How do I know if my truck has adaptive cruise control?
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is present when your truck can automatically adjust its speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. You’ll usually see dedicated ACC controls on the steering wheel, a front radar or camera sensor, and a driver‑assist option in the vehicle’s menus or documentation.
In this guide, you’ll learn practical ways to verify ACC in your pickup, including how the feature is labeled, where to look for hardware and software indicators, and how to confirm it through official sources or a dealership.
What adaptive cruise control is and how it appears in trucks
ACC uses sensors such as radar or cameras to monitor traffic ahead and automatically adjust throttle and braking to keep a preset following distance. Depending on the model and trim, ACC may also support stop-and-go driving or be part of a broader driver-assist package. The exact labeling and controls can vary by brand and year, so check for these common indicators described below.
How to determine whether your truck has ACC
ACC availability depends on trim level, optional packages, and model year. Use these practical checks to confirm whether your truck includes ACC:
- Look at the steering wheel for a cruise control cluster that includes an “Adaptive,” “ACC,” or a distance-setting button (often labeled Distance or Following Distance, or indicated by a car icon with lines).
- Check the instrument cluster or driver‑information display after enabling cruise control for an indicator such as “ACC” or a distance‑bar icon.
- Inspect the front end for a radar sensor or camera module. A visible radar unit behind the grille or bumper is a common sign of ACC hardware.
- Review the window sticker (Monroney label) or the vehicle brochure for “Adaptive Cruise Control” or “ACC” listed in Safety/Driver Assist features.
- Open the infotainment or instrument‑panel menus and look under Driver Assist or Cruise Control settings for an Adaptive Cruise Control option or a distance setting.
Conclusion: If you can find an ACC label on controls, a dash indicator, a front‑sensor, or documentation confirming Adaptive Cruise Control, your truck has ACC. If none of these indicators are present, you likely have conventional cruise control only.
Branding and terminology you might encounter
Manufacturers badge ACC with different names and package identifiers. Being aware of these terms can help you identify ACC even if the branding differs from your expectations.
For example, some common variations include adaptive cruise control with stop‑and‑go, radar‑based cruise control, or driver‑assist packages that bundle ACC with lane‑centering or other safety features. A quick check of the steering wheel controls, dash indicators, and documentation typically reveals which branding applies to your truck.
How to confirm ACC through documentation and dealer resources
In addition to on‑vehicle hardware and menus, you can verify ACC using official sources tied to your exact vehicle configuration:
- Inspect the window sticker or build sheet for “Adaptive Cruise Control” or “ACC” in the Safety or Driver Assist sections.
- Use the manufacturer’s official website or mobile app to enter your VIN and view included driver‑assist features, which often list ACC if equipped.
- Ask your dealer to provide a feature list or a printout that shows standard vs. optional equipment for your exact vehicle, including ACC availability.
Conclusion: Documentation from the manufacturer or dealer can definitively confirm whether ACC is installed on your truck.
Practical tips for confirming ACC across brands
Because labeling and hardware placement vary, start with the steering wheel controls and dash indicators, then verify with official documentation. If you’re still unsure, a quick VIN lookup or a call to the dealership can provide a definitive answer.
Safety and testing considerations
When testing ACC, do so only in a safe, controlled environment. Rely on ACC gradually and remain ready to take over—do not use ACC in heavy traffic, complex roadways, or poor weather until you’re familiar with how it behaves in your truck.
Summary
Adaptive cruise control is common in modern pickups and is usually detectable through dedicated steering‑wheel controls, dash indicators, front‑end sensors, and documentation. To determine whether your specific truck has ACC, check the steering wheel for ACC/Distance controls, observe any ACC indicators on the instrument cluster, inspect the front for radar/camera hardware, and review the window sticker or manufacturer resources (via VIN) for confirmation. When in doubt, consult your dealer to verify ACC status and options for your exact vehicle.
Which Silverado models have adaptive cruise control?
What advanced safety features are included in the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500? The 2025 Silverado 1500 has many safety features. These include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
How do I tell if my truck has adaptive cruise control?
The icon on the dash for adaptive is different from the regular cruise icon. That's the only tell, and long pressing the cruise cancel and seeing if ``adaptive cruise mode'' text come up is the only way to see if you have it installed, other than the sticker or running the VIN/door tag for option codes.
Which F150 package has adaptive cruise control?
Regarding optional systems, the XLT can be furnished with a dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control system, an 8-inch productivity screen, intelligent adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera package, and power-adjustable pedals.
Which trucks have adaptive cruise control?
Many modern trucks come with adaptive cruise control, including the Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Ram 1500. Other models like the Ford Ranger, Nissan Titan, and various GMC and Chevrolet models also offer this feature. Adaptive cruise control can be a standard or optional feature depending on the truck's trim level and model year.
This video demonstrates the adaptive cruise control system in a Volvo truck: 58sVolvo TrucksYouTube · Jun 14, 2024
Full-size trucks
- Toyota Tundra: Offers adaptive cruise control, often cited as a top feature.
- Ford F-150: Includes adaptive cruise control as an available option, with some trims offering "stop-and-go" functionality.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Adaptive cruise control is available on many models, including the Silverado 1500.
- GMC Sierra 1500: Adaptive cruise control is an available option on this model.
- Ram 1500: Offers adaptive cruise control as a feature on various models.
- Nissan Titan: Also includes adaptive cruise control.
Other trucks
- Ford Ranger: Available with adaptive cruise control that can automatically adjust speed and even stop the truck.
- Chevrolet Models: Chevrolet offers adaptive cruise control on several trucks and SUVs, including the Tahoe and Traverse.
- GMC Models: Besides the Sierra 1500, GMC offers adaptive cruise control on other vehicles, such as the Canyon and Sierra HD.
