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Best cars with adaptive cruise control

Fancy adaptive cruise control that can automatically maintain a safe distance behind the car in front? Check out these affordable options

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an evolution of the standard form of cruise control, which holds your car at a set speed, but is only really practical on clear multi-lane motorways and dual carriageways. This is because basic cruise control systems take no account of the traffic around them.

Adaptive cruise control, meanwhile, gets around this by using radar or lidar (an optical version of radio-wave-based radar) or even cameras to assess the traffic ahead. As a result, it can automatically slow you down or speed you back up to your desired cruising speed, depending upon whether there’s traffic ahead - be it another car that’s moving more slowly, or one that’s just moved into your lane.

Most systems allow you to both adjust the speed and the minimum distance the car will maintain behind the vehicle in front. More modern adaptive cruise control systems can make use of traffic sign recognition capabilities that a car might have to automatically adjust the speed to stay within the limit. As with normal cruise control, you can always override the adaptive cruise control by using the accelerator or brake pedals.

Adaptive cruise control also forms a central part of a car’s autonomous driving aids - where these are fitted - and many of these systems can keep you centred in your lane and steer the car around corners. Some can even change lanes automatically for you when you indicate.

Although adaptive cruise control was pioneered by Mercedes in the late 1990s with its 'Distronic' system, it was for a long time the preserve of high-end luxury cars. In the past decade or so, however, ACC has become available in more and more mainstream cars.

In the 21st century, those with a lower budget can benefit from this stress-reducing technology in all sorts of types of car. Below are some of the best used cars with adaptive cruise control, to suit a variety of needs and a wide range of budgets.

Cars with adaptive cruise control

Volkswagen Golf
Toyota Corolla
Seat Tarraco
Tesla Model 3
Ford Fiesta
Skoda Karoq
Nissan Juke

1. Volkswagen Golf

Used deals from £7,350 Monthly finance from £148.80*

The VW Golf is one of the most popular family cars in Britain, offering everything from fuel-sipping diesel models to high-tech plug-in hybrids and high-performance hot hatchbacks. It was also one of the first models to bring adaptive cruise control to the masses in an affordable new car.

SE-spec Golfs and upwards get adaptive cruise control fitted as standard. This system is capable of bringing the car to a stop in stop-start traffic jams, although it will require the driver to intervene if the system has to use more than 30% of the car’s outright braking capacity. It will also not sense a stationary tailback or crash barriers ahead, so you need to stay alert when driving - even if you engage the system.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF BUYERS' GUIDE

2. Toyota Corolla

Used deals from £11,900 Monthly finance from £209.02*

The Toyota Corolla is the Japanese company’s answer to the VW Golf. Unlike the Golf, though, Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on every model, gradually slowing you down automatically as traffic in front slows down, and applying the vehicle’s brakes if necessary.

The ACC in Corollas is part of Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which also includes a Pre-Collision System or Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist.

TOYORA COROLLA BUYERS' GUIDE

3. Seat Tarraco

Used deals Limited stock

If you want a seven-seat SUV that represents good value and features plenty of equipment as standard, then a Seat Tarraco should be on your shopping list. It's spacious, looks good and makes a great all-round family car.

The Tarraco has adaptive cruise control as standard, even on the lowest SE trim level, and because Seat is a sister company to VW, it’s an effective, tried-and-tested system, so you should be able to use it with confidence - though, as with all of these systems, this is merely a driving assistant; it can't take control of driving the car fully, so you need to stay alert and focused on the road around you.

SEAT TARRACO BUYERS' GUIDE

4. Tesla Model 3

Used deals from £15,790 Monthly finance from £236.02*

Tesla’s Auto Pilot system is one of the most advanced driving assist systems on the market, turning cars equipped with it into vehicles that almost seem to drive themselves. The key word here is 'almost'. The Model 3's adaptive cruise control function is impressive, but you have to remain in control while you're at the wheel.

The Model 3 is capable of scanning the road ahead, turning, braking and accelerating for you and even switching lanes - all the while showing you what its system ‘sees’ in the traffic around you, on a graphical display on the car’s huge central media system screen.

