What year did Lexus add adaptive cruise control?
Lexus first added adaptive cruise control (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, DRCC) in 2003, starting with the LS 430, and the feature has since spread across most Lexus models as part of the brand’s evolving safety systems.
Adaptive cruise control uses radar to automatically adjust speed to keep a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Over the years, Lexus has integrated DRCC with other safety technologies, enhancing its capabilities beyond simple speed matching into a broader driver-assistance suite.
What the technology does
DRCC maintains a set speed while automatically adjusting throttle and braking to hold a chosen distance from the car in front. In many applications, it can bring the car to a complete stop and resume driving when traffic allows, depending on model and system configuration.
Initial introduction and expansion
The earliest known Lexus model to offer adaptive cruise control was the 2003 LS 430. In the years that followed, the technology spread to additional models such as crossovers and sedans, and by the 2010s it became a common feature across most new Lexus vehicles, frequently bundled within the Lexus Safety System+ or similar packages. In recent years, DRCC has continued to evolve and is often standard on newer models.
Summary
Summary: Lexus rolled out adaptive cruise control in 2003 with the LS 430 and has since integrated the feature widely across its lineup, aligning it with broader safety systems and evolving capabilities.
Does the 2017 Lexus RX 350 have adaptive cruise control?
The big news for 2017 is that the Lexus Safety System+ is now standard equipment and includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-keeping assist.
Does Lexus have adaptive cruise control?
Yes, Lexus has adaptive cruise control, which is known as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). It has been a standard feature on all Lexus vehicles since the 2020 model year as part of the Lexus Safety System+ suite. DRCC uses radar and camera sensors to automatically adjust your vehicle's speed and maintain a set following distance from the vehicle ahead.
You can watch this video to learn how to use Lexus Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: 59sDietrich's Car ChannelYouTube · Mar 20, 2023
How it works
- Detects and adjusts: The system uses a grille-mounted radar and an in-vehicle camera to detect the vehicle in front of you. It then automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a set following distance.
- Maintains speed: It can maintain a constant speed, but it will slow down and speed up to match the flow of traffic.
- Adjustable following distance: You can adjust the following distance to be short, medium, or long, depending on your preference.
- Full-speed range: Some newer systems, like Full-Speed Range DRCC, can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then resume when the vehicle ahead starts to move again.
Important considerations
- Not a substitute for driver attention: The system is a driver-assist feature, not a self-driving system. You should always pay attention to the road and keep your hands on the steering wheel.
- Doesn't read all signs: The system does not read traffic lights or stop signs, so you must be prepared to take control when approaching them.
- Environmental limitations: It is not recommended to use the system in heavy rain or icy conditions, as it may not perform as expected.
- Other vehicle shapes: The system may not work as expected when following unusually shaped vehicles, such as motorcycles or large trucks.
What year did the adaptive cruise come out?
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) emerged in the 1990s, with early versions appearing in Japan starting in 1992, but it wasn't until 1999 that a radar-based system capable of applying brakes was introduced in the U.S. market by Mercedes-Benz with the Distronic system.
- 1992: Mitsubishi launched a lidar-based "distance warning" system in Japan, which only warned the driver, but did not control the vehicle's speed.
- 1995: Mitsubishi introduced a "Preview Distance Control" that could control speed via the throttle and downshifting, but still could not apply the brakes.
- 1997: Toyota offered a similar laser-based system on its Celsior in Japan that could control speed but not braking.
- 1999: Mercedes-Benz introduced the first radar-assisted ACC with braking capability, called Distronic, on the S-Class and CL-Class in Europe. Jaguar also launched a radar-based ACC system that year.
- 2000: Toyota brought a laser-based ACC system to the U.S. market.
- 2005: The first American radar-based system that could also brake was introduced on the Toyota Avalon.
What year did Lexus come out with 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+) |
