Technology | St. Louis, MO
BlueCruise lets you take your hands off the wheel on approved highways, as long as your eyes stay on the road.
Highway driving is where most of us get tired. Long stretches of I-70, I-44 or I-64 in steady traffic ask for constant small corrections, and that adds up over a few hours. Ford BlueCruise is built to take some of that load.
It’s easy to misunderstand, though. BlueCruise is not self driving. This post covers what it does, where it works, what you still have to do, and which Fords offer it.
Quick answer: Ford BlueCruise is a hands-free driving system for approved, pre-mapped divided highways. You can take your hands off the wheel, but you have to keep watching the road, and you take over any time the system asks.
Where it works
Pre-mapped divided highways called Blue Zones
What you do
Eyes on the road, ready to take over
How it watches
Driver-facing camera tracks your attention
In this post
What Ford BlueCruise Does
BlueCruise combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering, so the vehicle holds its speed, keeps its distance from the car ahead and stays centered in the lane. On a qualified highway, it does that without your hands on the wheel.
It’s a driver assist system, not an autopilot. You’re still the driver, and the system is designed to check that you’re paying attention.
Where You Can Use It
BlueCruise works only on pre-mapped sections of divided highway that Ford calls Blue Zones. Much of the interstate system is covered, and a symbol in the instrument cluster tells you when you’re in a zone and the system is ready.
Coverage changes as Ford updates its maps, so check the current coverage for your regular routes rather than assuming every road is included. City streets, ramps and unmapped roads are outside the system.
St. Louis driver tip: Construction zones around St. Louis can change lane markings quickly. When the symbol drops out, take the wheel and let the system re-engage when it’s ready.
How the System Keeps You Safe
A camera aimed at the driver watches your eyes and head position. If you look away for too long, the vehicle gives visual and audible alerts and asks you to take control.
Cameras and radar watch the road ahead and the traffic around you. If you leave a Blue Zone, or conditions change, the system asks you to take over with notice.
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Which Fords Offer It
BlueCruise is offered on select Ford models and trims, including the Ford F-150 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It usually comes as part of a driver assist package, so the exact trim and options matter.
Availability changes by model year. If BlueCruise is on your wish list, tell your salesperson so the trucks and SUVs you see have it.
What It Costs to Keep Using
Many vehicles include a trial period, and a BlueCruise subscription may be needed after it ends. Terms can change, so ask for the current details on the specific vehicle you’re looking at.
The system is a feature of the vehicle, but the ongoing service is a separate decision, so it belongs in your budget conversation.
Is It Worth It for St. Louis Drivers
If you commute on the interstate or drive to Kansas City, Columbia or Chicago a few times a year, BlueCruise can take a lot of the fatigue out of the long stretches. Drivers who stay on city streets will use it less.
The best way to decide is to try it. A highway test drive shows you how it feels, how the alerts work and whether you’re comfortable with it.
Buy it with Warranty Forever
Dave Sinclair Ford includes Warranty Forever powertrain coverage on every qualifying vehicle.
The Basics
Is Ford BlueCruise the same as self driving?
No. BlueCruise is a hands-free driver assist system. You must keep your eyes on the road and be ready to take over.
What does Blue Zone mean?
A Blue Zone is a pre-mapped section of divided highway where Ford allows hands-free driving. A symbol in the instrument cluster shows when you’re in one.
Does BlueCruise work on city streets?
It doesn’t. The system is limited to qualified highways, and it asks you to take over when you leave a Blue Zone.
Driver Attention
What happens if I look away from the road?
The driver-facing camera notices and the system sends visual and audible alerts. If you don’t respond, it keeps escalating the warnings and can slow the vehicle.
Can I use BlueCruise with sunglasses on?
Many sunglasses work fine, but some can make it harder for the camera to see your eyes. If you wear a particular pair often, test it on a drive.
Do I need to keep my hands near the wheel?
It’s smart to. You may be asked to take the wheel at any time, and being ready makes that handoff easier.
Models and Availability
Which Ford models offer BlueCruise?
Select trims of the Ford F-150 and Ford Mustang Mach-E offer it, and availability changes by model year. Ask us to check the exact vehicle.
Can BlueCruise be added to a Ford that doesn’t have it?
That generally depends on the vehicle’s hardware. A service advisor can tell you what’s possible for a specific Ford.
Is BlueCruise standard or an option?
It’s an option on most vehicles that offer it, and it often comes with a driver assist package on higher trims.
Cost and Subscription
Does BlueCruise require a subscription?
A subscription may be needed after any included trial period. Ask for the current terms on the exact Ford you’re considering.
What happens to BlueCruise when I sell the vehicle?
Ask us how the transfer works for the vehicle you’re buying or selling. Subscription terms can change, so it’s best to confirm the current details.
Can I try BlueCruise before I buy?
Yes. Ask for a highway test drive on a Ford that has it so you can see how it handles.
Driving in Missouri
Will BlueCruise work on I-70 and I-44?
Large parts of the interstate system are mapped, but coverage is updated over time. Check Ford’s current coverage for your route before a long drive.
Does weather affect BlueCruise?
Heavy rain, snow, fog or a dirty sensor can limit what the cameras and radar see, and the system may ask you to take over.
Is BlueCruise worth it for a short commute?
It’s most useful on longer highway drives. For a short commute with a lot of surface streets, you’ll use it less.
