Ford BlueCruise: The Ultimate Guide to Hands-Free Driving

Hands-free highway driving is quickly becoming one of the most exciting advancements in modern automotive technology. Among the leading innovations in this space is Ford BlueCruise, a driver-assist system designed to make long drives safer, more comfortable, and less fatiguing.

This guide provides a clear, in-depth overview of Ford BlueCruise, including how it works, how to use it, information about the Ford BlueCruise subscription, and the benefits and limitations of the system so you can determine whether it’s the right feature for your next Ford.

What is Ford BlueCruise?

Ford BlueCruise is a hands-free driver-assist system that lets the vehicle steer, accelerate and brake automatically on pre-mapped, divided highways called Blue Zones. It builds on adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, but adds high-precision maps, cameras, radar and in-vehicle driver monitoring so you can take your hands off the wheel while still being the responsible driver in charge.

Blue Zones are divided highways that make up over 130,000 miles of North American roads. Ford publishes an interactive map to locate these zones. BlueCruise receives regular updates, with newer software versions offering enhanced hands-free operation, improved lane-handling, and features like automatic lane changes on compatible vehicles.

How Ford BlueCruise Works: Performance and Precision

  Ford BlueCruise is a system combining multiple technologies:

• Sensors & cameras: Forward radar and cameras monitor the road and traffic conditions.
• Driver-facing camera: Tracks your eye-gaze and head position to ensure you’re staying attentive.
• High-definition maps (Blue Zones): Identify highway sections where hands-free driving is supported.
• Vehicle control: Adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and braking/steering actuators handle driving tasks when BlueCruise is active.

Frequent over-the-air software updates have significantly improved performance. For example, BlueCruise 1.4 enhanced hands-free driving on curves and in low-visibility conditions, while 1.5 introduced automatic lane changes on select models. These updates ensure the system keeps improving without requiring a new car.

How to Use Ford BlueCruise: Step-By-Step

To use Ford BlueCruise on a compatible highway:

• Confirm coverage: Verify your route includes Blue Zones using Ford’s BlueCruise map or your vehicle’s Connected Services.
• Initial setup (in-vehicle): Add your VIN to the FordPass app. Then, enable Lane Centering with Hands-Free in vehicle settings: Settings > Driver Assistance > Adaptive Cruise Control > Lane Centering with Hands-Free. Activate desired sub-features (In-Lane Repositioning, Lane Change Assist, Automatic Lane Change, if available).
• On the highway: Engage Adaptive Cruise Control via steering wheel controls. When you enter a Blue Zone, the instrument cluster turns blue and a hands-free icon appears, indicating you can remove your hands.
• Remain attentive: Keep your eyes on the road. The system monitors your attention and will prompt you to take control if necessary. You can deactivate BlueCruise anytime by steering, braking, or tapping controls.

For a guided demonstration, our sales teams at Parkway Ford of Lexington can show you the controls and provide a supervised test drive.

Ford BlueCruise Subscription: Pricing and Buying Options

BlueCruise is a plan-based feature (not all vehicles include it for free). Current purchase options for select models from Ford include:

• Monthly plan: around $49.99/month.
• Annual plan: about $495/year.
• One-time purchase: a lifetime/one-time option (available at time of vehicle purchase) around $2,495 MSRP on eligible vehicles.

Ford reduced subscription pricing in 2024 and now offers free trial periods with many new vehicles. Check your vehicle’s package details and current promotions. Always confirm pricing and availability when purchasing or ordering.

Safety Limits and Real-World Considerations

BlueCruise is impressive, but it’s not full self-driving. It requires driver supervision at all times. Some important, realistic points:

• BlueCruise only permits hands-free driving in Blue Zones — not every road is eligible.
• The system relies on clear lane markings, functioning sensors, and driver attention; adverse weather, construction zones or poor markings can interrupt hands-free mode.

BlueCruise can dramatically reduce fatigue and make long highway stretches more pleasant. However, it still requires an attentive human driver.

Quick FAQs

Q: What is Ford BlueCruise?

A: A hands-free highway driving system that automates steering, speed and braking on approved highways (Blue Zones).

Q: How do I use Ford BlueCruise?

A: Enable Lane Centering with Hands-Free in settings, activate adaptive cruise, enter a Blue Zone and follow the on-screen prompts. Keep your eyes on the road.

Q: What are the BlueCruise subscription choices?

A: Monthly, annual, and a one-time purchase option at ordering. Pricing varies; currently for 2025 models, these are around $49.99/month, $495/year, or a one-time purchase of about $2,495. Verify current offers before purchase.

Q: Which Fords have BlueCruise?

A: Availability varies by model and trim. Ford lists eligible vehicles on its BlueCruise availability page. You can also ask us and we’ll check your VIN.

Try Ford BlueCruise in Lexington, NC

If you want to try BlueCruise in person, Parkway Ford of Lexington can set up a demo or test drive in a BlueCruise-equipped model and walk you through the setup and safety features.

Experience hands-free driving, reduced stress on long trips, and enhanced safety with this cutting-edge technology. Stop by our dealership in Lexington, NC today and see how BlueCruise can transform your daily commute and road trips!

Image Source: Ford

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