What year did Honda have blind spot detection?
Honda began offering blind-spot detection in the early 2010s, with LaneWatch (a camera-based system) appearing on select models around 2010–2012 and radar-based Blind Spot Information System (BSI) joining the lineup roughly in 2014–2015 as part of Honda Sensing. By the late 2010s, the technology became common across most Honda cars and SUVs.
Background: What blind-spot detection means for Honda
In Honda's lineup, blind-spot detection can refer to two overlapping approaches. LaneWatch uses a camera mounted in the passenger-side mirror to display a live view of the blind spot on the infotainment screen. The radar-based Blind Spot Information System (BSI) is part of Honda Sensing and uses sensors to alert the driver to vehicles in either side blind spot, typically with visual cues and audio alerts to assist with lane changes.
LaneWatch: The camera-based early system
LaneWatch marked Honda's first foray into blind-spot monitoring. It provided a live camera view of the passenger side blind spot on the dashboard display, offering a unique alternative to radar-based alerts and giving drivers additional situational awareness on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
BSI and Honda Sensing: Radar-based blind-spot detection
As part of the broader Honda Sensing suite, radar-based blind-spot information was introduced on more models in the mid-to-late 2010s. This system relies on rear-side sensors to warn drivers of vehicles in either blind spot and can influence warning signals during lane changes.
Timeline: When Honda rolled out blind-spot detection
Below is a rough timeline showing the transition from early camera-based systems to radar-based detection and the expansion across Honda models.
- Early 2010s: LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitor, begins appearing on select Honda models (first visible on some Civics and other models around 2010–2012).
- Mid-2010s: Radar-based Blind Spot Information System (BSI) is added as part of Honda Sensing on several models (roughly 2014–2015), expanding beyond initial trials.
- Late 2010s: Availability broadens to more Honda models, including CR-V, Civic, Accord, Pilot, and HR-V (by 2017–2018 in many markets).
- 2019 onward: Honda Sensing becomes standard on most new Hondas in North America, bringing blind-spot detection to a wider audience.
In practice, Honda's blind-spot technology evolved from a camera-first approach to a radar-integrated system within Honda Sensing, aligning with industry trends toward more comprehensive driver-assistance suites.
Current status and what to expect today
Today, blind-spot detection on most new Hondas in North America is part of the standard or widely available Honda Sensing package, though exact features can vary by trim and market. Some models still offer LaneWatch in certain markets or trims as an alternative to radar-based BSI.
Summary
Honda introduced blind-spot detection gradually, starting with LaneWatch in the early 2010s and expanding to radar-based BSI as part of Honda Sensing by the mid-2010s. By the late 2010s, most Honda models offered some form of blind-spot detection, with continued emphasis on safety technology into the present day.
