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How can I tell if I have adaptive cruise control?

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an advanced driver assistance feature that automatically adjusts a vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front. If your car is equipped with ACC, it can make highway driving more convenient and safer. Here's how you can tell if your vehicle has this technology.

What is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise control is an enhancement to the standard cruise control system found in many vehicles. While regular cruise control maintains a constant speed set by the driver, ACC uses sensors to detect the speed and distance of the car in front. It then automatically adjusts your vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance, slowing down or speeding up as needed.

ACC systems typically use radar, laser, or camera sensors to monitor the road ahead. When the system detects a slower-moving vehicle in your lane, it will automatically reduce your speed to maintain a safe gap. Once the lane is clear, the system will accelerate your car back to the preset cruise control speed.

How to Identify Adaptive Cruise Control

Here are some ways to tell if your vehicle is equipped with adaptive cruise control:

Look for ACC-specific controls on your steering wheel or dashboard. Many cars with ACC have dedicated buttons or switches to turn the system on and off, as well as controls to adjust the following distance.

Check your owner's manual. The manual should clearly indicate if your vehicle has adaptive cruise control as a standard or optional feature.

Observe the dashboard display. When ACC is engaged, you may see indicators on the instrument cluster showing the system is active and the distance to the vehicle ahead.

Try it out on the highway. If your car has ACC, you should be able to activate the system and observe it automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe following distance.

Knowing whether your vehicle has adaptive cruise control can help you take full advantage of this convenient and safety-enhancing technology on the road.

How do I know if my car has adaptive cruise control?

You can tell if your car has adaptive cruise control by looking for a dedicated button on the steering wheel that adjusts the following distance, checking the dashboard for a specific icon (often a speedometer with a car in front of it), or by inspecting the front bumper for a sensor or radar system. Another method is to check your vehicle's original window sticker or owner's manual to see if it was part of a driver-assistance package.
This video demonstrates how to use adaptive cruise control, including adjusting the following distance: 48sCadillacYouTube · Apr 11, 2023
Check your steering wheel

Look for a distance control button: Adaptive cruise control systems have a button on the steering wheel, often with an icon of a car and bars, that allows you to adjust the following distance.
Look for specific buttons: Some systems have a dedicated button to switch between regular and adaptive cruise control, or buttons to adjust following distance that are often located on the left or right side of the steering wheel.

Check your dashboard

Look for the icon: When activated, a specific adaptive cruise control icon will appear on your dashboard or head-up display. It often looks like a speedometer with a car on top of it, or an arc with a small triangle through it.
Check the icon's color: Some systems show a white icon when the feature is on and ready, which changes to green when it is actively maintaining a set speed and following distance.

This video shows the adaptive cruise control icon on the dashboard and how it changes when engaged: 58sDean Cooley GMYouTube · Jan 23, 2023
Inspect the front of your car

Look for a sensor: Many systems use a radar sensor to detect vehicles ahead, which is often located behind the front grille or emblem.
Look for a "radar" sensor: Some manufacturers place a square-shaped radar sensor behind the front license plate.
Check the emblem: Some emblems have a more "bubble-like" appearance to house the sensor for adaptive cruise control.

Consult your car's documentation

Check the owner's manual: The owner's manual will clearly state if the vehicle is equipped with adaptive cruise control and how to use it.
Look up your VIN: You can input your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into an online checker to see the original window sticker, which lists all the original features and options, including adaptive cruise control.
Look up your vehicle's packages: Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if your trim level includes a specific driver-assistance package that bundles adaptive cruise control with other features like blind-spot monitoring or lane-keeping assist.

You can watch this video to learn how to find information about your vehicle's features: 16sEden Motor GroupYouTube · Sep 5, 2023

What models have adaptive cruise control?

Many modern cars, including a wide variety of models from brands like Subaru, Ford, Tesla, Toyota, Honda, and Chevrolet, have adaptive cruise control (ACC). It is now standard on many new vehicles, especially on higher trims or in recent model years, but it is also available on some budget-friendly and entry-level cars.

Examples of models with adaptive cruise control

Subaru: Most models like the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Impreza have it as part of the standard EyeSight safety system.
Ford: Available on many models, including the Mustang, Ranger, Transit, and Super Duty trucks starting in 2020, as well as the Edge and Explorer.
Tesla: Standard on models like the Model 3.
Toyota: Features are available on many models, including the Corolla, RAV4, and Camry, and some trims of affordable cars like the Kicks and C-HR.
Honda: Available on models such as the Accord, CR-V, and Ridgeline, typically as part of the Honda Sensing suite.
Chevrolet: Offered on many trucks and SUVs, including the Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, and Traverse.
Other brands: Many other manufacturers also offer adaptive cruise control on various models, such as Audi, BMW, Genesis, and Alfa Romeo.

How to find out if your car has it

Check the trim level: ACC is often standard on higher-end trims.
Look for the controls: Check the steering wheel for buttons that look like a car with a speedometer, and a "+" and "-" symbol to set the speed.
Consult the manual: The owner's manual will have specific information about your car's features.
Search online: Search for "[Your Car Year and Model] adaptive cruise control" for detailed information.

What does adaptive cruise control look like?

Bring it to a complete stop if there is a traffic signal that sort of thing. So just keep that in mind this is not self-driving you still need to pay attention.

How do I turn on my adaptive cruise control?

To turn on adaptive cruise control, press the cruise control ON/OFF button on the steering wheel, then accelerate to your desired speed and press the SET button. After setting the speed, you can release the accelerator, and the system will activate, indicated by a white icon in the instrument cluster, which may turn green once the system is fully engaged and a following distance is set.
This video demonstrates how to turn on and use adaptive cruise control: 56sHondaYouTube · Aug 7, 2023
Step 1: Turn on the system

Press the "On/Off" or "Cruise" button on your steering wheel to power the system.
A white adaptive cruise control icon should appear on your dashboard or head-up display.

Step 2: Set your desired speed

Drive to your desired speed.
Press the "Set" button (sometimes labeled "SET+" or indicated with a down arrow).
You can now remove your foot from the accelerator.

This video shows how to adjust the speed and distance with adaptive cruise control: 59sCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Mar 17, 2024
Step 3: Adjust the following distance

Use the steering wheel controls to select your desired following distance.
Pressing the button with a car and lines on it will cycle through different gap settings, indicated by bars on your dashboard display.

Step 4: Resume and cancel

To resume: after a temporary stop or deactivation, press the "Resume" button or tap the accelerator.
To cancel, press the brake, the "Cancel" button, or turn the system off completely.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.