The concept of the self-driving car has captured imaginations for years, and movies set in the future often feature cars that can drive themselves. While you still can't buy a brand-new self-driving car, you can get a new Ford equipped with BlueCruise, which comes pretty close.
BlueCruise is Ford's advanced hands-free driver-assistance system. When it's active, the vehicle manages steering, throttle, and braking, allowing you to relax a bit. However, taking a nap or reading a book isn't allowed; you still need to stay alert and be ready to take control if necessary. It's not the self-driving car of the future, but BlueCruise significantly reduces driving stress, especially during long trips.
For more background and details, check out our full explainer of Ford BlueCruise.
Photo: Perry Stern
Ford has made significant progress in enhancing BlueCruise's functionality and increasing its availability in a short period. The automaker introduced the initial version of BlueCruise (1.0) just a few years ago, debuting on the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Ford's initial step into Level 2 autonomous driving could operate on 97 percent of North American limited-access highways, referred to as “Hands-Free Blue Zones.” That first iteration of BlueCruise included the basics of hands-free driving, but if a curve in the road was too sharp or the driving situation became too complex, the system would disengage.
As Ford released newer versions of BlueCruise with additional features and system upgrades, some vehicles already equipped with BlueCruise hardware could receive the latest version through an over-the-air (OTA) update. Ford included lane-change assist and in-lane repositioning in version 1.2, followed shortly by version 1.3, which enhanced overall performance and addressed many issues that caused BlueCruise to disengage.
Ford introduced further improvements in 2025 with the release of BlueCruise version 1.4, first available in the updated 2025 Expedition. Updates enhanced in-lane stability and made speed adjustments smoother, all aimed at making BlueCruise better mimic what a human driver would do.
Photo: Perry Stern
Ford recently invited me to Detroit, Michigan, to take the 2025 Mustang Mach-E for a test drive. While the brand's popular electric vehicle (EV) receives significant updates for the new model year, it is the first to feature BlueCruise version 1.5—the most important update yet for this advanced driver assistance system.
BlueCruise 1.5 builds on all the improvements from version 1.4 but adds a new feature: automatic lane change. Lane-change assist was already available, allowing the system to change lanes when the driver activated the turn signal. This new system will assess whether there's a reason to change lanes, such as a slower vehicle ahead, and will decide to change lanes for you.
Automatic lane change was not a trivial addition, as it required new hardware with a faster processor. That means this latest version isn’t backward compatible and won't be available to update previous versions via OTA updates.
Ford is also updating the options for purchasing BlueCruise. For the first time, customers can select a one-time purchase for $2,495. This option is only available for new, select 2025 models and must be chosen at the time of vehicle purchase. Otherwise, every vehicle comes with a 90-day free trial, after which customers can opt for an annual subscription at $495 or a monthly plan at $49.99 per month.
Photo: Perry Stern
Behind the wheel of the refreshed 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric crossover SUV, I quickly accelerated onto the highway. Pressing the button on the steering wheel to set the adaptive cruise control speed to 70 mph activated BlueCruise, as indicated by the blue steering wheel icon on the driver's display, which displayed the words "Hands-Free."
With my hands off the wheel and my feet off the pedals, the Mach-E cruised smoothly down the freeway, staying centered in the lane. When I moved alongside a large truck, BlueCruise shifted the EV slightly to the left to give a little more space, just as I might do if I were steering. Knowing a tight curve was coming, the vehicle slowed to 66 mph and then returned to the original speed once the road straightened.
As I caught up to a slower vehicle ahead, the display notified me it was about to change lanes. The left turn signal activated, and the Mach-E expertly changed lanes to the left lane and smoothly accelerated back to 70 mph. After passing the slower vehicle, a faster car approached from behind, and the system shifted the Ford back to the right lane. All of this happened without my input; I only needed to stay focused on the road.
The latest version of Ford BlueCruise is impressive, handling most driving tasks smoothly and confidently. However, some improvements would still be appreciated.
The Mach-E moved to the left to go around the slower vehicle as soon as it was detected, but I was still at least 10 car lengths behind it. I prefer to get a bit closer before passing to reduce the time spent in the left lane. The system also took longer than expected to decide to move back to the right lane, giving the driver behind enough time to become impatient and pass me on the right.
However, despite these issues, BlueCruise remains one of the best hands-free driving systems on the market. Considering how quickly Ford releases updates, it is likely to keep improving.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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