5. Honda CR-V

Used deals from £7,199 Monthly finance from £203.95*

Honda’s adaptive cruise control, as is the case with many other manufacturers, is part of a safety suite featuring other high-tech driving aids. In the case of the CR-V this technology is branded as ‘Honda Sensing’ and includes brake assist, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist and traffic-sign recognition, as well as adaptive cruise control.

ACC is standard on all CR-Vs built from 2017 and sold in the UK - even at the basic S trim level. As Honda has a very strong reputation for making practical and reliable cars, the CR-V is a sensible option, whether you're after a comfy SUV for carrying the family around or a high-riding medium car with a little extra all-weather capability.

HONDA CR-V BUYERS' GUIDE

6. Ford Fiesta

Used deals from £3,995 Monthly finance from £148.24*

The idea of fitting adaptive cruise control to a basic supermini would have seemed like science fiction until recently, but it’s been an option on the ever-popular Ford Fiesta since 2018. The Fiesta has sold in such large numbers over the last few years that it should be pretty easy to find a used one in the specification you want with adaptive cruise control fitted.

However, while this is an optional extra on many models, it comes as standard-fit on top-spec trims like the Vignale and ST Line. So, if you like the idea of a more luxurious or sporty feeling Fiesta with adaptive cruise control, these are good versions to look out for.

FORD FIESTA BUYERS' GUIDE

7. Skoda Karoq

Used deals from £9,490 Monthly finance from £160.08*

If you want a sensible medium-sized family SUV that is easy to live with and simple to drive, then the Skoda Karoq is a great call. Adaptive cruise control doesn’t come as standard but is part of an options pack called the Assistance Package, which so includes Lane Assist.

It’s worth seeking out a model with this fitted, as many Karoqs do have it specified, and these sophisticated bits of safety kit help to make the Karoq feel like a more upmarket machine.

SKODA KAROQ BUYERS' GUIDE

8. Nissan Juke

Used deals from £5,250 Monthly finance from £165.14*

As with the Ford Fiesta, you’ll have to specify a high-end version of the Nissan Juke to enjoy the benefits of adaptive cruise control - which Nissan calls Intelligent Cruise Control. With so many used models to choose from, though, you shouldn't have to pay a premium to find a good value and well-equipped Juke.

Adaptive cruise control is standard on the Tekna and Tekna+ trim levels with the Juke. You’ll also need to go for the latest generation model that went on sale at the start of 2020 if you want this; earlier models don’t have ACC available.

NISSAN JUKE BUYERS' GUIDE

*Representative PCP finance - Ford Fiesta:

48 monthly payments of £192 Deposit: £0 Mileage limit: 8,000 per year Optional final payment to buy car: £2,923 Total amount payable to buy car: £11,926 Total cost of credit: £2,426 Amount borrowed: £9,500 APR: 9.9%

BuyaCar is a credit broker, not a lender. Our rates start from 6.9% APR. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circumstances.

10 Safest Cars With The Best Adaptive Cruise Control Systems

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Cruise control technology continues to advance year after year. What started as a feature that allows a driver to take their foot off the accelerator and cruise on down the road at a set throttle–but not a set speed–has become an advanced safety system. Previously, the car would accelerate going down hills and slow heading up hills. Now, cruise control uses cameras and radar modules . Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is not the same as autonomous driving, but in certain advanced systems, as we will see, it gets darn near close.

Adaptive cruise control systems decelerate the vehicle if a car is detected at a closer distance than the set distance. It can also resume driving once the impediment is gone. Some cars can even navigate curves in the road, while in another car with lower functioning ACC, curves present a hazard. Adaptive cruise control is a sound technology that succeeds in keeping drivers and passengers safe, but it is not bulletproof and drivers need to stay aware. Here we will look at 10 cars with the best-performing adaptive cruise control systems, as reviewed by TrueCar .

10 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country

Volvo is a brand from Sweden that is built on its long track record for safety. The all-wheel drive 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country can safely traverse six-inch snow drifts. As for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) the feature is standard, as expected, and is much more advanced in Volvos. Adaptive cruise control includes a semi-autonomous driver assist function which can bring the car to a full stop and then take over steering to avoid a collision.

