Comparing Electric Vehicles with Self Driving Capabilities from Different Brands
Cars with Autopilot in 2024
The term autopilot has been used for decades within the aircraft industry, enabling pilots to reduce their cognitive load by allowing an aircraft to practically fly itself during cruising portions of the trip. The same is now happening as cars with autopilot are rapidly turning into more autonomous, self-driving vehicles, allowing drivers to let the cars drive themselves on certain portions of the trip, like freeways.
Tesla most famously branded its self-driving features as Autopilot, but many other automakers are now including similar self-driving and autonomous vehicle features as part of their driving assistance option packages.
This article provides a breakdown of cars with autopilot and who offers what, but first, well go through a bit of background and explanation of terms.
Self-Driving Car Levels: A Brief Overview
First, lets define exactly what constitutes autopilot-like features. Autonomous systems in cars and self-driving vehicles can take many different forms, from basic driver assistance features, like cruise control, to semi-autonomous, all the way to full self-driving capabilities. The industry even has a set of levels to help classify this automation.
| Level 0 | No automation |
| Level 1 | Semi-automated systems, like cruise control. |
| Level 2 | Semi-automated systems, like steering, speed and braking. |
| Level 3 | Automated driving in some conditions, driver available to take over |
| Level 4 | Automated driving in most conditions |
| Level 5 | Automated driving in all conditions |
Learn more about this by reading our article on SAE self-driving levels for cars and autonomous vehicles.
AutoPilot Definition
Autopilot is a generic term used in multiple industries, particularly aircraft, and generally means that something can guide itself without human intervention. In relation to cars in 2024, most mainstream carmakers are focused on, Level 2 autonomy. This level allows the vehicle to take over most steering, acceleration
That means, today, autopilot really means assisted driving and not self-driving since the driver still has to be alert and attentive at all times. It wont be until Level 4 or Level 5 fully autonomous cars hit the roads that the true promise of full self-driving will be a reality. Currently, thats not expected to happen until later in 2024 (although the team at Tesla is pushing hard to do so as soon as possible, as announced at Tesla Autonomy Day, since all new cars sold with Hardware 4 are much more powerful).
However, Mercedes Benz has released a Level 3 system for their 2024 S-Class and EQS Sedan models that will be available for use in certain states like California and Nevada on limited roads, certain stretches, and under certain conditions. Read more in the Mercedes Benz Drive Pilot Level 3 press release. Note this is a different strategy from Tesla, which is trying to make Autopilot and Full Self Driving available on all roads.
Learn more about autonomous Full Self-Driving capabilities that Tesla currently includes today.
Core AutoPilot Features
At a minimum, we define autopilot (Level 2) to include the following features for use on freeways and highways with controlled access (i.e., they have on-ramps and off-ramps and no-cross traffic intersections):
- Stop-and-Go Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Like traditional cruise control from the past, you set your speed and the car maintains that speed. However, with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the car uses radar and/or cameras to maintain a following distance from the car in front of you, automatically slowing down or speeding up, as needed.
- In addition, newer ACC systems are now able to slow down all the way to a stop and then automatically resume as traffic gets moving again. This is crucial for drivers who commute in heavy traffic urban environments.
- Automated, Lane-Centering (ALC)
- There are many systems that have whats called Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), but these systems usually just help nudge a car back towards the center of the lane if a driver drifts. For autopilot the vehicle should be able to keep itself centered in a lane and follow a freeway or highway lane, as long as the turns and curves are generally fairly mild (i.e. no sharp curves).
Other autopilot features that are useful, but not critical for the autopilot designation, are:
- Automated Lane Changes
- Automated Lane Changing allows a vehicle to automatically change lanes (on freeways) after the driver has initiated or approved a lane-change maneuver. It will only change lanes once its safe to do so (using built-in sensors to detect nearby cars).
- Autopilot on All Roads
- Currently, most autopilot systems are designed to primarily handle freeways and highways that are controlled access roads, meaning that they have on-ramps and off-ramps, so theres no possibility of cross-traffic, at an intersection, for example. Some systems allow Level 2 autopilot features to work on any road where the markings are clear, however, the driver must be fully engaged to watch for cross-traffic, stop signs and traffic lights.
