Does the 2018 Ford F150 have Adaptive Cruise Control?
Adaptive Cruise Control was available on the 2018 Ford F-150, but only if the vehicle was equipped with an optional driver-assist package. It was not standard on the base XL model.
In 2018, Ford offered a suite of driver-assistance features for the F-150 that included Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) along with other safety technologies. Availability depended on trim level and the presence of specific option packages. To confirm whether a particular truck has ACC, check the window sticker or the vehicle’s build sheet/VIN options.
What Adaptive Cruise Control is
Adaptive Cruise Control is a radar-assisted system that maintains a set speed while automatically adjusting to keep a predefined following distance from the vehicle ahead. It can decelerate and accelerate as needed, within the system’s limits, to help reduce driver fatigue on long trips or in congested traffic.
Was ACC available on the 2018 F-150?
The following overview explains how ACC was typically offered on 2018 F-150s. Availability varied by trim and option packages, so not every truck could be ordered with ACC.
- XLT with the Driver Assist Package or equivalent Safety/Technology package
- Lariat with the Driver Assist Package
- Platinum and Limited trims, often bundled with higher-level safety/tech packages
- In some configurations, ACC was not available on the base XL and required upgrading to a mid- or high-level trim with the appropriate package
Because option names and package contents could differ by market and production year, always verify with the specific vehicle’s window sticker or dealer build sheet to confirm ACC availability for a given 2018 F-150.
How to verify ACC on your vehicle
To determine if a particular 2018 F-150 has Adaptive Cruise Control, use these steps:
- Check the window sticker or Monroney label for terms like “Adaptive Cruise Control” or “ACC” and note the package name (for example, Driver Assist or Safety Package).
- Inspect the steering wheel controls for ACC-specific buttons or a distance/ radar symbol that indicates adaptive functionality.
- Review the instrument cluster menu or driver information display for ACC status or a following-distance setting.
- Ask the seller or check the vehicle’s VIN with Ford or a dealership to pull the original option list and confirm installed features.
If ACC is present, the system will typically provide adjustable following-distance settings and engage automatically to maintain speed and distance on supported roads, within the system’s limitations.
How Adaptive Cruise Control works on the F-150
On the 2018 F-150, ACC uses radar sensors mounted near the front of the vehicle to monitor traffic ahead. When activated, you set a desired speed and following distance. The system then automatically adjusts throttle and may apply braking to maintain the set distance from the vehicle ahead, slowing the truck in slower traffic and accelerating back to the desired speed when the road is clear.
Limitations and caveats
Adaptive Cruise Control is a convenience feature that does not replace attentive driving. It may be limited by weather, road conditions, and sensor obstructions (such as ice, snow, heavy rain, or debris). ACC may not detect stalled or very slow vehicles in certain scenarios, and it may not work properly on winding roads, construction zones, or in congested traffic where lane changes occur frequently. Always be prepared to take control of the vehicle and maintain safe following distances.
Summary
In brief, the 2018 Ford F-150 could be equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, but only on higher trims with the appropriate Driver Assist/Safety package. It was not a standard feature on the base model. If you’re evaluating a used 2018 F-150, verify ACC via the window sticker, build sheet, or dealer records to confirm its presence and know how it’s configured for that specific vehicle.
