Preference for Ford brand aside, personal experience shows that the BlueCruise system in the 2025 Ford Expedition underperforms, whereas the GM Super Cruise functions efficiently on nearly every highway and backroad in the company truck.
In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, two standout systems have been making waves: Ford's BlueCruise and GM's Super Cruise. Both promise to revolutionise the driving experience by offering hands-free capabilities on designated highways. However, a closer look reveals significant differences in road coverage and user experience.
Road Coverage
GM Super Cruise stands out for its extensive road network, with approximately 130,000 miles of highways nationwide available for hands-free driving. In comparison, Ford BlueCruise offers "blue zones" which cover a smaller but still significant amount of highway miles, falling short of GM's coverage.
User Experience Features
Both systems support hands-free driving by taking over steering, braking, and accelerating on designated highways. Ford BlueCruise, with its latest update (version 1.5), added lane change assist, which helps maintain a safe position based on traffic ahead and behind. A similar feature is also available in GM Super Cruise. Both systems require the use of adaptive cruise control to activate the hands-free mode.
Subscription Model
Ford BlueCruise requires a subscription costing either $495 per year or a $2,495 one-time fee for permanent access. GM Super Cruise also typically involves a subscription, although the exact pricing wasn't specified.
User Experience Differentiators
While both systems strive to reduce driver workload on highways, some users have reported differences in their experiences. For instance, some drivers find BlueCruise's steering adjustments to be subtle but unsettling, perceiving a lack of precision. In contrast, Super Cruise is praised for its smooth and confident lane positioning, especially during long curves or when traffic merges.
Moreover, Super Cruise's ability to work on rural two-lane highways is another differentiator. BlueCruise might refuse to activate on certain stretches, while Super Cruise often works seamlessly in the same spots.
The Importance of Research
Given these differences, it's crucial for potential users to research coverage maps before relying on these hands-free driving systems. The gap between the marketing and reality of Ford's BlueCruise technology can undermine trust in the driver-assist system. Some owners note that Ford's marketing emphasises BlueCruise's capabilities without making it obvious how restricted the mapped network is.
As buyers invest in vehicles like the 2025 Ford Expedition, they expect cutting-edge technology to work consistently and intuitively. A limited hands-free system can feel like a marketing bullet point rather than a functional feature.
Room for Improvement for BlueCruise
To compete more effectively with Super Cruise, Ford may need to focus on expanding mapped coverage more quickly, enhancing the steering feel, and delivering updates on a steadier cadence. The current intervals between major improvements can feel long, and they often focus on smaller refinements rather than substantial coverage expansions.
Moreover, Ford's camera-based driver monitoring system can lead to more frequent alerts, creating unnecessary interruptions in the hands-free experience.
In conclusion, while both systems aim to enhance convenience and safety on highways, GM Super Cruise's wider road network and smoother user experience give it an edge over Ford BlueCruise. However, with careful consideration and strategic improvements, Ford has the potential to close the gap and deliver a more competitive hands-free driving experience.
[1] Source: TechCrunch [2] Source: Car and Driver
- The Super Cruise system from General Motors offers more extensive road coverage, with approximately 130,000 miles of highways nationwide available for hands-free driving, while Ford's BlueCruise system, though still significant, falls short in comparison.
- In terms of user experience, both Ford BlueCruise and GM Super Cruise provide hands-free driving capabilities on designated highways, but some users find Super Cruise's lane positioning smoother and more confident, particularly during long curves or when traffic merges.