9 2023 Kia Sportage

The 2023 Kia Sportage has surprisingly advanced features when it comes to driver assist technology. The Kia model can alert the driver if their attention to the road is lacking and keep the car in its lane. Advanced ACC is standard. The 2023 Sportage can even mitigate collision from the front, rear, and blind spot areas. It won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick in 2022.

Related: Why Modern Vehicle Safety Tech Make Repairing Cars A Nightmare

8 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2023 Toyota Crown hybrid uses Safety Sense 3.0, and it’s available in all trims. The extensive ACC package not only keeps the car at a set distance from the one in front, but it also avoids collision with a pedestrian, cyclist, or a car. It keeps the car in its lane and can also monitor blind spots and rear traffic. These features function best in ideal conditions, like all driver-assist systems. Inclement weather can lower effectiveness. Toyota warns that the extended ACC features work only in daylight. Other systems can function at night using night vision.

7 2023 Audi A3

Audi Pre Sense Basic is standard. It scans the road for potential dangers and warns the driver. It will automatically brake if there is no response. Premium Plus in the A3 has adaptive cruise control and active lane assist. The ACC keeps the driver-set distance from the car ahead and helps with lane guidance. It’ll even help you park the car. Audi assist features can see in the dark with night vision assist . With lane departure warning, pictured above, the Audi A3 takes the wheel if the car veers from the lane.

6 2023 Toyota Prius

The popularity of the Toyota Prius has soared over its competitors and continues to impress . The 2023 Toyota Prius is stocked with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, just like the Toyota Crown. The 3.0 suite of advanced driver assist applications includes driver alert. This function adds emergency braking and will fully steer to the side of the road if the driver is unresponsive.

5 2023 Hyundai Palisade

Comparable to the Kia Telluride, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is packed with standard bells and whistles. TrueCar even said that, as a three-row SUV, the Palisade stands above the Volvo XC90 in classiness. Added to that, that 2023 Palisade won a five-star rating from the NHTSA while the 2022 Palisade won the IIHS Top Safety Pick prize. This vehicle’s adaptive cruise control works with Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist to keep the car centered in the lane. However, it functions only if the driver’s hands remain on the wheel.

4 2023 Lexus RX

All 2023 Lexus RX trims have an outstanding array of driver-assist safety systems. This model’s consistent recognition by the NHTSA and IIHS for safety means that the Lexus RX will likely be thusly awarded when the crash tests and studies are complete. Safety features from the adaptive cruise control menu watch for pedestrians, motorbikes, and cars. In daylight conditions, the car emergency-steers. It is also advanced in warning the driver making right or left turns at stops. Navigating curves is an advanced feature that can adjust speeds on curvy roads using radar. As an upgrade option, Lexus’ remote parking system is available on all LX trims.

Related: Here's Why Crash Test Dummies Can Cost Almost $1 Million

3 2023 BMW X1

BMW’s adaptive cruise control is set by the speed of the vehicle, rather than distance. It can slow or speed up depending on road impediments via laser and radar . The 2023 BMW X1 received an updated look, more power, and all-wheel drive in 2023. Standard, is blind-spot detection, automatic braking, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. Lane-departure assist also comes standard. BMW claims it has the “most advanced safety features and onboard technology.” It might be true!

2 2023 Honda Accord

The 2023 Honda Accord is a safe model. Like most of the cars on this list, it will likely continue its IIHS Safety Pick streak. Honda nestles its ACC in the Honda Sensing suite. Sensing outdoor road conditions can protect the car from a myriad of potential collisions. All Honda Accord trims come with Honda Sensing. In this menu of driver assist features, one will find adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist. It will also keep the car in its lane.

1 2023 Subaru Legacy

The 2023 Subaru Legacy has already procured its 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Adaptive cruise control is improved by collision-avoidance braking, driver sway warning, and emergency steering. Lane keep assist is also included. Subaru calls its wide suite of safety features EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a technology that has contributed toward Subaru's high safety ratings. Subaru is one of the few makes to offer driver distraction mitigation. It is a high-tech monitoring system that mitigates a driver’s inattention to the road.

