By ATN
Summary: Ford is expanding its BlueCruise hands-free driving technology to the new model year Kuga, making the system available on one of Europe’s best-selling SUVs from April. Previously launched on the Mustang Mach-E, BlueCruise now brings semi-autonomous highway capability to a broader customer base alongside Kuga’s diverse hybrid and petrol powertrain lineup.
Key engineering takeaway: BlueCruise builds on Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control to manage steering, acceleration, braking and lane centering in designated highway “Blue Zones,” covering around 95% of highways across 16 European markets. The system operates as “hands-off, eyes-on,” including in stop-and-go traffic, and is delivered via a software-enabled ADAS stack integrated into existing vehicle sensor architecture.
Why it matters: Expanding hands-free highway driving from premium EVs to high-volume SUVs signals the mainstreaming of Level 2+ driver assistance in Europe. Flexible subscription and purchase models also highlight how ADAS is increasingly becoming a software-defined feature, shaping new revenue streams and accelerating consumer adoption of semi-autonomous technologies.
Ford’s automated driving technology, BlueCruise, added to the latest Kuga
Ford is redefining the driving experience for SUV customers across Europe by introducing its history-making BlueCruise 1 hands-free driving technology to the new model year Ford Kuga. 2
BlueCruise was the first system of its kind to receive regulatory approval in Europe when it debuted on the Ford Mustang Mach-E 3 in 2023. Now, BlueCruise is set to bring a new level of comfort and convenience to one of Europe’s most popular family vehicles.
BlueCruise joins Kuga’s extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) 4 from April this year – making the cutting-edge semi-autonomous technology accessible to even more drivers.
These systems – alongside a wide range of powertrains including plug-in hybrid (PHEV), full hybrid (HEV) and efficient EcoBoost petrol engines that continue to provide options for every customer – have made Kuga a hit with SUV drivers across the region.
The upgraded Kuga also introduces an enhanced specification for the B&O Premium Audio system to deliver even better sound reproduction, as well as a Premium Connectivity option that allows customers to experience music, videos and entertainment through a number of popular streaming services.
“The Kuga has always been about offering our customers the best possible balance of style, capability, and technology,” said Christian Weingaertner, general manager, passenger vehicles, Ford Europe. “By bringing BlueCruise to the Kuga, one of our most popular vehicles, we are making our leading technology accessible to many more customers so that they can enjoy the benefits of hands-free highway driving whether it’s on their daily commutes or longer journeys.”
A new era of highway driving
BlueCruise is a “hands-off, eyes-on” technology that allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel when travelling in designated Blue Zones. These zones now cover approximately 95 per cent of highways across 16 markets in Europe, 5 providing a seamless experience for long-distance travel and international road trips.
Building on the capabilities of Kuga’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), 4 BlueCruise actively manages steering, acceleration, braking, and lane positioning. The system maintains a safe distance from other vehicles and can operate at highway speeds as well as in demanding stop-and-go traffic. By reducing the need for constant steering inputs, BlueCruise can contribute to reduced driver fatigue, helping owners arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed.
The introduction of BlueCruise complements the Kuga’s high-tech interior, which features Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system 6 with Alexa Built-in. 7 For those who use their SUV for towing, the Kuga also offers Trailer Tow Navigation, 4 which can calculate routes based on the size and weight of the trailer to avoid narrow roads or low bridges.
BlueCruise to suit you
BlueCruise is available on new model year Kugas with automatic transmissions starting this April. The technology comes as part of the Driver Assistance Pack, which is standard on the premium ST-Line X and Active X series, and available as an option for Titanium and ST-Line models.
Recognising that different drivers have different needs, Ford is offering flexible ways to access the technology. A one-time purchase enables BlueCruise without further payment for years of access, or monthly and annual plans are available for customers who want to trial the system or those who only require hands-free capability for specific times of the year, such as summer holidays or frequent business travel. All BlueCruise-capable Kugas can benefit from a three-month trial period.
A world of entertainment at your fingertips
The enhanced Kuga also offers even greater choice for customers with significant upgrades to the infotainment options, making every journey more enjoyable and relaxing.
The B&O Premium Audio System, standard on ST-Line X and Active X Series, is upgraded from 575 W to 700 W, with higher-specification front-door “midwoofers” and separate rear tweeters and woofers, adding two additional audio channels to create a fully-active system that is more precisely tuned for accurate sound reproduction without distortion even at high volume levels.
In addition, a Premium Connectivity 8 option is now available on all Kuga series, which gives customers access to popular streaming services through the SYNC 4 infotainment system, as well as options to play games and even enjoy karaoke.
For more automated driving technology news, click here.
