What year did Chevy start adaptive cruise control?
Chevrolet began offering adaptive cruise control in the mid-2010s, with initial availability on select models around 2015, and it has since expanded to more vehicles in its lineup. Availability varies by year, model, and trim.
What adaptive cruise control is and why it matters
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) combines traditional cruise control with radar or camera sensors to automatically adjust a vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead. For Chevrolet buyers, ACC is part of a broader suite of driver-assistance features designed to reduce fatigue on long drives and improve safety in varying traffic conditions. Availability is typically tied to higher trim levels or optional safety packages and can vary by market and model year.
How it works
In practice, ACC uses sensors to monitor traffic and automatically speeds up or slows down to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle in front. If traffic slows, the system decelerates; if the road clears, it accelerates back to the preset speed. Some setups also integrate braking assistance and stop-and-go capability on certain models.
Timeline: When Chevy started offering adaptive cruise control
Below is a rough timeline illustrating when ACC began appearing in Chevrolet's lineup and how its availability expanded over time.
- 2015: First introduction of adaptive cruise control on select Chevrolet models as part of Driver Confidence or similar packages; availability was limited to specific trims and regions.
- 2016–2017: Expanded availability to more models and trims, typically bundled with other driver-assistance features such as Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist.
- 2019–2020: ACC becomes available on a broader set of SUVs and trucks in higher trims (e.g., Equinox, Traverse, Tahoe, and Silverado) and in some sedans as options in Driver Assist packages.
- 2021–2024: ACC offered more broadly across the Chevrolet lineup, often included in dedicated Safety or Driver Assist packages and on multiple trim levels, depending on model and market.
This timeline reflects Chevrolet's gradual rollout of ACC across its model range, with variations by model year and region. For exact availability, buyers should consult Chevrolet's official brochures or a local dealer for the specific model-year and trim.
Current availability by model (examples)
The following are representative examples of Chevrolet models that have offered adaptive cruise control in recent years. Always verify by model year and trim, as features change with redesigns and packages.
- Chevrolet Equinox: ACC available on higher trims or when equipped with a Driver Confidence/Driver Assist package in recent model years.
- Chevrolet Traverse: ACC available on upper trims as part of Driver Assist or Safety packages.
- Chevrolet Tahoe: ACC offered on higher trims within Safety/Driver Assist packages; availability varies by year.
- Chevrolet Silverado: ACC offered on select trims with Driver Assist/Safety packages; check specific year and configuration.
- Chevrolet Malibu (where offered): ACC included on certain trims as part of driver-assistance options.
Consumers should note that the precise trim level and options required for ACC can differ by model year and market. Dealer documentation is the best source for confirmation.
What this means for Chevy buyers
For shoppers, the key takeaway is that adaptive cruise control is no longer a rare add-on — it’s become common on many newer Chevrolet vehicles, typically available within higher trims or optional safety packages. If ACC is a priority, check the vehicle’s feature list for the exact year, trim, and package name, and consider a test drive with ACC engaged to understand how it operates on highway routes.
Summary
Chevrolet began offering adaptive cruise control in the mid-2010s, with initial appearances around 2015 and a gradual expansion across models through the late 2010s and into the 2020s. Availability now varies by model and trim, but ACC is a common feature in many newer Chevrolets. Always verify current specs with a dealer or Chevrolet's official site for the exact model-year you are considering.