- Follow Navigation Route (freeways only)
- This system requires allows the vehicle to automatically follow a navigation route on freeways only (on-ramp to off-ramp), change lanes (automatically, without needing to activate the turn signal) as needed, even handle freeway interchanges. Once the vehicle is off the freeway, the driver takes over again.
Presently only Tesla is able to achieve the additional three mentioned above with their Full Self-Driving and Enhanced Autopilot options on Hardware 2 vehicles.
Isnt This Just Automated Cruise Control with Lane Centering?
If you step back and look at the core of whats being provided, were really talking about automated cruise control with the ability to steer itself (keep the vehicle centered in the lane). However, the second part (steering) is critical and one of the most difficult tasks, which well explain below.
Lane Keeping Assist vs Automated Lane Centering (steering)
One of the most confusing aspects of choosing a good autopilot system is understanding the difference between whats often called Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and automated steering where the system is actually keeping the car centered at all times with no driver input (other than hands on the wheel, if the system requires it).
Almost all major car companies have some sort of LKA functionality, however, that usually means helping to move the vehicle back to the center of the lane if it drifts. Some systems are robust enough where you could keep your hands off the wheel for a short period of time so it feels like automated steering to a certain degree.
In reality, the future systems will be ones that can accurately identify the road and combine that with map data to ensure the car can steer itself on the road as good or better than a human driver. So far, only Tesla and GMs Super Cruise are able to do that, but only in certain conditions (e.g. the road only has mild curves).
The bottom line is, if you see Lane Keeping Assist, be sure to dig into that feature and test drive it on the freeway to understand whether it automatically keeps the system centered in the lane automatically, and how well it does it. The last thing you want is a false sense of security and have the car drift into another lane or off the road.
What About Basic Safety Features?
Most all cars that have autopilot-like features, also have fairly common automated safety systems included, called Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) within the industry. These core safety features include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) to avoid a front-end collision if a large object is detected ahead, in addition to collision warnings
- Blind Spot Monitoring to alert a driver if another car is in the blind spot
- Lane Departure Warning to alert the driver if they are drifting out of the lane
All these features are must-have today and you should double-check to ensure they are included with your vehicle and package options.
AutoPilot Technology Suppliers
Historically, most auto manufacturers have relied on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), like Mobileye, Delphi and Bosch, etc. to provide autopilot parts and technologies for their cars, including things like navigation systems. This allows the auto manufacturers to concentrate on developing and marketing the core cars themselves while other companies focus on specialized parts and technology.
Mobileye, which was purchased by Intel, is arguably the leading OEM in providing autopilot technology, via their EyeQ line of visual perception chips, to auto manufacturers. They famously provided Autopilot technology for the first-generation Tesla Model S vehicles that came with Enhanced Autopilot. Later, Tesla began to develop its own technology as Elon Musk wanted to push autonomous driving technology faster. Mobileye previously focused on perception technology (i.e. identifying objects) with its EyeQ chips and it was up to the manufacturers to integrate driving control hardware and software but now Mobileye is also beginning to offer full-stack autopilot solutions. Today Mobileye is providing autopilot-like technology to manufacturers such as Audi, BMW and Nissan via their EyeQ 4 and EyeQ 5 chipsets.
NVIDIA is close behind Mobileye in developing autopilot features. In fact, their latest ADAS system is termed Autopilot (see this article). NVIDIA comes from a gaming / AI chipset development background and rightfully believes that a more powerful AI-like system will be required in cars to achieve reliable full-self driving. They are supplying solutions to Volvo and Mercedes for their future vehicles.
Other startups and companies, like Cruise (GM), Aurora, Argo, and Zoox (now Amazon) are also gaining momentum, but are primarily focused on robo-taxis and are in testing phases rather than large-scale rollouts.
That said, many car manufacturers are developing their own technology as they feel its critical as a future differentiator. Tesla is most famous in this regard, having created a sophisticated Autopilot system using a neural network based on cameras. Toyota, Honda and Subaru have also created their own systems.
