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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. This system adjusts a car's speed automatically so drivers don't have to.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a system designed to help vehicles maintain a safe following distance and stay within the speed limit. This system adjusts a car's speed automatically so drivers don't have to.

Adaptive cruise control is one of 20 terms used to describe its functions so that you might see adaptive cruise control as the following in advertisements and vehicle descriptions:

• Active cruise control
• Dynamic cruise control
• Radar cruise control
• Automatic cruise control
• Intelligent cruise control

ACC functions by sensory technology installed within vehicles such as cameras, lasers, and radar equipment, which creates an idea of how close one car is to another, or other objects on the roadway. For this reason, ACC is the basis for future car intelligence.

These sensory technologies allow the car to detect and warn the driver about potential forward collisions. When this happens, red lights begin to flash, and the phrase 'brake now!' appears on the dashboard to help the driver slow down. There might also be an audible warning.

Advantages of Adaptive Cruise Control

Limitations of adaptive cruise control.

Although there are many advantages to adaptive cruise control, there are still limitations to consider. One of the main faults in this system is the fact that it is not entirely autonomous. The driver of the vehicle still needs to practice safe driving habits that will work in tandem with this technology to produce the best results. Similarly, adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, or fog might confuse the system's sensors, as well as environmental factors such as driving through tunnels.

What Is the Difference Between a Level 1 Autonomous Car and a Level 2 Autonomous Car?

According to SAE International, when a car only has autonomous cruise control , it is considered to be a level 1 autonomous car. In contrast, a vehicle with autonomous cruise control and an additional feature, such as lane control, gets classified as a level 2 autonomous car.

How Much Does an Adaptive Cruise Control System Cost?

According to ExtremeTech, The cost of an adaptive cruise control system will vary depending on how many features you want. If you're going to have an ACC with all available features, you should be willing to pay anywhere between $2000 and $2500. If you are looking for minimal cruise control that would benefit speeds of up to 20-25 miles per hour, these more basic ACCs can cost as low as $500. The good news is that as ACC becomes more common, it will most likely reduce in price.

History of Adaptive Cruise Control

U.S. News says Mitsubishi first introduced adaptive cruise control in Japan in 1992 . This was a lidar-based distance detection system that detected objects that were getting too close. It was labeled as 'Debonair' and it was programmed to provide a warning to the driver about oncoming objects. The main difference was that it was the driver's job to apply the brakes and reduce their speed.

However, two years later in 1995, the Mitsubishi Diamante featured an upgraded approach to the Debonair called 'Preview Distance Control.' Unlike the original technology, this laser-powered system could adjust a driver's speed by downshifting or controlling the throttle. The driver was still responsible for applying the brakes.

From the early 2000s onward, big names in the car industry, such as Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac, Volkswagen, Infinity, Hyundai, Toyota, and Audi, created their versions of adaptive cruise control in their vehicles. These individual features have evolved into a high-tech system with automatic braking and speed control.

Types of Adaptive Cruise Control

Radar-based systems.

According to eInfoChips, radar-based systems work by placing radar-based sensors on or around plastic fascias to detect your vehicle's surroundings. Each radar sensor works together to create a comprehensive picture of the vehicle's proximity to other cars or potentially hazardous objects. This type of sensor can look different depending on the design and model of the car.

Laser-Based Systems

As mentioned by Electronic Design , this type of ACC system operates out of a large black box typically placed in the grille of your vehicle. It uses laser technology to detect the proximity of objects to your car. It does not operate well during rainstorms and other weather conditions.

Binocular Computer Vision Systems (Optical)

According to ExtremeTech, this is a relatively new ACC system put into use in 2013. It uses small cameras that are placed on the back of a vehicle's rearview mirror to detect front-facing objects.

Assisting Systems

Assisting systems are radar-based add-ons that customers can buy together. These pre-crash systems can offer lane control, brake assistance, cruise control, proximity alerts to objects like corners, and steering power.

Multi-Sensor Systems

According to Fierce Electronics , adaptive cruise control systems sometimes integrate more than one type of sensor to aid in a vehicle's operation. Multi-sensor systems incorporate several different sensor types to provide a driver with advanced information. These sensors might include GPS data equipment or cameras to gather information about a vehicle's geographic environment and proximity to other cars.

Predictive Systems

As mentioned by Autoblog, prediction systems are a type of ACC that uses sensory data to predict the actions of neighboring vehicles. This means that your car might slow down to brace for another vehicle suddenly switching lanes and, in doing so, promotes passenger safety.

