise Control: The Difference between Cruise Control and
Cruise control and Adaptive Cruise control By this time, cars are equipped with either Cruise control or Adaptive Cruise Control which are available as standard equipment. Setting up cruise control is done by setting speed and then to COAST which activates it. Just a tap on the SET/ACCEL will add a little speed to cruising, but a tap back will ...
Cruise Control & Adaptive Cruise Control Complete Guide
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a smarter technology than conventional cruise control. As well as setting your desired speed, you can also set a preferred following distance. This refers to how much space is between your car and the car in front. When you have adaptive cruise control activated, your car will travel at the speed you set, unless ...
What is Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control?
Watch the video and follow the steps below to learn how to use Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which combines Speed Sign Recognition with Adaptive Cruise Control, to adjust the cruise set speed to the speed limit detected by the speed sign recognition system.For example, if the Speed Sign Recognition system detects a 50 mph speed limit, the cruise set speed is updated to 50 mph.
Normal Cruise Control Vs Adaptive Cruise Control
We all know Cruise Control. But what is the basic difference between Cruise Control & Adaptive Cruise Control? In this video, get to know exactly how both of...
What Is Hyundai Smart Cruise Control, and Is It the Same as Adaptive
Hyundai Smart Cruise Control also has the same elements of adaptive cruise control. The radar system emits waves that reflect off of the car in front of yours, detecting its speed. If the preceding car speeds up or slows down, the Smart Cruise Control adjusts your vehicle's speed accordingly. It also has a Stop and Go setting, which tracks ...

Guide to Adaptive Cruise Control

What to Look For in an Adaptive Cruise Control System

Sharing is Nice

Cruise control and adaptive cruise control: the complete guide

Cruise control history

How does cruise control work?

Cruise control types

Speed limiter

Cruise control

Adaptive cruise control

Semi-autonomous cruise control

Most Popular

This VIN is corresponding to more than one vehicle

What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?

What is Adaptive Cruise Control?

How Do Cars with Adaptive Cruise Control Function?

What is the Difference Between Adaptive Cruise Control vs. Cruise Control?

How to Operate Adaptive Cruise Control

The Benefits of Adaptive Cruise Control Cars

FREE Vehicle Search

More resources

Demystifying Adaptive Cruise Control: A Comprehensive Guide

ACC 101 – Adjusting Speed to the Car in Front

ACC Sensor Technology – Radar vs. Laser vs. Camera

Radar Adaptive Cruise Control

Laser Adaptive Cruise Control

Camera-Based Adaptive Cruise Control

Real World ACC Performance

ACC Availability Across Vehicle Makes

Comparing OEM Adaptive Cruise Systems

Adding ACC to Older Vehicles

The Road to Fully Autonomous Driving

Optimizing ACC for the Future

Challenges Facing Consumer ACC Adoption

Testing and Validating Adaptive Cruise Systems

Insider ACC Troubleshooting Tips

Share this:

How-To Geek

Quick Links

What is adaptive cruise control and how does it work?

How adaptive cruise control works

What is the difference between normal cruise control and adaptive cruise control?

What use cases are supported by modern adaptive cruise control?

The TomTom ADAS Map: designed for intelligent cruise control use cases

The TomTom ADAS Map includes the following attributes:

Bosch and TomTom

What is the future of adaptive cruise control?

People also read

How ADAS helps truck drivers stay safe and drive efficiently

The future of mobility is connected

Measuring road traffic density: what you need to know

What is cruise control and adaptive cruise control?

What is cruise control?

What is adaptive cruise control?

How do I use cruise control?

What is a speed limiter?

What is the benefit of cruise control?

Most Popular

Tips & advice

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024

The Evolution Of Cruise Control And How It Works Today

How Car Engines Work: The Difference Between Gasoline And Diesel Engines

Early Models With Cruise Control

How Cruise Control Has Progressed

Volvo Engine Teardown Reveals How Time And Use Affects Precision Components

Why Automakers Use Cruise Control

The Benefits Of Convenience

Honda VTEC: What It Is And How It Works

Best Trucks And SUVs With Cruise Control

Best Cars With Cruise Control

Wanna Know How Brake-By-Wire Works? Here's Your Explanation

Adaptive Cruise Control: What is ACC in ADAS?

What is Adaptive Cruise Control?