Why does it matter? Generally speaking, dedicated OEMs like Mobileye can innovate faster than auto manufacturers. However, some auto manufacturers like Tesla are innovating so quickly that they push over-the-air software updates to their cars, just like your smartphone. Most traditional auto manufacturers dont update software, requiring you to purchase a new model year instead.
Regardless, all manufacturers are beholden to regulatory approval before bringing new autonomous driving technology to the market.
DIY Autopilot
For those automotive enthusiasts and tech-savvy tinkerers who want cutting-edge autopilot features, there is another solution from comma.ai using the open-source openpilot software. This taps into newer-model vehicles with autopilot, like the ones below, but supercharges them with advanced machine learning and neural network capabilities.
Learn more about the Comma.ai openpilot solution and even check out the openpilot vs Tesla Autopilot to see how they compare.
Evaluating AutoPilot Quality
Most auto manufacturers claim to have some sort of self-driving capability, whether its basic Adaptive Cruise Control or Lane Keeping Assist, or a combination of both. However, simply having those features doesnt mean they work well.
These are generally the most important criteria for autopilot functionality:
- Availability Is the system available on all roads or only on certain roads or freeways (that have been previously mapped, for example)? Does it work on city streets and respond to traffic controls?
- Lane Centering Accuracy How well the vehicle tracks the lanes and stays centered without direct driver input is critical to a good autopilot system. Most systems today handle clearly marked freeways with mild turns, however, sharp turns and/or turns at higher speeds are usually not supported. This is NOT Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) that simply corrects the car back into the lane if it drifts.
- Smooth Acceleration and Deceleration Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has been around for a while, but ensuring the vehicle is able to maintain a reasonable distance and smoothly accelerate and decelerate is not always that easy, especially down to a full stop.
- Attentiveness Monitoring How does the system monitor attentiveness? Most check that your hands are on the wheel, but some also use cameras to check that your eyes are on the road.
- Emergency and Evasive Actions When youre traveling at freeway speeds, its critically important that the autopilot system can detect and ideally take evasive actions if the situation warrants it. This is probably the most difficult thing for an autopilot system to get right since there are so many different unexpected situations that can happen in the real world and is one of the reasons most systems require the driver to stay attentive at all times.
While we have not personally tested each system, the criteria above are what we watch out for in reviews and videos to understand how well each autopilot system performs.
Cars with AutoPilot Features
While there are many autopilot-like systems available from car manufacturers today, they are generally a combination of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). As mentioned previously LKA by itself only nudges a car back to the center of the lane, but does not keep it centered.
The cars below are ones that are generally considered the top cars with autopilot and do a good job automatically keeping a car centered in the lane.
Top Cars with AutoPilot features for 2024:
- Tesla (Model 3, Y, S & X)
- GM (Select GMC and Cadillac vehicles, Chevy Bolt, etc.)
- Audi (A6, A8, and more)
- BMW (X5, 3 Series and more)
- Ford / Lincoln (Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150)
- Kia / Hyundai (Telluride, Palisade, Sonata)
- Mercedes Benz (S-Class, E-Class, and more)
- Volvo (XC90, XC60, XC40)
- Nissan (Rogue, Leaf, etc.)
- Infiniti (QX50)
We go into more detail on each one below, so read on.
Tesla
Overview:Tesla has long been a leader in terms of autopilot functionality in cars, even calling their system Autopilot. Not only is their system one of the most sophisticated and accurate on the road, but its also continually updated over-the-air (just like your smartphone), so the vehicles just keep getting better and better.
What Its Called:Autopilot and Full-Self Driving options. For more information, read our detailed review on Tesla Autopilot and Full Self-Driving options.
Technology Used:Tesla uses eight cameras around the vehicle for a full 360 view, plus a front-facing radar and long-range ultrasonic sensors. However, they continually update this with changes like Tesla Vision. It uses a powerful machine learning computer (called the Full Self-Driving Computer, aka Hardware 3) which began rolling out in early 2019, and now an even more powerful system called Hardware 4 as part of newer vehicles.
Supported Models: All current Tesla vehicles (the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X) all support Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features as an option, AP2 and above. Older Tesla models (pre-2016) with AP1 have an older version of Autopilot that doesnt have all the current features.
