Modern Fords are packed with technology, and one of the more important features for most drivers is adaptive cruise control. Cruise control systems have been around for decades, but we can remember when you’d have to constantly brake and restart the cruise control when you hit traffic or a slow driver in front.
Fortunately, with adaptive cruise control systems, those days are over. Like most manufacturers, Ford added adaptive cruise control to their model range a few years ago, and the system has been developed and improved ever since.
So if this feature is so great, you‘ll want to know which Ford models have adaptive cruise control right? Well, to answer that question, we’ve put together a list of every current Ford model, to show you which cars include this option and which don’t. We’ll also talk you through how it works, and if we think it’s value for money.
Let’s get started!
How does Ford’s adaptive cruise control work?
Ford’s adaptive cruise control works similarly to most systems. The system is managed by a series of radars and cameras around the vehicle to monitor speed and distance from any objects. Once you set your desired speed and preferred distance from the car in front, the system will manage the rest.
This allows your Ford to slow down when the vehicle in front is slowing (so distance is maintained), and once the vehicle in front accelerates, your Ford will increase speed until it reaches the speed you set when you turned the cruise control on.
On some Ford models, the system includes a speed sign recognition system, which allows your car to monitor speed signs and slow down if necessary.
Do all Ford models come with adaptive cruise control?
No – most of the vehicles in the current Ford range include adaptive cruise control, but it isn’t available on every model. Below we’ve listed every current Ford vehicle to show you:
- Which Ford models have adaptive cruise control as standard
- Which Ford models have adaptive cruise control as an optional extra
- Which Ford models don’t include adaptive cruise control
Models with adaptive cruise control as standard
The below models include adaptive cruise control as a standard feature. As expected, these are some of the highest-spec Ford vehicles on sale, and in some cases, they include the upgraded BlueCruise system.
- Escape Platinum
- Escape ST-Line Elite
- Escape Hybrid
- Bronco Sport Heritage Limited
- Bronco Heritage Limited
- Mustang Mach-E GT
- Mustang Mach-E Premium
- Mustang Mach-E California Route 1
- Expedition Limited
- Expedition Limited MAX
- Expedition King Ranch
- Expedition King Ranch MAX
- Expedition Platinum (BlueCruise)
- Expedition Platinum MAX (BlueCruise)
- F-150 King Ranch
- F-150 Platinum
- F-150 Limited
- F-150 Raptor
- F-150 Lightning Lariat
- F-150 Lightning Platinum
Models with adaptive cruise control as an optional extra
Most of the Ford range includes adaptive cruise control as an optional extra. The cost of adding this varies across the Ford range, and in most cases the adaptive cruise control feature is included with a larger options pack.
As a result, some option packs can reach into the thousands, and you may end up paying for features you don’t need. Unfortunately, most manufacturers are selling options this way, so it’s no surprise to see Ford adopting the option pack model.