Adaptive cruise control is evolving each year. Car companies are continuously making adjustments to this technology and, in doing so, creating more common and affordable options that can be purchased with a new car or added to older car models, making driving safer for everyday people.

Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Keith Canete of YourMechanic.com . For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at [email protected] .

https://www.einfochips.com/blog/why-automotive-companies-should-adopt-radar-based-adas-systems/

https://www.electronicdesign.com/markets/automotive/article/21797633/adaptive-cruise-control-laser-diodes-as-an-alternative-to-millimeterwave-radars

https://www.autoblog.com/2015/01/14/new-honda-smart-cruise-control-predicts-other-motorists-future/

https://www.fierceelectronics.com/components/three-sensor-types-drive-autonomous-vehicles

https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/157172-what-is-adaptive-cruise-control-and-how-does-it-work

https://mycardoeswhat.org/safety-features/adaptive-cruise-control/

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/what-is-adaptive-cruise-control

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/columns/

https://www.sae.org/

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Is Adaptive Cruise Control Worth It? Absolutely

Many gearheads and car enthusiasts will scoff at convenient features like automatic transmissions and adaptive cruise control. They want to keep things simple and drive normally. But according to Doug DeMuro , they shouldn’t write off adaptive cruise control so fast. In fact, DeMuro thinks that it’s the best feature that you can get in a car, ever. Here’s why.

According to DeMuro, having adaptive cruise control on his cars has changed his life because of what it does for him in traffic. Adaptive cruise control is a simple but advanced technology. It uses radars in your car to see the car in front of you, and then based on what that car’s doing, it’ll speed up or slow down your car up to a maximum speed that you can set. 

So in a traffic setting where, without adaptive cruise control, you’d have to speed up and then slow down repetitively over and over again, adaptive cruise control becomes a big lifesaver. Rather than tediously press on the gas for a few seconds only to brake again, adaptive cruise control does all of that for you.

On top of that, in a lot of these dense traffic situations, you won’t have to actually use your steering wheel much since you don’t have to make many turns. So with adaptive cruise control in these situations, you can drive almost hands free. Don’t get DeMuro wrong though, you shouldn’t turn on adaptive cruise control and look at your phone the whole time, you still have to pay attention to the road.

However, with adaptive cruise control turned on while in heavy traffic situations, you basically don’t have to do much of anything. And if you’re in heavy traffic as often as DeMuro is, then adaptive cruise control also means that you won’t be tired by the end of your commute. 

But not highways

DeMuro does caution though that adaptive cruise control isn’t useful at all for highways where there’s not much bumper-to-bumper traffic going on. If your car doesn’t have to come to a full stop often, then turning on adaptive cruise control just becomes worse than driving without it.

That’s because of the safety features that manufacturers built into the system. They wanted to make adaptive cruise control as safe as possible, so the safe cruising distance between you and the car that you’re following is massive.

It’s so massive in fact, that at regular highway speeds, DeMuro says that other people will just cut in front of your car because of how much open space there is. As a result, unless you really want adaptive cruise control on, driving regularly will just be faster and better overall while at highway speeds.

Radar cruise control doesn't get close enough to the car in front! https://t.co/1LJew8dOHn pic.twitter.com/w37D7xqd3I — Doug DeMuro (@DougDeMuro) October 4, 2017

One thing that DeMuro mentions to look out for when shopping for adaptive cruise control systems is whether or not it’s a full-range adaptive cruise control system. Some systems have a minimum speed limit and that minimum speed limit makes it impossible to use the adaptive cruise control in heavy traffic as DeMuro described.

Obviously, if the adaptive cruise control system can’t do what DeMuro loves it for, then it’s not worth it. He says that your best bet is to just try out the adaptive cruise control systems of cars to make sure they are truly full range. 

On top of that, DeMuro stresses that you really have to do your research before buying it. Some adaptive cruise control systems, for example, won’t come to a full stop, and that will be extremely problematic in traffic and on highways. 

Adaptive cruise control isn’t a futuristic and pricey technology too like semi-autonomous driving cars are. DeMuro mentions that there are cars that are about 7 years old that have this technology. Buying those cars is a much cheaper way to get access to adaptive cruise control than buying a brand-new one.

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J.L. Seto began contributing content to MotorBiscuit in 2019. She’s always been fascinated with the technology behind cars. When she’s not writing about electric vehicles or the best cars to buy, she enjoys watching movies.

