Study Shows Hands-Free Driving Aids Rank Highest on List of Desired New Car Features.

      Ford

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      Automakers are fully committed to advancing driver assistance systems. The real question is whether consumers are actually interested in them. A recent study from AutoPacific confirms that features like hands-free highway driving assistance are the most sought after by individuals planning to purchase a new vehicle soon.

      These systems, including GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s BlueCruise, are on the "wish list" for 43% of potential car buyers in the next three years. In 2024, the demand for automated driving features was notably lower, with just over 20% of respondents looking for hands-free driving. It’s important to note that these individuals specifically desire systems that still require driver attention; completely autonomous vehicles rank lower, though 38% of people still prefer a car without a steering wheel.

      AutoPacific

      This rise in interest aligns with an increase in trust regarding automated driving features. Sixty percent of participants expressed comfort with their vehicles managing specific driving tasks, such as lane keeping or parallel parking, while 56% trust their cars' safety systems to prevent accidents independently. Significantly, 48% indicated a desire for their vehicle to drive itself so they could engage in other activities like reading, watching movies, knitting, or browsing online.

      Here, I want to clarify that AutoPacific isn’t just surveying car enthusiasts. Those who genuinely enjoy driving are less likely to prefer browsing Pinterest over controlling the wheel, but this trend appears to reflect broader societal attitudes.

      Caleb Jacobs

      After recently testing Ford’s BlueCruise 1.4 suite in the 2025 Expedition, I found it to be quite impressive. The drive from Louisville, Kentucky, to Columbus, Indiana, was effortless as it took care of nearly everything autonomously. Lane changes were executed without my hands on the wheel, it remained steady in its lane, and aside from reminding me to pay attention when I was fixated on the highway ahead, it functioned very smoothly.

      I can certainly see why many desire this technology; it makes routine drives significantly less monotonous. However, I am skeptical about people using it responsibly, as some drivers have attempted to manipulate these systems since their inception—and in some cases, they have succeeded. Fortunately, both Ford and GM’s systems appear to be quite reliable in this aspect.

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