As a leading auto manufacturer, Ford constantly strives to be at the forefront of automotive technology. BlueCruise is a testament to the American automaker’s commitment to innovation and represents a significant step forward in autonomous driving. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Ford’s state-of-the-art hands-free driver-assistance system, including how it works and how to get it.

Overview of Ford BlueCruise Technology

So, what is Ford BlueCruise? BlueCruise is a Level 2 autonomous driving system that allows you to drive hands-free on prequalified stretches of highways known as Hands-Free Blue Zones. Currently, these zones cover more than 130,000 miles of roads in North America. The technology combines several driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-changing assistance, to take control of your vehicle while your hands aren’t on the steering wheel. Ford BlueCruise has been Consumer Reports’ top-rated active driving-assistance technology out of 17 systems tested, beating GM’s SuperCruise and Tesla’s AutoPilot.

The Evolution and Latest Advances in BlueCruise

Introduced for the 2021 model year, Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system has substantially improved over the years. Let’s look at the evolution of this next-generation technology.

• BlueCruise 1.0: Uses lane centering and adaptive cruise control to enable hands-free driving on approved sections of divided highways.
• BlueCruise 1.2: Receives new features such as lane-changing assistance and in-lane repositioning.
• BlueCruise 1.3: Allows you to drive hands-free longer with an improved ability to navigate curves and narrow lanes.
• BlueCruise 1.4: Provides greater in-lane stability and further prolongs hands-free time by automatically and smoothly adjusting vehicle speed in curves, resulting in enhanced safety and a more continuous drive.
• BlueCruise 1.5: Adds automatic lane-changing assistance, which can seamlessly initiate an automatic lane change and keep your vehicle moving at the speed of traffic.

How Does Ford BlueCruise Work?

BlueCruise relies on a combination of advanced technologies, including radar systems, cameras, GPS mapping, and an array of driver-assistance systems. With GPS and map data from the navigation system, BlueCruise can detect when your vehicle is traveling in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. When you enter a Blue Zone, you’ll see a blue light on the instrument panel, letting you know you can now use BlueCruise.

To activate the BlueCruise hands-free driving system, you only need to press the adaptive cruise control button on the steering wheel. If the conditions are right, the system takes full control of the vehicle and lets you take your hands off the steering wheel. The Ford hands-free driving technology uses lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, in-lane repositioning, and lane-changing assistance to handle all driving tasks, including accelerating, braking, and steering. A 360-degree camera system monitors your surroundings, allowing the system to keep your car at a safe distance from other vehicles.

Since it’s a Level 2 driving system, BlueCruise still requires you to stay alert and be ready to assume control of your vehicle at any time. It has a driver-attention monitoring system that constantly observes your head position and eyes to ensure you’re focused on the road. If it finds that you’re distracted or sleepy, it will give you a warning and stop operating.

If you’re unsure how to use BlueCruise on the Mach-E, F-150, or any other Ford model, you can check your owner’s manual or get in touch with your local Ford dealership.

The Benefits of Using Ford BlueCruise

While it costs extra, BlueCruise is a worthwhile addition to your Ford vehicle. From making your trips easier to keeping you safe behind the wheel, the hands-free driving system can be beneficial in many ways.

Impact on Driver Comfort and Stress Reduction

One of the main benefits of BlueCruise is that it can reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. By taking over highway driving, this technology allows you to relax, enjoy the ride, and arrive at your destination more refreshed and energized. Whether it’s a daily commute or a cross-country road trip, BlueCruise takes the stress out of driving and turns mundane trips into effortless adventures.

How BlueCruise Improves Safety on the Road

More importantly, BlueCruise can help you stay safe on the road. With the ability to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and detect approaching road hazards, the system can significantly reduce your chances of getting into an accident. It can also provide braking and steering assistance in emergencies to prevent a collision. Furthermore, its driver-attention monitoring feature ensures you’ll keep your eyes on the road for your safety.

Cost, Availability, and Compatibility

So, how much is Ford BlueCruise? The Ford BlueCruise subscription cost varies depending on the type of subscription you choose and the model year of your vehicle. If you own a 2024 Ford model, you can purchase a one-year subscription for $700 or a three-year subscription for $2,100. For a 2025 model, a one-year subscription costs $495. Regardless of the model year, you have the option of paying a one-time fee of $2,495.

Currently, BlueCruise is available on the Ford Explorer, Expedition, Mustang Mach-E, F-150, and F-150 Lightning. All 2024 and 2025 BlueCruise-compatible Ford vehicles offer a 90-day complimentary trial subscription. When the trial ends, you can choose to purchase BlueCruise for $49.99 per month or $495 per year.

Experience the Future of Driving With BlueCruise Today

If you live in Dallas, Texas, and want to get a first-hand experience of the BlueCruise hands-free driving system, we invite you to stop by Planet Ford Dallas. We have one of the largest selections of BlueCruise-equipped Ford models in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, so you can rest assured you’ll find your ideal vehicle on our lot. When you arrive at our dealership, our amiable and knowledgeable sales consultants will give you a tour of our Ford inventory, help you test-drive a model with BlueCruise, and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a visit.