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Like Adaptive Cruise? These 10 Pickup Trucks Have It in 2024

Posted by Austin | Mar 9, 2024 | FAQ

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Many pickup trucks now utilize adaptive cruise control and other driver-assistance features for safety. These vehicles include the 2022 models for Toyota Tacoma, Rivian R1T, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, Ford F-150, and Ford Ranger. 

1. Toyota Tacoma

This vehicle is a mid-size truck. Customers receive adaptive cruise control even on the base model. The styling of this truck is high-quality, offering a rugged feel and appearance.

Toyota has definitely upgraded its latest fleet and incorporated useful technology that will likely improve even further in the coming years. 

2. Rivian R1T

• Horsepower: 600 - 835
• Torque: 600 - 908
• GVWR: 8,532
• MSRP: $67,500
• Range: 314 Miles (505 km)
• 0 - 60: 3 seconds
• Towing Capacity: 11,000 pounds (up to)

Moving on to electric vehicles, the Rivian R1T is a cross between mid-size and full-size, offering incredible features. This truck is capable of off-roading and doesn’t produce any harmful emissions. As you’d imagine, this vehicle utilizes the latest technology, including adaptive cruise control.

If you are looking for something with insane 0-60 (about 3 seconds), all the tech you could need, and a minimalist off-road interior, then this is a great choice.

3. Ram 1500

• External Dimensions: 232.9" L by 88″ W by 80.9″ High
• Wheel Base: 153.5″
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 7,800 pounds
• Curb Weight: 6,443 pounds
• Towing Capacity: 12,750 pounds (up to)

Known for its full size and heavy-duty performance, the Ram 1500 is a half-ton truck. The extra features will be a bit extra on top of the base price, however, they are well worth it. Many customers rave about the well-designed finished interior and pleasant ride it offers.

With one of the best interiors on the market, high-quality build, and of course adaptive cruise control, this should be on your shortlist of pickup trucks.

4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• Towing Capacity: 13,300 pounds (up to)

Chevy has recently upgraded their fleet of cars, including the Silverado 1500. They incorporated cutting-edge technology for this full-size pickup, including adaptive cruise control.

You also get plenty of other awesome technology that helps with towing, safety, and of course comfort. It’s hard to overlook the Silverado when shopping for one of the best pickups, especially since it comes with adaptive cruise control.

5. Honda Ridgeline

• External Dimensions: 210.2″ L by 78.6″ W by 70.8″ High
• Wheel Base: 125.2″
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 6,019 pounds
• Curb Weight: 4,510 pounds

Many people wouldn’t consider the Ridgeline a typical pickup truck, yet it falls into this category.

It is not nearly as rugged as a Ram 1500 or Toyota Tacoma, but it has a strong on-road presence. People like to choose this pickup over many others due to its larger size (than other unibody pickups) and the fact that it has a great on-road driving experience, and tons of great features like a built-in cooler, and a built-in tonneau cover.

6. Nissan Frontier

This model has undergone a recent redesign. It offers many tech features that make driving safer and more convenient.

What’s even better is these features were not previously offered. Thanks to an upgrade and remodel from Nissan, the Frontier has made it on the list of sought-after pickup trucks. 

7. Hyundai Santa Cruz

• External Dimensions: 195.7" L by 75" W by 66.7″ High
• Wheel Base: 118.3″
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 5,732 pounds
• Curb Weight: 4,164 pounds

This model brings luxury and modern pickups together. This vehicle offers all the latest technology such as adaptive cruise control.

The crew-cab model is well-equipped and designed with comfort and lifestyle in mind. 

8. Ford Maverick

• External Dimensions: 199.7" L by 72.6″ W by 68.7″ High
• Wheel Base: 121.1″
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 5,205 pounds
• Curb Weight: 3,693 pounds

This is a small, car-based pickup that offers a unique twist on the classic truck. It comes in a hybrid powertrain and offers the most desirable features on the base model. This includes adaptive cruise control. This truck is very practical and functional, especially for someone who doesn’t need a large truck. 

9. Ford F-150

• Horsepower: 290 - 700
• Torque: 265 to 640
• GVWR: 6,010 to 7,350
• MSRP: $33,695 - $84,910
• 0 - 60: 7.9 - 4.0 seconds
• Towing Capacity: 14,000 pounds (up to)

The updated F-150 offers adaptive cruise control as well as other features such as auto emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. They also offer an electric model that will be coming out this year. 

This is a large, full-size truck that is perfect for those who need a heavy-duty vehicle.