- Escape Active – $995 (part of the Tech Pack)
- Escape ST-Line – $995 (part of the Tech Pack)
- Escape ST-Line Select – $995 (part of the Tech Pack)
- Bronco Sport Big Bend – $895 (part of the Ford Co-Pilot Assist pack)
- Bronco Sport Heritage – $895 (part of the Ford Co-Pilot Assist pack)
- Bronco Sport Badlands – $895 (part of the Ford Co-Pilot Assist pack)
- Bronco Sport Outer Banks – $895 (part of the Ford Co-Pilot Assist pack)
- Bronco Outer Banks – $3,195 (part of the Lux pack)
- Bronco Badlands – $4,690 (part of the Lux pack)
- Bronco Wildtrak – $3,195 (part of the Lux pack)
- Bronco Raptor – $2,300 (part of the Lux pack)
- Edge SEL – $1,195 (part of the Ford Co-Pilot Assist pack)
- Edge ST-Line – $1,195 (part of the Ford Co-Pilot Assist pack)
- Edge Titanium – $1,195 (part of the Ford Co-Pilot Assist pack)
- Edge ST – $1,195 (part of the Ford Co-Pilot Assist pack)
- Mustang Mach-E Select – $1,900 (part of the BlueCruise feature)
- Expedition XLT – $2,745 (part of the Special Edition pack)
- Expedition XLT MAX – $2,745 (part of the Special Edition pack)
- Expedition Timberline – $9,220 (part of the Timberline High pack)
- Maverick Lariat – $750 (part of the Ford Co-Pilot Assist pack)
- Ranger XLT – $995 (part of the Tech Pack)
- Ranger Lariat – $995 (part of the Tech Pack)
- F-150 XLT – $655 (part of the Ford Co-Pilot Assist pack)
- F-150 Lariat – $1,995 (part of the BlueCruise feature)
- F-150 Tremor – $1,995 (part of the BlueCruise feature)
- F-150 Lightning XLT – $5,000 (part of the XLT Equipment Group)
- Mustang EcoBoost Fastback – $725 (part of the Safe and Smart pack)
- Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback – $725 (part of the Safe and Smart pack)
- Mustang EcoBoost Convertible – $725 (part of the Safe and Smart pack)
- Mustang EcoBoost Premium Convertible – $725 (part of the Safe and Smart pack)
- Mustang GT Fastback – $725 (part of the Safe and Smart pack)
- Mustang GT Premium Fastback – $725 (part of the Safe and Smart pack)
- Mustang GT Premium Convertible – $725 (part of the Safe and Smart pack)
Models without adaptive cruise control
There are a small number of vehicles in the current Ford range without the option for adaptive cruise control. These are usually the entry level trims for most Ford vehicles, which are missing a lot of standard features.
There are still some high spec vehicles on here. The Mach 1 Mustang models and the F-150 Lightning Pro are expensive cars, and it’s disappointing to see that Ford don’t include adaptive cruise control here.
- Ecosport S
- Ecosport SE
- Ecosport SES
- Ecosport Titanium
- Escape Base
- Bronco Sport Base
- Bronco Base
- Bronco Big Bend
- Bronco Black Diamond
- Bronco Heritage
- Bronco Everglades
- Explorer Base
- Explorer XLT
- Explorer ST-Line
- Explorer Limited
- Explorer Timberline
- Explorer ST
- Explorer Platinum
- Explorer King Ranch
- Edge SE
- Expedition XL STX
- Maverick XL
- Maverick XLT
- Ranger XL
- F-150 XL
- F-150 Lightning Pro
- Mustang Mach 1
- Mustang Mach 1 Premium
Is adaptive cruise control worth it?
If you’re expecting to do a lot of highway driving in your Ford, then the adaptive cruise control feature would be a no brainer for me. It makes longer journeys considerably easier and the adaptive tech makes freeway driving in traffic less stressful.
If you’re going to do most of your driving in built up areas (where you’ll be at lower speeds) or off-road, then the adaptive cruise control system won’t get much use. It’s still useful for any longer journeys, but I wouldn’t rush to add this feature.
Now we can talk about the cost. If you’re looking at a Ford model where adaptive cruise control is standard then great, you have that feature built in at no cost. If you’re looking at a mid-spec Ford, chances are you’ll have to pay for adaptive cruise control and buy an options pack.
Some packs are great value, like the Safe & Smart pack, but some are incredibly expensive for what you get. Our advice is to check all the features, and you might find upgrading to the higher-spec model is actually cheaper than adding a package.
What other Ford options should you look at?
Across the Ford range there are plenty of impressive (and not so impressive) options. We’ve put together articles on the most important features you should look into, covering the price, availability, and our thoughts. Check out the links below for more info:
Which Ford Models Have a Heated Steering Wheel?
Which Ford Models Have Ventilated Seats?
The Best Ford For Your First Car
Which Ford Models Have Remote Start?