Core Features:
- Availability Tesla Autopilot is available on most roads, including city streets, and can even respond to traffic controls with the optional Full Self-Driving package. That said, drivers must pay attention at all times and not use it inappropriately.
- Adaptive Cruise Control Full start and stop functionality. Excellent and generally smooth
acceleration anddeceleration . - Lane Centering Best-in-Class lane centering, called Autosteer and is able to work on a variety of roads.
- Lane Changing Automatic Lane Changing that works on most roads, including highways and multi-lane city streets.
Attentiveness Monitoring Hands on thewheel (alert if off more than ~ 15 seconds)- Other Features Navigate-on-Autopilot allows the system to navigate itself on freeways to a destination (on-ramp to off-ramp).
Verdict:The best of the best in terms of functionality, especially with the Full Self-Driving package that includes the ability to work on city streets and respond to traffic controls and has the Navigate-on-Autopilot feature, that automatically routes the vehicle on closed-access freeway systems (on-ramp to off-ramp). Tesla continually updates Autopilot with powerful features rolling out all the time. However, its so powerful it can be used almost anywhere, meaning its up to the driver to pay attention and use it properly as driver monitoring is only via the steering wheel.
General Motors
Overview:General Motors is arguably one of the top innovators in self-driving technology,
What Its Called:Super Cruise
Technology Used:Super Cruise packages a variety of technology from suppliers including Intels Mobileye platform, Trimble RTX for positioning, forward-facing cameras, side cameras, radar plus an internal camera from FOVIO for eye tracking.
Supported Models:
GMC Sierra 1500 Denali and Denali Ultimate, GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate, the GMC Hummer EV Pickup and SUV, the Cadillac Escalade, CT4, and CT5, the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, and Suburban, and the Cadillac LYRIQ. Theres also a limited version on the Chevy Bolt.
Core Features:
- Availability Limited to mapped US interstates
- Adaptive Cruise Control Full start and stop functionality
- Lane Centering Excellent (not available on Chevy Bolt)
- Attentiveness Monitoring Sophisticated eye-tracking using IR cameras
- Automated Lane Changes
Verdict:The Super Cruise system is at or right behind Tesla Autopilot in our opinion. While Tesla Autopilot is more powerful and sophisticated, the Super Cruise system is better suited to everyday drivers since it restricts use to freeways it has mapped in the US (most major ones) and strictly monitors driver attentiveness using eye-tracking, therefore limiting mistakes that can be made by drivers, particularly older drivers (Cadillacs primary demographic). The driver monitoring system is one of the reasons why Consumer Reports gives it the highest rating, even over Teslas Autopilot system.
Note: A future version, launching in 2024, called Ultra Cruise will be able to drive on a wider variety of streets and will be based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Ride platform.
VW/Audi/Porsche
Overview:The Volkswagen Group is the parent company of several brands, including VW, Audi, and Porsche. Audi has recently made aggressive moves into self-driving, including touting a Level 3 system in Europe which is unfortunately not yet in the US due to regulatory concerns. So, for now, autopilot functions in Audi are similar to others.
What Its Called:Active Lane Assist with Stop & Go (for higher speeds) and Traffic Jam Assist (for lower speeds). The future, Level 3 version will be hands-off in speeds under 37 MPH, will be called Traffic Jam Pilot. Its currently available in some other countries, but not yet in the US. Theres also a system called Adaptive Drive Assist for foreign markets.
Technology Used:Audi has recently made aggressive moves into self-driving, including the first Lidar unit in a consumer vehicle, the A8 (and now the A6 and Q8), in addition to its new zFAS controller that integrates sensor inputs into a single computing unit. They also work with Mobileye (EyeQ 4 chips) for perception inputs.
Supported Models: Audi A6, A8, Q8 and rolling out to additional models
Core Features:
- Availability Roads with clear markings on both sides. Active Lane assist works over 37 MPH, while Traffic Jam Assist works under 37 MPH
- Adaptive Cruise Control Full start and stop functionality, but must press resume if stopped for longer periods.