10. Ford Ranger

• External Dimensions: 210.9″ L by 79″ W by 75.9″ High
• Wheel Base: 128.7″
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 6,790 pounds
• Curb Weight: 5,325 pounds

Best known for being a direct competitor of the Tacoma, the Ford Ranger offers adaptive cruise control. However, this convenient feature won’t come with the base model.

The four-cylinder engine is turbocharged and offers a bit more space compared to the Tacoma. There are other features this model offers with the base package such as auto emergency braking.

Adaptive Cruise Control in the Latest Models 

Adaptive cruise control is considered a semi-autonomous feature. It is a system designed to assist vehicles in maintaining a proper following distance behind other cars.

Adaptive cruise control will automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed. Similar semi-autonomous features include auto emergency brakes which slam on the brakes for you if the system predicts a likely collision.

Furthermore, there is blind-spot monitoring which detects other vehicles in your path when attempting to switch lanes.

What are some issues with adaptive cruise control?

While it is not necessarily specific to pickups, yet a more general issue, there are some concerns with adaptive cruise control.

Firstly, the main concern with this type of cruise control is inattentiveness. This type of cruise control is by no means a true autonomous driving experience, meaning you need to be keeping a close eye on the traffic ahead of you (and to the sides and rear).

However, as humans are humans, when something is doing the driving for us, we tend to be less attentive to the road. This leaves a system that is not meant to truly drive, driving for us.

Secondly, another big concern, is that these systems are relatively new, meaning that they have not been fully tested for years. This means we are testing these systems on public roads, leaving everyone at risk.

Do I think you should use adaptive cruise control?

I am not against adaptive cruise controls or driver assists. However, I think that people need to use them responsibly. That means always staying attentive, and assuming complete control of their vehicle.

When looking to purchase a new pickup, you must read up on which safety features are offered.

With collisions and accidents more frequent nowadays due to distracted driving such as the use of mobile phones and other devices, it’s important to have all the bells and whistles you can. This means investing in a truck with safety features you can depend on.

Many trucks on this list offer adaptive cruise control with their base models so you don’t have to break the bank to keep yourself and your family safe.

About The Author

Austin has been a car enthusiast his entire life. He's owned dozens of cars, including multiple Toyota Celicas, an Audi TT, an Oldsmobile Alero, a Dodge RAM 1500, a very sad looking Saab, and many more! Now, he enjoys helping others rev up their car knowledge. Current dream car: Ford Raptor Read More About The Founder Here

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Is Adaptive Cruise Control Worth It in 2024?

I t’s 2024. That means artificial intelligence (AI), planned habitats on the moon, and “The Fast and the Furious” films in the double digits. Hell, science fiction movies from the 1980s and 1990s predicted we’d be dead or desperately combatting sentient robots by now. However, not everything is on autopilot; adaptive cruise control (ACC) is some of the closest technology you’ll get to a fire-and-forget autonomous automobile in 2024. So, is it worth it?

Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance and speed to take the guesswork out of highway cruising

Radar-guided cruise control, intelligent cruise control, active cruise control. You’ve heard the various terminology. However, they all mean something of the same thing: a technology suite that maintains speed and following distance with the vehicle ahead. 

It might seem like a novelty flex you can bring up smugly to a buddy. However, it has its benefits. For instance, if you’ve done any extended highway driving, adaptive cruise control could be quite helpful. I’ve done the drive between Austin, Texas, and Louisville, Kentucky more than most. It’s a nice, round number– just over 1,000 miles from door to door. 

During those drives, my wife finds herself, at times, frustrated by the inconsistency of drivers’ speeds on the open American highway system. She’ll set a speed in cruise control, drive for a bit, and have to cancel or discontinue cruise control to overtake a vehicle. Well, if that sounds like a frustration you know all too well, adaptive cruise control could be the solution. Frankly, if you’re distracted (and don’t be that person), an adaptive system could be the difference between safe cruising and a crash . 

The intelligent cruise control systems use sensory equipment to take the adjustments out of drivers’ hands

With ACC, a vehicle will use sensory equipment like lasers, a radar system, or cameras to detect a vehicle ahead. As such, the suite will adjust vehicle speed and following distance to provide a comfortable cruise. 

Fortunately, it’s 2024. That means several cars offer adaptive cruise control as part of a driver-aid suite. And it’s not just posh luxury cars, either.

The 2024 Ford Mustang offers ACC as part of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite. In addition to Ford’s seventh-generation pony car, the 2024 Nissan Z and Subaru BRZ have adaptive cruise control functions on their options sheets. Of course, ACC doesn’t give you carte blanche to be a distracted clown on our shared highways. Pay attention when driving, even with adaptive cruise control.

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