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, we’ll go through a bit of background and
explanation of terms.

Self-Driving Car Levels: A Brief Overview

First, let’s 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.

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 2022, most mainstream
carmakers are focused on, Level 2 autonomy. This level allows the vehicle to take over most steering, acceleration and
braking functions, but still requires that the driver remain fully
attentive to the driving situation and be able to intervene at any
moment. It is not driverless, fully autonomous driving, like robotaxis
from Waymo or Cruise (that are now testing in California).

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 won’t 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, that’s not expected to happen until later in 2022
(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 3 are much more powerful).

Learn more about autonomous Full Self-Driving capabilities that Tesla currently includes today.

Core AutoPilot Features

At 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 what’s 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 it’s 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 there’s 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”), changing lanes
    (automatically, without needing to activate the turn signal) as needed,
    even handling 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.

Isn’t This Just Automated Cruise Control with Lane Centering?

If you step back and look at the core of what’s being provided, we’re
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
we’ll 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 what’s 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 GM’s 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 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 it’s 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 don’t 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 it’s basic Adaptive Cruise Control or Lane Keeping
Assist, or a combination of both.  However, simply having those features
doesn’t mean they work well.

These are generally the most important criteria for autopilot functionality:

• Availability – Is the system available on all
  roads or only 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 vehicles 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 you’re traveling at freeway speeds, it’s critically important that
  autopilot system can detect and ideally take evasive actions if the
  situation warrants it. This is probably the most difficult thing for
  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 2021 and 2022:

• Tesla (Model 3, Y, S and X)
• GM – (Cadillac CT6, Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Bolt)
• Audi (A6, A8)
• BMW (X5, 3 Series )
• Ford / Lincoln (Mustang Mach-E)
• Kia / Hyundai (Telluride, Palisade, Sonata)
• Mercedes Benz (E-Class, S-Class)
• 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 it’s also continually updated over-the-air
(just like your smartphone), so the vehicles just keep getting better
and better. The biggest downside is that driver monitoring only uses
steering wheel inputs to determine whether the driver is paying
attention vs facial monitoring, for example.

What It’s 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. It uses a powerful machine learning computer (called
the Full Self-Driving Computer, aka Hardware 3) which began rolling out in early 2019.

Supported Models:
All current Tesla vehicles (the Tesla
Model S, Model X and Model 3) 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 doesn’t 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 and deceleration.
• 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 wheel (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 it’s so powerful it can be used almost anywhere,
meaning it’s 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, having
launched its highly-regarded Super Cruise technology on the Cadillac
CT6 and with its work on Cruise, a subdivision of GM, working on
creating fully-self driving fleet vehicles (like taxis).  The new Chevy
Bolt also has a more limited version of Super Cruise.

What It’s Called:
Super Cruise

Technology Used:
Super Cruise packages a variety of
technology from suppliers including Intel’s Mobileye platform, Trimble
RTX for positioning, forward-facing cameras, side cameras, radar plus an
internal camera from FOVIO for eye tracking.

Supported Models:
Cadillac CT6, Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Bolt (limited version)

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 (Cadillac’s primary demographic). The driver
monitoring system is one of the reasons why Consumer Reports gives it
the highest rating, even about Tesla’s Autopilot system.

Note: A future version, launching in 2023, called “Ultra Cruise”
announced in October 2021, 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 It’s Called:
Active Lane Assist with Stop & Go (for higher speeds) and Traffic Jam Assist
(for lower speeds). The future, Level 3, version that will be
hands-off in speeds under 37 MPH, will be called “Traffic Jam Pilot”.
It’s currently available in some other countries, but not yet in the US.
There’s 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 A8, A6 and Q8

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 hasn’t yet translated into a usable
product for the US that’s 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 It’s 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 isn’t nearly as robust as Tesla’s 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 2022 on the Mach-E and the Ford F-150. This will include more advanced, Tesla-like Autopilot capabilities.

What It’s Called:
Co-Pilot 360 – today’s basic system with ACC, LC and LKA functions.
Co-Pilot 360 Plus – Lincoln’s version upgraded slightly.
Co-Pilot 360 2.0 (BlueCruise) – rolling out in 2022 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:
2020 vehicles like the Ford Explorer
and Lincoln Aviator that include the Co-Pilot 360 options have today’s
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 (doesn’t 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 won’t 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 It’s Called:
Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop and Go (SCC)
Highway Drive Assist (HDA) combines LFA and SCC, plus automatically adjust 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 Tesla’s
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, it’s
worth considering.

Volvo

Overview:
Volvo
has always been a leader in safety technology and was one of the first
companies to bring advanced safety systems and lane centering to its
full lineup of vehicles. They recently have had some self-driving
setbacks as they’ve decided to switch platforms, delaying more
sophisticated autopilot-like features.

What It’s Called:
Pilot Assist (the latest version is technically Pilot Assist II)
Future 2022/2023 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 (Delphi’s 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:
Volvo’s Pilot Assist II is only fair when it
comes to autopilot quality. It’s helpful in straight stop-and-go
traffic, but we wouldn’t 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, but has been a bit behind lately
in advancing autopilot features.

What It’s 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.

Technology Used:
Mercedes works with 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:
The
Mercedes system does a fair job with autopilot functionality and nicely
ties map data to the driving system, for example, helping to slow the
vehicle around bends as needed.

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 It’s Called:
ProPilot Assist

Technology Used:
Nissan / Infiniti use the Mobileye EyeQ platform, leveraging forward camera and radar inputs.

Supported Models:
Nissan Rogue and Nissan LEAF
Infiniti 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 Infiniti’s 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 it’s called AcuraWatch
and also comes with LKAS. As with the Toyota / Lexus system, it allows
the vehicle to center itself in the lane but isn’t 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 isn’t 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.

Bottom Line

Autopilot-like functions are becoming more and more mainstream as
technology improves. By late 2022, 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, we’d opt for a Tesla or GM vehicle with Super Cruise. That said, 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 2022.

What’s Important to Know When Evaluating

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 that’s different
from Lane Centering and often a far cry from something like Tesla’s
Autopilot system or Cadillac’s Super Cruise that are able to stay
steadily centered in the lanes while driving.

If you’re 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 Tesla’s 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.