- Lane Centering Fair, more like Lane Keeping Assist
- Attentiveness Monitoring Hands on steering wheel
- Other Features Remote controlled parking on A6 and A8
Verdict:While Audi has been aggressively diving into advanced autonomous technologies, it hasnt yet translated into a usable product for the US thats anything beyond what other companies currently offer.
BMW
Overview:BMW has long had adaptive cruise control with rudimentary lane centering, but starting with certain 2019 models, they rolled out new technology.The system is not updated over the air and must be taken into the dealer for updates.
What Its Called:Driving Assistant Pro with Extended Traffic Jam Assistant
Technology Used:BMW utilizes the Mobileye EyeQ platform in the Driving Assistant package with control software from ZF, and on the newest models, the EyeQ 4 chip with a tri-focal camera set looking forward. It also has forward and rear radar sensors. With some options, it also includes an eye monitoring camera.
Supported Models: Available on select models, including BMW X5 7 and 3 series.
Core Features:
- Availability Up to 115 mph on roads with clear markings. Hands-free using eye sensor under 40 mph.
- Adaptive Cruise Control Full start and stop functionality
- Lane Centering Basic lane-centering / steering (however, reports of ping-ponging between lanes)
- Attentiveness Monitoring Eye-tracking
- Other Features Automatic lane changing upon driver request and clear surroundings.
Verdict:The BMW system is loaded with features but its lane centering (crucial for autopilot), leaves something to be desired and isnt nearly as robust as Teslas during our tests. That said, at low speeds (under 40mph) in freeway traffic, the hands-free option (using eye-monitoring) is a nice option.
Ford / Lincoln
Overview:Ford offers basic driver assistance with many of its current vehicles, like the Ford Explorer, called Co-Pilot 360, which includes basic stop-and-go Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with basic Automatic Lane Centering (ALC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). However, where things really get interesting will be with the upcoming Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0, now called BlueCruise coming in 2023 on the Mach-E and the Ford F-150. This will include more advanced, Tesla-like Autopilot capabilities.
What Its Called:Co-Pilot 360 todays basic system with ACC, LC and LKA functions.Co-Pilot 360 Plus Lincolns version upgraded slightly.Co-Pilot 360 2.0 (BlueCruise) rolling out in 2023/4 with optional Active Driver Assist that includes more sophisticated Autopilot-like features and requires a subscription.
Technology Used:Ford has partnered with Mobileye and utilizes the Mobileye EyeQ technology components.
Supported Models:2023 and later vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator that include the Co-Pilot 360 options have todays basic driver assistance. The newer Co-Pilot 360 2.0 with Active Driver Assist is making its way into the Mach-E and Ford F-150 and will have more robust Tesla Autopilot-like features.
Core Features:
- Availability Any road, well-marked lanes under good conditions.
- Adaptive Cruise Control Full start and stop functionality
- Lane Centering Good (doesnt handle sharp turns well)
- Attentiveness Monitoring Hands on steering wheel detection
- Other Features Speed Sign Recognition and automatic speed adjustment, Evasive Steering assist that will avoid collision with objects, if possible.
Verdict:Overall the Ford / Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 system as it stands today is a very capable Autopilot system. While the Lane Centering wont handle sharp turns, it does a great job on primarily straight roads with gentle curves. This system will definitely help with long commutes and freeway driving. The next version, Co-Pilot 360 2.0 / BlueCruise, coming with the Mach-E and Ford F-150 should be one to watch.
Kia / Hyundai
Overview:The Hyundai Motor Group and Kia Motors are jointly owned entities that produce distinct but similar vehicles using common platforms and parts. In 2019 Hyundai invested in self-driving startup Aurora, but that technology has not made it to public release yet. Currently, Kia and Hyundai offer Level 2 technology in some of their vehicles that is best-in-class outside of advanced systems like Tesla and GM Supercruise.
What Its Called:Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop and Go (SCC)Highway Drive Assist (HDA) combines LFA and SCC, plus automatically adjusts to speed limits
Technology Used:Currently, Hyundai / Kia used an in-house technology called HDA2 (Highway Driving Assist), but may in the future leverage technology from the Aurora investment. They also have worked with Intel / Mobileye in the past as well and likely use their EyeQ sensors.
