Ford BlueCruise: Hands-Free Driving In Platte City, MO
What Is Ford BlueCruise?
Ford BlueCruise is a cutting-edge hands-free driving feature that allows drivers to operate their vehicle on designated highways without holding the steering wheel. Developed as part of Ford’s Co-Pilot360™ suite, BlueCruise uses adaptive cruise control, lane-centering technology, and advanced driver monitoring to provide a safe, semi-autonomous driving experience. Unlike traditional cruise control, BlueCruise lets you remove your hands from the wheel while keeping your eyes on the road—a significant step toward fully autonomous driving.
Where Can You Use BlueCruise in Missouri?
BlueCruise operates on more than 130,000 miles of mapped highways, known as ‘Hands-Free Blue Zones,’ across North America. In Missouri, this includes major interstates such as I-29, I-70, I-35, and portions of I-435. For Platte City drivers who frequently commute to Kansas City, head north to St. Joseph, or take road trips across the Midwest, BlueCruise offers relief from the stress of long-haul highway driving.
How BlueCruise Enhances the Driving Experience
When activated in a supported zone, BlueCruise handles lane centering, distance pacing, and traffic flow—all while allowing the driver to rest their hands. It monitors your attention with an in-cabin infrared camera to ensure your eyes stay on the road. This means less muscle fatigue and mental strain during long drives, particularly during holiday travel, weekend getaways, or business trips. If the system detects the driver is distracted, it provides audio and visual alerts and will eventually deactivate if attention isn’t restored.
How BlueCruise Compares to Tesla Autopilot
While Tesla’s Autopilot system is perhaps the most well-known semi-autonomous feature, BlueCruise competes strongly in both safety and simplicity. Unlike Tesla’s system, which relies on driver torque on the steering wheel, BlueCruise uses direct camera-based eye monitoring to ensure focus. This allows true hands-free operation while maintaining driver accountability. Ford’s approach has been praised for striking a better balance between convenience and responsibility.
Which Ford Models Include BlueCruise?
BlueCruise is available on a growing number of 2023 and 2024 Ford models, including:
• Ford F-150 (LARIAT and above)
• Ford Mustang Mach-E (California Route 1, Premium, GT)
• Ford Expedition (Platinum)
• Ford Edge (Titanium Elite)
• Ford Explorer (Platinum and ST models)
• Ford Lightning (LARIAT and Platinum)
• Lincoln Navigator, Nautilus, and Corsair (as ActiveGlide)
Many of these models come with BlueCruise hardware pre-installed, even if not activated. Some trims include a trial period, after which drivers can subscribe for continued use.
BlueCruise Updates via Over-the-Air Technology
Ford delivers regular performance and feature updates to BlueCruise using over-the-air (OTA) software updates. This means your vehicle becomes smarter and more capable with time—without needing a dealership visit. Improvements include wider Blue Zone mapping, smoother lane changes, and more responsive braking/acceleration algorithms. It’s a major benefit for Platte City drivers who want the latest tech without upgrading their car.
Ford BlueCruise Subscription Plans Explained
Many new Ford models include BlueCruise as a trial feature—typically 90 days to 3 years depending on model and trim. After that, drivers can subscribe through FordPass® with options such as:
- Monthly Plans (starting around $75/year)
• Multi-year bundles for cost savings
• Flexible cancellation anytime
Subscriptions help fund ongoing OTA updates, map expansions, and tech support. Thoroughbred Ford Platte City can walk you through plan details during your visit.
Why Platte City Commuters and Travelers Love BlueCruise
Commuting to Kansas City or running regular highway errands can take a toll—especially during rush hour or after long workdays. BlueCruise relieves that pressure by taking over the steering and pacing duties. Drivers remain alert but relaxed, especially during long, straight highway stretches. It’s a feature that appeals to busy parents, field service workers, and anyone who wants to arrive more refreshed and focused.
How to Activate BlueCruise in Your Ford
If your Ford is BlueCruise-capable, activation is simple. Use the FordPass® app to connect your vehicle, follow prompts to enable BlueCruise, and begin your trial or subscription. At Thoroughbred Ford Platte City, we’ll help confirm if your vehicle includes the necessary hardware and walk you through step-by-step activation.
Experience the Future of Driving Today
Want to try hands-free driving before you buy? Schedule a demo with one of our Ford Certified Product Specialists. We’ll take you on a BlueCruise-enabled route, explain its functionality in real time, and show you just how easy it is to use.
Questions and Answers
Is BlueCruise safe for new drivers?
Yes, as long as the driver remains attentive. BlueCruise adds a layer of driving ease but still requires focus. It’s ideal for new drivers who frequently use highways and want extra support.
What happens if I take my eyes off the road while using BlueCruise?
A camera on the steering column monitors your gaze. If it detects inattention, you’ll receive escalating alerts. If you don’t respond, BlueCruise will disengage and require manual control.
Can BlueCruise handle curves or changing lanes?
Yes, to a degree. It can handle moderate curves and is being updated for optional lane changes in future OTA updates. You must still use turn signals and monitor blind spots.
Will BlueCruise stop the car if traffic halts suddenly?
Yes. With adaptive cruise and forward sensors, BlueCruise can bring your vehicle to a complete stop and resume movement in traffic without driver intervention, depending on the situation.
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