Car Culture

13 Cheapest Cars With Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control is no longer limited to just the priciest of luxury vehicles.

Zach Doell | U.S. News & World Report

Budget-Friendly Highway Cruising

Highway driving on long treks can be a chore. Your calf may ache from constantly having to work the gas pedal. That's why drivers who spend lots of time on the highway swear by adaptive cruise control .

This feature automatically adjusts your car's speed so it can safely follow the vehicle in front of you. It gives you one less thing to worry about when you're on the road. Since this technology maintains a set distance between your car and the one before it, it can help prevent accidents.

Adaptive cruise control is available in cars at all price points, and we can help if you're looking for a budget-friendly hauler with this vital feature. Our slideshow features the 13 most affordable vehicles with this driver aid.

We've included the price of the least expensive version of each model with adaptive cruise control, listing our selections based on price, from highest to lowest. We've also included each vehicle's U.S. News overall score so you can get a sense of what it offers

Note that we update scores in our reviews as new information becomes available, so the scores in this slideshow may differ from those seen elsewhere on our site.

Kia Motors America |

2025 Kia Soul

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $26,290 | overall score: 9.2/10.

The Kia Soul holds the top spot in our subcompact SUV rankings . It offers substantial value, with a roomy cabin and a comfortable ride. You also get competitive fuel economy and a long list of standard features. All models have Apple CarPlay , Android Auto , driver-attention monitoring, forward automatic emergency braking, a rear-seat alert and automatic high-beam headlights.

Adaptive cruise control is available with the GT-Line trim as part of the GT-Line Technology package ($2,400). That package also includes heated front seats, LED headlights and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $25,785 | overall score: 8.4/10.

The Trailblazer's handling could be better, but if that's not a dealbreaker, you'll appreciate what this SUV offers. It turns heads with its handsome styling and offers lots of room for passengers to get comfortable and stretch their legs.

Every Trailblazer has driver-assistance features like forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and pedestrian detection to help prevent accidents. Adaptive cruise control is available with the LT trim as part of a $1,485 bundle. That bundle also includes blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert.

2024 Hyundai Elantra

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $25,325 | overall score: 8.8/10.

The Hyundai Elantra compact car is roomier than expected and well-suited for urban and suburban adventures. Its stellar gas mileage makes it excellent for drivers seeking to minimize fuel costs, and it comes with a generous range of standard equipment.

All models have driver aids like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights and lane-keep assist. To get adaptive cruise control, you must step up to the SEL and add the Convenience package ($1,750). That package also includes cyclist detection, wireless device charging and heated front seats.

2025 Chevrolet Trax

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $23,890 | overall score: 8.5/10.

The Trax is a subcompact SUV that rates highly for value. Despite its tiny footprint, it offers lots of room for passengers and cargo. It falls short regarding driver engagement but has an attractive cabin and a gentle ride.

This SUV's LT trim offers adaptive cruise control, provided you opt for the Driver Confidence and LT Convenience packages for $1,390. That bundle also includes heated seats, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $23,500 | overall score: 8.4/10.

The Corolla Hybrid's so-so powertrain won't knock your socks off, but its excellent fuel economy almost certainly will. It's available with all-wheel drive, so it's a good choice if you want a vehicle that grips the road when snow, ice, or rain is on the ground. Given its low price, the Corolla Hybrid also has more standard features than you might expect.

Adaptive cruise control is standard, and all models have driver aids like forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection and lane-keep assist. In addition, every Corolla Hybrid has tech features like satellite radio and wireless smartphone integration.

2025 Buick Envista

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $23,495 | overall score: 8.6/10.

Buick added the Envista to its product range just last year. This subcompact SUV tempts with its low price and comfortable ride. It also has outstanding fuel economy and provides ample room for passengers.

All models have driver aids like lane-keep assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights. Adaptive cruise control is available with the base Preferred trim as part of the Advanced Safety package ($595). That package also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

2024 Nissan Kicks

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $23,200 | overall score: 8.6/10.

