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What is Fords driver-assist package?

Ford's driver-assist package is a suite of safety and convenience technologies built into Ford vehicles, primarily branded as Co-Pilot360 (the base suite) with upgrades like Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, and the optional BlueCruise hands-free highway driving feature. It aims to help monitor the road, aid braking and steering, and reduce fatigue on long trips, but it is not autonomous and requires the driver to stay attentive.

Overview of Ford's driver-assist lineup

Below is a snapshot of the core components typically included in Ford's Co-Pilot360 family, along with upgrades that add more advanced capabilities. Availability and exact features can vary by model year, trim level, and market.

Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Tour

Lane-Keeping System to help steer you back into your lane

Lane-Centering Assist on certain models and trims

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go on eligible models

Evasive Steering Assist to help you maneuver around a potential obstacle

Automatic High Beams for better visibility at night

Traffic Sign Recognition to display speed limits and other signs

Enhanced Park Assist or Active Park Assist for parallel or perpendicular parking

Rear View Camera with dynamic guidelines and, in some trims, a Surround or 360-degree view

Reverse Sensing System to aid when backing up

These features are designed to work together to improve safety and convenience. However, exact capabilities depend on the model, trim, and whether the vehicle has the base Co-Pilot360 or the more feature-rich Assist packages.

BlueCruise: Ford's hands-free highway driving

BlueCruise is Ford's optional hands-free driving technology for compatible highways. It is not available on every model and requires a selection of hardware, software activation, and road map data. When activated, it lets the car steer, accelerate, and brake on pre-qualified, mapped Interstate-style highways, but the driver must remain ready to take control at any time.

Hands-free driving on mapped, eligible highways on Ford BlueCruise-supported routes

Driver monitoring and readiness checks to ensure attention

Requires a BlueCruise software license/activation and compatible hardware

Updates and availability can vary by model year and market; activation is typically handled by the dealer or via OTA updates

BlueCruise represents Ford's approach to semi-autonomous highway driving, sitting above the standard safety aids in the Co-Pilot360 family and requiring explicit enablement and proper road conditions to operate.

Availability, activation, and model-year considerations

Ford packages these driver-assist technologies in different ways across models and years. The basic Co-Pilot360 suite is more widely standard or available at lower trims, while Assist 2.0 adds more advanced capabilities. BlueCruise is optional on eligible models and may require a separate license or subscription in some markets. Activation and pricing can vary by region and dealership, so buyers should confirm the exact features and costs for their chosen vehicle.

Co-Pilot360 is commonly standard or available across many new Ford models, with Assist 2.0 adding refined or additional features on higher trims

BlueCruise typically requires a paid option or software license and is offered on select models and trims

Availability and feature sets can differ by model year, country, and local regulations

Activation steps often involve selecting the package at purchase or via dealer software; some features may be activated or updated via over-the-air updates

Before shopping, verify which features are included on the exact build you’re considering, and confirm whether you’ll need to pay for upgrades or licenses to access the full driver-assist package.

Important safety notes and limitations

Ford’s driver-assist tools are designed to aid the driver, not replace them. These systems can help reduce the risk of collisions and fatigue, but they have limitations and can be defeated by road conditions, weather, or unusual driving situations. Always stay alert, keep hands on the wheel when required, and be prepared to take control if the system prompts you or if the road demands it.

Driver attention is still required; these features may not detect all obstacles or respond perfectly in all conditions

Performance can vary with weather, poor road markings, or complex urban traffic

Some features require clear lane markings or highway conditions to function optimally

Activation and use may be restricted by local laws or road types in certain regions

Understanding these nuances will help you use Ford's driver-assist technology more safely and effectively, complementing your own driving judgment.

Bottom line for buyers and users

Ford’s driver-assist package blends a core set of safety aids with optional advanced systems like BlueCruise for highway autonomy. When shopping, pay close attention to the exact feature set on the trim you’re considering, and be mindful of the ongoing costs and activation requirements for upgrades. If you value enhanced highway driving assistance or comprehensive active safety features, look for vehicles marketed with Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 and the BlueCruise option on your preferred Ford model.

Summary

Ford’s driver-assist offerings center on Co-Pilot360—the standard safety suite—augmented by Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 for more advanced capabilities, and the optional BlueCruise for hands-free highway driving on eligible routes. Availability, exact features, and costs vary by model year, trim, and market, so prospective buyers should verify what’s included on their chosen vehicle and understand that these systems are driver aids requiring ongoing attention and responsibility behind the wheel.

What is the Ford Driver Assist package?

Depending on the model and trim, the Ford driver assistance pack may include: BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert - Alerts you when vehicles are detected in your blind spots or approaching from the side. Lane-Keeping System - Monitors road markings and helps keep you centered in your lane.

What is the difference between Ford co Pilot360 and assist?

Ford Co-Pilot360 provides essential safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist, while Co-Pilot360 Assist includes these plus more advanced driver-assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering for highway and traffic driving. Essentially, Assist is a more comprehensive, premium version of the standard package with features aimed at increasing both convenience and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
This video explains the features of Ford Co-Pilot360: 53sGrant SchubertYouTube · Feb 11, 2019
Ford Co-Pilot360
This is the standard, more affordable package that includes fundamental safety features. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking, Lane-keeping system, Automatic high beams, and Rearview camera.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist
This is an upgraded package that adds more advanced features for enhanced convenience and semi-autonomous driving, especially on highways. It includes all features from Co-Pilot360 and adds:

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead in both highway and traffic conditions.
Lane Centering: Keeps the vehicle centered in its lane while adaptive cruise control is active.
Evasive Steering Assist: Provides steering support to help drivers avoid a collision if an obstacle is detected.
Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control: Includes additional features like speed sign recognition and predictive speed assist.
Traffic sign recognition

This video explains the difference between Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ and Assist 2.0: 38sJeff Belzer Auto GroupYouTube · Apr 30, 2025
Which one should you choose?

Choose Ford Co-Pilot360 if: You want a more budget-friendly option that includes essential safety features to help prevent accidents.
Choose Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist if: You frequently drive on highways or in heavy traffic and want the added convenience and safety of adaptive cruise control and lane centering to reduce driving fatigue.

This video explains Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist and Assist 2.0: 1mAutoMotive InquiriesYouTube · Jul 30, 2024

Do I have to pay for Ford roadside assistance?

Ford Roadside Assistance is a complimentary offering to all Ford owners for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles (from the date of sale), whichever comes first. FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a free download. Message and data rates may apply.

Is the driver assist package worth it?

However, by adding the Driver Assistance Package, your vehicle works harder to prevent accidents in hard-to-see places, primarily through guidance tools like Active Assists. It also helps reduce the severity of accidents through the PRE-SAFE® collision-bracing tools.

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.