What is Lexus adaptive cruise control?
Lexus adaptive cruise control is Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), a driver-assistance feature that automatically adjusts your vehicle’s speed to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
In Lexus models, DRCC is part of the broader Lexus Safety System+ package. It uses forward radar and a camera to monitor traffic, maintaining a pre-set following distance and, in newer versions, capable of stop-and-go operation in traffic jams and integrated lane-keeping aids. This article explains what it does, how it works, and what to expect across recent Lexus models.
What it does and how it works
Below are the core capabilities and how they function in practice. The list describes features common to most recent Lexus Safety System+ versions, with note of variations by year and trim.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) uses a forward radar sensor and a camera to detect vehicles ahead and measure distance and relative speed, enabling automatic speed adjustments.
- It maintains a driver-selected following distance by adjusting throttle and braking to match the pace of nearby traffic.
- All-speed or near-all-speed capability is available on many newer Lexus models, allowing the system to operate in city traffic and highway conditions, including stop-and-go scenarios.
- In compatible models, DRCC can work with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) to help keep the car centered in its lane on highways, providing added steering support under driver supervision.
- It can be overridden or disengaged by the driver at any time by applying the brake, pressing the cancel button, or turning off the system.
DRCC is designed to reduce fatigue on long drives, especially in congested traffic, but it is not a replacement for attentive driving. Weather conditions, road markings, and debris can affect sensor performance and the system’s behavior.
How to use DRCC
Here is how operation typically works in recent Lexus models. Controls and capabilities can vary by year and trim, so consult your owner’s manual for specifics.
- Activate the cruise control system by pressing the cruise button on the steering wheel when you are at or above your desired speed.
- Set your desired speed using the set/accelerate controls.
- Choose a following distance using the distance setting or stalk/button, selecting from several gaps based on how closely you want the car to track the vehicle ahead.
- In models with stop-and-go DRCC, maintain the system on in traffic; the car will slow to a stop and resume automatically when traffic advances, if conditions allow.
- To cancel, use the brake pedal or press the cancel button; to resume, press the resume/accel control or re-accelerate manually.
- If you need to change lanes, use the turn signal; in cars equipped with Lane Change Assist, the system may assist with lane changes, but you should always remain aware and ready to take full manual control.
Always ensure you are in a safe environment to use DRCC. The system is intended to support driving, not replace it, and it relies on sensors that can be affected by weather, road conditions, and dirt on the sensors.
Safety considerations, limitations and variations
DRCC and related features have evolved across generations and trims. The following points summarize common limitations and how they vary by model year:
- Sensor reliability depends on clear access to the radar and camera; snow, rain, ice, dirt, or glare can degrade performance.
- Some older Lexus models offer DRCC with speed-control and following-distance adjustments but without full stop-and-go capability.
- Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Change Assist are optional or limited on certain trims and require appropriate road markings and driver supervision.
- DRCC does not detect all objects or conditions (pedestrians in certain scenarios, sudden stationary obstacles, or complex merge situations), so drivers must stay alert and ready to intervene.
Understanding your vehicle’s specific configuration is important, as features and capabilities can differ between model years and packages like Lexus Safety System+ versus Safety System+ 2.x or 3.x.
Summary
Lexus adaptive cruise control, primarily realized as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, is a sophisticated driver-assistance system that automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. In newer models, it can handle stop-and-go traffic and work with lane-keeping aids to reduce fatigue on longer journeys. However, it is not a substitute for driver attention, and performance can vary with weather, road conditions, and sensor cleanliness. Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific capabilities and limitations.
What's the difference between cruise control and adaptive cruise control?
The main difference is that cruise control maintains a set speed, while adaptive cruise control (ACC) automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a preset distance from the car in front. ACC uses sensors like radar or cameras to monitor traffic, slowing down when a slower vehicle is detected and speeding up again to the set speed when the road is clear.
You can watch this video to learn what adaptive cruise control is and how it works: 48sCarMaxYouTube · Sep 13, 2023
Cruise Control
- Function: Sets and maintains a constant speed that you select.
- Traffic: Does not react to other vehicles. The driver must manually brake or accelerate if traffic slows down.
- Ideal use: Mostly for highway driving where traffic flow is consistent and not congested.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Function: Sets a maximum speed and a following distance. It automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to match the flow of traffic ahead.
- Traffic: Senses and reacts to the vehicle in front, slowing down and speeding up to maintain the set distance.
- Ideal use: Highway and stop-and-go traffic, as it reduces the need for constant manual adjustments. Some advanced systems can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then re-engage, while others may require the driver to re-engage after stopping.
Key takeaway
- Cruise Control = Set speed: The car holds the speed you set.
- Adaptive Cruise Control = Set speed AND set distance: The car holds the speed you set, but also adjusts it to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
What year Lexus is has adaptive cruise control?
Vehicle models supporting adaptive cruise control
| Make | Full speed range ACC |
|---|---|
| Models | |
| Land Rover | Range Rover (L405) (2013+) |
| Lincoln | Continental (2017+), MKZ (2017+) |
| Lexus | LS 460 (2006+), GS hybrid (2013+), NX (2015+), NX hybrid (2015+), GS non-hybrid (2016+), RX (2016+), RX hybrid (2016+), UX (2019+), ES (2019+) |
What are the disadvantages of adaptive cruise control?
Despite its benefits, adaptive cruise control has important limitations that drivers must understand. The system may not detect stationary objects, such as construction barriers or broken-down vehicles. It can also struggle with motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians that suddenly enter the roadway.
What are you not allowed to do when using adaptive cruise control?
WARNING: Do not use the adaptive cruise control when entering or leaving a highway, on roads with intersections or roundabouts or non-vehicular traffic or roads that are winding, slippery, unpaved, or steep slopes. WARNING: Do not use the system in poor visibility, for example fog, heavy rain, spray or snow.
