Many automakers are pushing forward with advanced hands-free driver assistance features, but buyers often face a harsh reality when the free trial period runs out and it’s time to pay for a subscription. Ford is taking steps to lessen the impact of its BlueCruise system, which recently saw a significant price drop for both monthly and annual subscriptions.
Ford lowered prices from $75 per month to $49, and annual subscriptions dropped from $800 to $495. The automaker also shuffled subscription options, making a “lifetime” subscription available for a $2,495 one-time fee.
The latest BlueCruise release, version 1.4, helps reduce disengagements, making longer trips less stressful. All 2025 BlueCruise-equipped Fords get the new version, while 2024 models will receive the update via an over-the-air update.
The Ford BlueCruise system is available on the Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning, Explorer, Expedition, and gas F-150. It currently works on around 130,000 miles of limited-access highways across North America and allows hands-free driving with automatic speed, steering, and braking adjustments.
Though impressive, BlueCruise hasn’t reached the broad geographic areas GM’s Super Cruise has, as it operates on 750,000 miles of roadways. By comparison, Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” system works on any type of road, including urban areas. That said, none of the hands-free systems available today qualify as being autonomous, and all are stuck at SAE Level 2 on the automation scale, which means the driver must be attentive and will held responsible when things go sideways.
[Images: Ford]
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