Most California drivers find that the constantly changing traffic makes traditional cruise control ineffective—when was the last time you drove more than five minutes at a consistent speed on any freeway? Enter adaptive cruise which sets a maximum speed and monitors the traffic in front of you to maintain a safe speed based on real-time traffic.

Simply switch on the adaptive cruise control and put in the maximum speed you want to drive and the distance at which you’re comfortable following other cars. As long as there’s no one in front of you the car will maintain that speed without any driver input. When you inevitably come across a slower vehicle, or even stop and go traffic, the vehicle will automatically brake and accelerate to keep up with traffic. (For more on active crash prevention technology, see Should your next car have a crash prevention system?)

How does adaptive cruise control work?

Adaptive cruise control uses a small radar (or laser) unit under the front grill or bumper that measures the distance to the vehicle in front of you. Many automakers will actually use two radars—one for close range and a second for vehicles that are farther out. The system uses this information to calculate distance and speed of the vehicle ahead and react to any changes to maintain a safe driving gap.

In the event the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, the system will either alert the driver or, in some cases, apply the brakes to prevent an accident.

If this all sounds a lot like a self-driving car, that’s because it is. Adaptive cruise control is one of the many features that enable self-driving cars to function safely.

Is adaptive cruise control worth the cost?

Adaptive cruise control systems can easily add a couple thousand dollars to the price of the vehicle. If you absolutely love having the latest technology in your car, it can be a must have. For speed demons who tend to collect tickets, adaptive cruise control can easily pay for itself in the cost of the tickets and the decrease in insurance rates. Finally for parents or other drivers with ongoing distractions, the system can provide peace of mind and potentially prevent accidents.

Which vehicles offer adaptive cruise control?

As of the time of writing, adaptive cruise control is offered as a standard or optional feature on these vehicles.

Acura Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow

Acura’s adaptive cruise control is available as part of the Advance Package on the MDX, and the AcuraWatch package on the ILX, TLX, and RLX

Audi Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go

Audi’s adaptive cruise control is available on most models as part of the Advanced Technology Package or Driver Assistance Package.

BMW Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function

BMW’s adaptive cruise control is available on most models as part of the ACC Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant addition to the Driver Assistance Plus package.

Buick Adaptive Cruise Control

Buick’s adaptive cruise control is available on the Regal and LaCrosse

Cadillac Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Speed Range

Cadillac’s adaptive cruise control is an option on the ATS and XTS.

Chevrolet Adaptive Cruise Control

Chevy’s adaptive cruise control is available on the Suburban, Tahoe, and Impala.

Dodge Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop

Dodge’s adaptive cruise control is available on most vehicles as part of the Technology Group.

Ford Adaptive Cruise Control

Ford’s adaptive cruise control is an optional upgrade on most models.

GMC Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Automatic Braking

GMC’s adaptive cruise control is available on most of the higher end editions of its SUVs.

Honda Adaptive Cruise Control

Honda’s adaptive cruise control is included as part of the higher end editions of most models.

Hyundai Smart Cruise Control

Hyundai’s adaptive cruise control is an option on the Genesis and Equus.

Infiniti Intelligent Cruise Control with Brake Assist

Infiniti’s adaptive cruise control is available as part of the Technology or Driver Assistance packages on most models.

Jeep Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go

Jeep’s adaptive cruise control is available on select Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models.

Land Rover Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist

Land Rover’s adaptive cruise control is available on select Range Rover, Ranger Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque and LR4 models.

Lexus Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Lexus’ adaptive cruise control is part of the Pre-Collision System on most models.

Mazda Radar Cruise Control

Mazda’s adaptive cruise is available as part of the s Grand Touring Package on the Mazda3, Grand Touring Technology package on the Mazda6, and the Grand Touring i-ACTIVSENSE package of the CX-5.

Mercedes-Benz DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist

Mercedes-Benz’ adaptive cruise control is available as part of the Driver Assistance Package or Lane Tracking Package on most models.

Nissan Intelligent Cruise Control

Nissan’s adaptive cruise control is standard on the Maxima Platinum and available as part of the Platinum Technology Package on the Murano Platinum.

Porsche Adaptive Cruise Control with Porsche Active Safe

Porsche’s adaptive cruise control is available as an option on most models.

Subaru Adaptive Cruise Control

Subaru’s adaptive cruise control is inclued in its EyeSight suite of active safety features. EyeSight is available on select Impreza, XV Crosstrek, Legacy, Forester and Outback models.

Toyota Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Toyota’s adaptive cruise control is offered as part of the Technology package on select models.

Volvo Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Distance Alert

Volvo’s is available as part of the Technology Package on the S80 and V60 or in the Convenience Package the XC90.

Whether or not you want adaptive cruise control in your new vehicle, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.