Side exterior view of the Hyundai KONA Electric while driving

If you’re shopping for a new car, you’ve probably seen Smart Cruise Control, also known as Adaptive Cruise Control, listed as a feature. It’s designed to make driving easier and safer. But how does it actually work, and what makes it different from regular cruise control? Let’s break it down and look at some of the upgrades that can make your drive even better.

What is Smart Cruise Control?

Like regular cruise control, Smart Cruise Control lets your car maintain a set speed without keeping your foot on the gas. But it doesn’t stop there. Smart Cruise Control uses sensors to detect vehicles in front of you and can automatically slow down or speed up to keep a safe distance, without going over your preset top speed. 

Most Smart Cruise Control systems also include stop-and-go functionality. This means your car can come to a full stop (like in traffic), then start moving again once the car in front of you does. Stop-and-go systems usually pause after a second to make sure you’re still paying attention.

It’s important to know that Smart Cruise Control is not a self-driving feature. Drivers need to remain alert and ready to take control at any time. Smart Cruise Control is designed for highway driving only, but when used properly it can make driving smoother and less stressful.

Side exterior view of two Hyundai SANTA CRUZ cars driving side-by-side

Benefits of Smart Cruise Control

Smart Cruise Control can improve your overall driving experience, offering benefits like improved safety and fuel efficiency.

Improved safety

Smart Cruise Control systems use sensors to keep a safe distance from the car ahead and react quickly to changes in traffic. This is especially valuable in situations where quick reactions are key. However, Smart Cruise Control does not replace the driver–it is not a collision-avoidance system–and you’re fully responsible for operating your vehicle while using Smart Cruise Control. 

Better fuel efficiency

Depending on the situation, Smart Cruise Control can improve fuel efficiency. Research has shown that Smart/Adaptive Cruise Control offers better fuel economy when accelerating or braking–especially when driving behind another vehicle. This could lead to significant savings over time.

Less stressful driving

While you need to stay focused, Smart Cruise Control takes care of small speed adjustments for you. This can make long drives feel more relaxing and enjoyable than driving manually. Many drivers also feel less tired after driving for longer periods with Smart Cruise Control. 

Rear exterior view of the Hyundai IONIQ 9 while driving

What Sets Hyundai’s Smart Cruise Control Apart?

At Hyundai, we’re constantly innovating to improve the driving experience. And our Smart Cruise Control is no different.

Drivers using our Smart Cruise Control can experience a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Stop-and-go support: Hyundai Smart Cruise Control offers stop-and-go functionality, meaning you can still use it while in traffic.
  • Added peace of mind with Hyundai SmartSense: All Hyundai cars currently come with our SmartSense safety suite. When you use your Hyundai’s Smart Cruise Control, you’re also backed by SmartSense for added peace of mind and improved safety.1
  • Highway Driving Assist (on select models): Some models go a step further with Highway Driving Assist, which keeps your car centred in its lane and adjusts based on the speed of traffic. It also has stop-and-go support, and takes longer to time out when stopped than Smart Cruise Control does. Some models even have Highway Driving Assist 2, which lets your car automatically change lanes when it is safe, as long as you’re signaling and have your hands on the wheel.

Additionally, Smart Cruise Control II, our newest version of Smart Cruise control, includes all the existing benefits plus a driver monitoring system. If it senses that the driver is unresponsive, Smart Cruise Control II will safely stop the car and turn on hazard lights to alert others that help may be needed.

Side exterior view of the Hyundai KONA while driving

Hyundai Vehicles with Smart Cruise Control

Hyundai offers a wide variety of vehicles with Smart Cruise Control, including:

  • Hyundai KONA: The KONA, a subcompact crossover, has Smart Cruise Control on select trims; Highway Driving Assist is available through the Ultimate package.
  • Hyundai KONA Electric: Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist come standard on the KONA Electric.
  • Hyundai TUCSON: The TUCSON, a compact SUV, comes standard with Smart Cruise Control. Plus, the highest-tier configuration offers Highway Driving Assist and Smart Cruise Control 2.
  • Hyundai SANTA FE: The SANTA FE, a 3-row SUV that seats up to 7 passengers, comes standard with Smart Cruise Control. The Luxury Hybrid configuration features Highway Driving Assist I, and Highway Driving Assist II is available through the Ultimate Calligraphy model.2
  • Hyundai PALISADE: The PALISADE, an SUV with seating for up to 7-8 passengers, offers standard Smart Cruise Control. The Preferred Trend, XRT Pro, and Luxury trims come with Highway Driving Assist, while the Ultimate Calligraphy trim offers Highway Driving Assist II.2
  • Hyundai IONIQ 5: The IONIQ 5, an all-electric compact SUV, comes standard with Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist. Additionally, Highway Driving Assist 2 comes with select configurations. 
  • Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: The IONIQ 5 N, the high-performance version of the IONIQ 5, comes standard with Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, which offers the benefits of Smart Cruise Control while also allowing the vehicle to adjust its speed based on expected road changes such as curves. Highway Driving Assist 2 is also standard.
  • Hyundai IONIQ 6: The IONIQ 6, our only all-electric sedan, comes standard with Smart Cruise Control. The standard IONIQ 6 also comes standard with Highway Driving Assist, while Highway Driving Assist 2 is an available option for the Preferred Long Range AWD configuration.
  • Hyundai IONIQ 9: The IONIQ 9, our all-electric 3-row SUV, comes standard with Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist 2.
  • Hyundai ELANTRAThe ELANTRA is a compact sedan with available Smart Cruise Control; Highway Driving Assist is also available on select trims.
  • Hyundai SONATA: The SONATA is a midsize sedan with standard Smart Cruise Control; the N Line configuration comes with Highway Driving Assist.
  • Hyundai SANTA CRUZ: The SANTA CRUZ, our open-bed versatile lifestyle vehicle, offers Smart Cruise Control as an available feature. Additionally, the highest-tier trim comes with Highway Driving Assist. 

Discover Your Perfect Hyundai Vehicle Today

If you’re looking for a new vehicle with Smart Cruise Control, you’re in the right place; no matter which car you opt for, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing drive, a cutting-edge safety suite, and impressive technology.

To customize your dream vehicle, check out our Build and Price tool. Alternatively, you can book a test drive to experience our Smart Cruise Control firsthand.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the latest updates to vehicle models, features, or availability. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the current model pages on the Hyundai Canada website or contact your local dealership.

1 Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Cruise Control 2, Smart Cruise Control, Smart Cruise Control II/Smart Cruise Control 2, Highway Driving Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, and Hyundai SmartSense safety features do not offer self-driving capabilities. Drivers are responsible for operating their vehicle while using these features. 

2 Maximum seating capacities may vary by trim or configuration.