Supported Models:Hyundai Palisade, Sonata, Kia Telluride, plus others.
Core Features:
- Availability Any road, well-marked lanes under good conditions.
- Adaptive Cruise Control Full start and stop functionality
- Lane Centering Excellent
- Attentiveness Monitoring Hands on steering wheel detection
- Other Features Automatic speed limit adjustment of freeways, Blind View Monitor which shows the side-view mirror camera if an obstacle is detected.
Verdict:The Hyundai and Kia Level 2 driving-assist implementations are incredibly impressive and have gotten very positive reviews so far, with many people comparing it favorably to Teslas Autopilot, at least as far as basic adaptive cruise control and lane centering is concerned (although it can not handle sharp turns). For someone looking for a system to take the edge of the daily commute, its worth considering.
Volvo
Overview
What Its Called:Pilot Assist (the latest version is technically Pilot Assist II)Future 2024 version will be called Ride Assist (or Highway Assist)
Technology Used:Volvo currently leverages the Mobileye EyeQ 3 platform and has a front-facing camera and radar (Delphis RaCAM Radar and Camera Sensor Fusion System, that sits on the windshield). In the future with Ride Assist in 2022 or 2023, they plan to switch from Mobileye to the NVIDIA Orin chipset and incorporate front-facing Luminar LiDAR as well with the help of Zenseact on the software side.
Supported Models: All Volvo models including XC90 / XC60 / XC40 and sedans.
Core Features:
- Availability Any road with clear lane markings
- Adaptive Cruise Control Full start and stop functionality
- Lane Centering Fair, may sometimes drift from lane
- Attentiveness Monitoring Checks if driver is holding steering wheel
- Other Features none
Verdict:Volvos Pilot Assist II is only fair when it comes to autopilot quality. Its helpful in straight stop-and-go traffic, but we wouldnt trust the driving to Pilot Assist on roads with curves as it has challenges staying in the lanes.
Mercedes-Benz
Overview:Mercedes actually helped pioneer adaptive cruise control in the late 1990s with its high-end S-class sedan. As a luxury car provider, Mercedes has continually ensured that its vehicles have the latest technology available.
What Its Called:Driver Assistance Package PLUS package that includes options like Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Lane Change Assist.
UPDATE: NEW Level 3 System for 2024:
Drive Pilot is the first Level 3 approved in the US for consumer production vehicles, which Mercedes-Benz will offer in its 2024 S-Class and EQS Sedan models. It allows drivers to hand over control to the vehicle and not monitor the road full time on limited roads and only at certain speeds. It is the first Level 3 system to be certified for use in the US, starting with Nevada and California.
It is different from its current ADAS offering, which is a Level 2 system that requires the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and constantly watch the road even when the vehicle is assisting with steering, braking, and accelerating. Drive Pilot uses additional sensors, such as LiDAR and a rear camera, as well as redundant steering and braking actuators, to ensure safety and reliability.
See the Mercedes Press Release on Drive Pilot Level 3.
Technology Used:Mercedes works with LG, Bosch and NVIDIA to power its systems via a combination of camera and radar inputs.
Supported Models: E-Class and S-Class sedans
Core Features:
- Availability Any roads with clear lane markings
- Adaptive Cruise Control Full start and stop functionality. Will also adjust speed to curves based on map data.
- Lane Centering Good with gentle curves.
- Attentiveness Monitoring Hands must be on steering wheel
- Other Features Active Lane Change Assist, automated remote parking
Verdict
However, with the new Drive Pilot, Level 3 system rolling out with certain 2024 models, Mercedes becomes the first manufacturer to offer a true autonomous driving experience, albeit on limited stretches of road and under ideal conditions (unlike Tesla which is aiming for autonomous driving on almost all roads when conditions allow).
Nissan / Infiniti
Overview:Nissan and Infiniti have come a long way in bringing practical safety and self-driving technology to the masses. Its Nissan ProPilot is available on lower-end models such as the Nissan Rogue.
What I
Technology Used:Nissan / Infiniti use the Mobileye EyeQ platform, leveraging forward camera and radar inputs.