The Kicks is a subcompact SUV that's one of the most affordable models in its class. Though it's hindered somewhat by a lackluster engine, it provides excellent fuel economy and a spacious cabin. The Kicks also has more cargo room than many vehicles in its class.

Driver aids like forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard in all models to keep you safe on the road. The SV trim gains adaptive cruise control, driver-attention monitoring, remote start and satellite radio.

2024 Subaru Impreza

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $22,995 | overall score: 8.7/10.

All-wheel drive improves traction, and by doing so, it makes driving safer on wet roads. That feature is standard in the Impreza , a compact car that Subaru redesigned for the 2024 model year. The Impreza offers poised handling and a roomy cabin, though its base engine could use more pep.

Subaru equips every Impreza with desirable driver aids like adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and a rear-seat alert. Standard tech and comfort features like dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto further heighten this car's appeal.

2024 Kia Forte

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $22,490 | overall score: 8.6/10.

Compact cars like the Kia Forte are superb errand runners for urban and suburban driving. The Forte impresses with its gas-sipping fuel economy, upscale cabin and easy-to-operate infotainment system.

Adaptive cruise control is standard in the GT-Line trim, which also adds safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and vehicle exit warning. This trim gains tech and convenience features like navigation, a hands-free power trunk lid and a 10.25-inch touch screen. Forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and lane-keep assist are standard in all Forte cars.

2024 Nissan Sentra

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $22,110 | overall score: 8.3/10.

The Sentra's engine and driving dynamics fall short of greatness, but this compact car makes up for it with a stylish cabin, solid gas mileage and comfortable seats. It also provides a generous assortment of standard driver aids, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection and rear parking sensors. In addition, all models have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and push-button start.

This car's SV trim gains adaptive cruise control as well as satellite radio, upgraded cloth upholstery, an 8-inch touch screen and a six-speaker sound system.

2024 Toyota Corolla

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $22,050 | overall score: 8.4/10.

The Corolla has been a top-selling car for decades, serving as practical transportation for shoppers who don't want to spend a fortune on a new vehicle. Its strengths include a user-friendly infotainment system and excellent fuel economy.

Adaptive cruise control is standard in all models, along with a wealth of driver aids. Every Corolla has forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat alert. This compact car also provides standard tech features like navigation, wireless smartphone integration and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

2024 Volkswagen Jetta

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $21,435 | overall score: 8.4/10.

The Jetta isn't as sporty as competing compact cars but wins you over with its relaxed ride and spacious cabin. It also offers peppy powertrains and fuel economy that can save you cash at the gas pump.

For the 2024 model year, the Jetta added several driver aids as standard equipment. All models have adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Every Jetta also has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hot spot to keep you informed and entertained.

2024 Nissan Versa

Price w/ adaptive cruise control: $20,690 | overall score: 8.3/10.

Sometimes, compromises are necessary when making the most affordable choices, but that's not the case with the Versa . This subcompact delivers a big trunk and an attractive cabin for a modest price. It also provides many available amenities, including adaptive cruise control.

That feature is standard in the SR trim, which also adds heated front seats, LED headlights, automatic climate control and a Wi-Fi hot spot. All Versa cars have helpful driver aids like forward and reverse collision warning, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

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Cheapest Cars With Adaptive Cruise Control

2025 Kia Soul - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $26,290 | Overall Score: 9.2/10
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $25,785 | Overall Score: 8.4/10
2024 Hyundai Elantra - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $25,325 | Overall Score: 8.8/10
2025 Chevrolet Trax - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $23,890 | Overall Score: 8.5/10
2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $23,500 | Overall Score: 8.4/10
2025 Buick Envista - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $23,495 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
2024 Nissan Kicks - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $23,200 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
2024 Subaru Impreza - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $22,995 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
2024 Kia Forte - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $22,490 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
2024 Nissan Sentra - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $22,110 | Overall Score: 8.3/10
2024 Toyota Corolla - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $22,050 | Overall Score: 8.4/10
2024 Volkswagen Jetta - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $21,435 | Overall Score: 8.4/10
2024 Nissan Versa - Price w/ Adaptive Cruise Control: $20,690 | Overall Score: 8.3/10

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