What Is Tesla Enhanced Autopilot?

Driver assistance technology is a key Tesla feature, with Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) positioned between basic Autopilot and the company's more advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) package. Designed to reduce the driver's workload on highways and during specific low-speed maneuvers, EAP introduces several sophisticated tools that assist the car in steering, changing lanes, parking, and navigating ramps.

What Enhanced Autopilot Includes - Find the best Tesla deals!

Although technically advanced, EAP is not a fully autonomous system; drivers must stay alert and ready to take control whenever necessary. Enhanced Autopilot builds on basic Autopilot by including Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer, along with several convenience features, including:

• Navigate on Autopilot: Assists the driver with highway driving from on-ramp to off-ramp. Once a destination is set and the vehicle is on the freeway, Autopilot can suggest lane changes, navigate interchanges, and prepare for exits. However, this feature requires driver supervision and responses to its prompts for lane changes.
• Auto Lane Change: When Autosteer is active, Auto Lane Change shifts the vehicle into another lane when the driver uses the turn signal. The system first checks traffic and then executes the move smoothly. This feature is helpful in overtaking slower vehicles or preparing for upcoming exits.
• Autopark: Uses cameras and sensors to find suitable parking spots. Once chosen, the vehicle can steer itself into parallel or perpendicular spaces with minimal driver input, which is very useful in tight urban areas.
• Summon: Enables the driver to move the car forward or backward using the Tesla app or key fob, making it easier to access in narrow garages or tight parking spots where opening doors is difficult.
• Smart Summon: Smart Summon enhances Summon's features by allowing a car to navigate through a parking lot at low speeds to meet the driver. It is meant for private lots and requires the driver to keep a line of sight and be ready to stop the vehicle immediately.

What Enhanced Autopilot Does Not Include - Find the best Tesla deals!

Despite the branding, EAP does not make a Tesla fully autonomous. It remains a Level 2 driver-assistance system, meaning:

• The driver needs to stay alert and keep their hands on the wheel.
• It does not navigate city streets, stop at lights, or make autonomous turns.
• It might not function reliably in bad weather, construction areas, or complicated surroundings.

Understanding these limitations is essential for safe use.

Enhanced Autopilot vs. Full Self-Driving - Find the best Tesla deals!

Enhanced Autopilot is mainly designed for convenience on highways and when parking. Full Self-Driving builds on EAP by adding features such as navigating city streets and traffic lights, subject to regulatory approval. The cost of EAP is significantly lower than FSD, offering an intermediate option for drivers who want more automation than basic Autopilot but do not wish to use the complete FSD suite of features.

Summary - Find the best Tesla deals!

Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot offers practical features that simplify highway driving and parking. While the system enhances convenience, it is not a self-driving system, and drivers must always pay attention to the road. For many drivers, EAP provides an appealing balance between capability and cost, offering a more automated driving experience without the expense and increasing complexity of Full Self-Driving.

Visit the Shopping Guides section of the website to learn more about different automotive technologies.

Jessica Shea Choksey is an experienced writer in the automotive field. In addition to JDPower.com, she was a correspondent for PBS's MotorWeek, and her work has appeared on Autotrader.

Related Resources

• Best Cars and Trucks
• VIN Decoder
• Cars for Sale
• Sell My Car
• Compare Cars
• Car Finder Tool
• Car Ratings
• New Car Previews
• Expert Car Reviews
• Car Trade-in Values