Supported Models: Nissan Rogue and Nissan LEAFInfiniti QX50
Core Features:
- Availability Roads with clear markings on both sides, above 37 MPH.
- Adaptive Cruise Control Full start and stop functionality, but must press accelerator if stopped for more than three seconds.
- Lane Centering Fair, more like Lane Keeping Assist
- Attentiveness Monitoring Hands on steering wheel
- Other Features Parking assist
Verdict:Nissan and Infinitis ProPilot system does an admiral job bringing basic autopilot features to the masses. Automated lane centering is just fair. Nissan announced ProPILOT 2.0 for Japan, which is much more advanced, but is unclear when it will come to the US at this point.
Other Manufacturers of Note
Toyota / Lexus
Toyota has the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system, the latest version being TSS 2.0. Lexus calls its system the Lexus Safety System (LSS) and the automation Lexus CODRIVE. TSS 2.0 initially became available in the 2020 RAV4 and 2020 Corolla and has since rolled out to more vehicles. Both Lexus and Toyota use a feature called Lane Tracing Assist which allows the vehicle to center itself in a lane, but is not as robust as Tesla, Cadillac or BMW.
Honda / Acura
Honda has the Honda Sensing Suite that includes ACC and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). With Acura its called AcuraWatch and also comes with LKAS. As with the Toyota / Lexus system, it allows the vehicle to center itself in the lane but isnt particularly sophisticated and requires constant vigilance.
Subaru
Subaru has offered their Eyesight technology for quite some time that provides ACC and basic LKA. It uses two cameras above the windshield for stereoscopic vision. While this does a decent job, it isnt as robust as other systems that use a combination of cameras and radar.
Comma.ai DIY Autopilot
While not an auto manufacturer, Comma.ai has released a DIY autopilot kit based on the openpilot, called Comma Two. It only works on certain, modern cars but is an interesting alternative for those tech-savvy car enthusiasts who want to hack their cars. Additionally, it won high praise from Consumer Reports in terms of overall capabilities and functions. Aptera, an electric car manufacturer plans to integrate openpilot into its cars as well.
Bottom Line
Autopilot-like functions are becoming more and more mainstream as technology improves. By 2024, most car manufacturers will be offering some sort of more advanced self-driving capabilities.
However, for now, if you want the most powerful AutoPilot-like functionality, wed opt for a Tesla or GM vehicle with Super Cruise. Mercedes Benz also will be offering the first Level 3 system on certain roads with its 2024 S-Class and EQS sedans. Ford has a great system with BlueCruise, Hyundai / Kia has a solid offering on their latest vehicles, Audi is coming on strong and BMW, Nissan/Infiniti, and others will continue to expand their Mobileye offerings over the next few years. All other systems are still fairly immature and require heavy attentiveness, but will be improving quickly in 2024.
WhatsImportanttoKnowWhenEvaluating
When evaluating autopilot-like self driving systems, the main thing to look out for is Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and whether it handles starting and stopping at all speeds and on what kinds of roads. Then learn how well the vehicle can identify roads and stay in the center of the lane, called Lane Centering. Most manufacturers tout Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) as a way to help automate steering, but thats different from Lane Centering and often a far cry from something like Teslas Autopilot system or Cadillacs Super Cruise that are able to stay steadily centered in the lanes while driving.
If youre not sure, check out videos on YouTube enthusiasts and professionals often test out the systems to provide their opinions and real-world examples.
Also, ask the dealer how the system can be updated since technology and software changes so quickly. In Teslas case, the Autopilot system is continually updated over-the-air with software updates. Most other auto manufacturers require the updates to occur at the dealer during regular service updates.
Either way, the good news is that more and more cars will have autopilot features and help cars become much safer in the years to come.
Interested in a Tesla?
Thinking about Tesla Autopilot and interested in purchasing a Tesla vehicle? Dont forget you can earn credits towards things like Free Supercharging or Full Self-Driving. Use a referral code on Teslas website:
Get Tesla Referral Code
Learn More
Get the Latest Videos
Manufacturers & OEMs
If youre a manufacturer or OEM and youd like us to evaluate your vehicle, technology or just want to provide additional information, feel free to contact us directly.
