Ford BlueCruise First Impressions | Talking Cars #342

This week we discuss BlueCruise technology, Ford’s new hands-free active driver assist feature available on the Mustang Mach-E. We share our experiences with the system— both on our test track and public roads— we’ll talk about how it differs from other systems like GM’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot. We also debate how useful these systems are and how driver monitoring plays a crucial role in ensuring safety behind the wheel. Plus, we answer a question about child seats for a growing family.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Ford BlueCruise First Impressions

17:54 - Question: What’s the best car to buy to accommodate a growing family?

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[Roy_]

I like that if you start to fall asleep it wakes you up, that's definitely a big concern with these systems since they reduce the interactions that help keep you awake.

[tswrench]

I'm looking forward to a time when I can choose/create my own alert--because I want my truck to know exactly how I should be spoken to. For instance: instead of it instructing me in its vanilla-ese to put my hands on the steering wheel, I'd like to hear Jim Morrison and The Doors blaring "Roadhouse Blues" through the B&O sound system--you know--get that whole thing involved. "Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the whee-EL... The future's uncertain and the end is always near. Let it ROLL, baby, Roll...." Something like that. Now, a lot of drivers might jump out of a moving vehicle at that point, but for me, it'd be a good wakeup call, or reveille, if you will, cause I'm not a coffee drinker.

[joeb]

I like the advice to the man with the growing family to keep the Forester. But I also love Keith's recommendation for a minivan if getting a new vehicle is what they really want to do.

[davidmccarthy]

They all sound like it is little different than EyeSight in our Forester. Reduces some stress but I'm still engaged. That seems less stressful than hovering over the wheel and brake because I don't know how it will behave.

[rightlanehog]

Bill from St. Louis, Listen to Keith from C.R. because he hit the nail on the head with his AWD Sienna recommendation.

[hugdeath]

I also agree that within the suv class the Korean twins a are the best ‘values’ right now, if you can find it for sticker or less. The Forester is a really strong vehicle but it’s narrower than the next size Outback in their lineup. And indeed once you start adding the stuff that domes with three babies you’ll likely run out of room pretty quickly. Another thing to consider is adults in the rear. The Korean twins would provide a better experience and an actual opportunity if you’d like to have someone in the back with the babies.

[frumpd]

Typical oversimplification drama by CR. The reality is that nearly all customers have appropriate sensibilities about their capabilities and love these systems for the fatigue reduction they provide. Your task as a driver shifts from constant physical micro corrections to supervising the situation over all. Waiting for a system that flawlessly communicated intent and limitations would take several more years, which would result in more automotive casualties.

[tomlangleydesign]

It sounds like for some drivers, it may create stress. That's a trust issue. And to others, it doesn't communicate well. That's. shortfall and a communication issue or poor UI design. At the end of the day, it sounds like the best it has to offer is a bit of assistance that would enable the driver to relax. Taking the stress out of driving by adding a bit of safety and comfort would be a nice sales angle for Ford.

[kolt]

Loved those two analogies around the 2:45 mark. Great way to summarize it!

[himmura]

I use tesla’s autopilot on the freeway all the time. Nice to have the car drive for you on long trips. Tesla’s is practically flawless on the freeway. FSD beta is pretty impressive too..not perfect yet but it’s improving a lot very fast.

[jimmelay]

To the guy who wants to upgrade from the Forester, I agree with Jake, keep it for a while. My kids 11, 11 and 6 are just now getting cramped.

[ranig]

BlueCruise is pathetic. Limited availability on some highways, can only do hands free on straight sections (really??? We’ve had system due curves roads 10 years ago!) and does not give use necessary feedback when he needs to take over (no audio feedback). I’ve had Teslas for over 4 years, and on the highway Autopilot is rock solid. It doesn’t matter how much it curves, it does great with traffic (someone entering or leaving my lane) and it gets better and better with new releases. I do need to keep my hand rested on the wheel (which ensures quick takeover if needed, which is very rare these days) and I do pay more attention in construction zone and complex areas - but in the last year it does great even in those areas. Unless you’re a lunatic, Tesla ensures you’re attentive (unless you put weights on the wheel or do weird tricks).

[adamhofmann]

I am looking forward to receive the Blu Cruise OTA on my Ford Mustang Mach-E First Edition. I use adaptive cruise control and one keep assist on most longer highway driving. I don’t mind keeping my hands on the wheel all the time. What I don’t like with the current system is that it thinks my hands are not on the wheel so I have to move the wheel a little every 10 or so seconds. The sensors to know you have hands on are not sensitive enough.

[nathanthornton]

Keith, glad to see I wasn’t the only one to instinctively think about “Blue’s Clues” in this segment!

[nicholassmith]

I agree with Jake and disagree with Bill's premise. He already has a vehicle that can easily accommodate three kids in the backseat. I think Bill is just trying to rationalize his desire to get a new vehicle.

[robertogomez]

If you really need to get a new car I would go with the Toyota mini van, it's the best option for mid size or big families, I know it's not cool but it's very useful and comfortable.

[TheUsflow]

Can you test a feature called Intelligent Speed Limit Warning and Assist (Hyundai/Kia's term) or similar systems on other cars? I cannot relax on those boring long stretches of straight highways because I am also needing to monitor the speed limit, which can sometimes change inexplicably.

[TealSide]

Thanks CR for another great talking cars episode. Love the show and the enthusiasm y'all bring to it each and every week.

[Mabeylater]

1:21. Yes they are becoming common. Thank you

[ChicagoBob]

We bought a low miles used Honda Odyssey its been great. The used market on these is stable since there are so many of them. Downside is gas mileage isn't great.