BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving: How It Works & Ford Models Available in Montgomery, AL

Ford BlueCruise is a hands-free driving assistance system designed to take the stress out of driving, leaving you with an easier, more enjoyable driving experience. Currently, Ford has over 130,000 miles of divided highways under its Hands-Free Blue Zones technology, covering 97% of all controlled-access highways in the United States and Canada.

Using BlueCruise turns your daily commutes and long road trips into opportunities to recharge physically and mentally as it accelerates, steers, and brakes your vehicle. Activate BlueCruise with the touch of a button, and you'll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.

How Ford BlueCruise Works: Technology Overview for Montgomery Drivers

You may feel nervous when using BlueCruise for the first time as the car accelerates and brakes, and watch the steering wheel make microadjustments to keep the vehicle centered. The nervousness comes from not understanding the technology.

BlueCruise Technology: Radar, Lane Assist & Driver Monitoring

We categorize BlueCruise as an active driving assistance (ADA) system. BlueCruise uses your car's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist (LCA) systems simultaneously to achieve the desired results. 

Your vehicle's adaptive cruise control system uses advanced radar and optical sensors to scan the way ahead. This advanced form of cruise control allows you to preset a speed and distance to the vehicle ahead and will automatically slow your car down and speed it up as needed.

The LCA system uses similar technology to scan either side and identify marked lanes. When activated, the LCA will provide subtle steering input to keep your car centered in its lane.

Ford's BlueCruise technology includes an infrared camera that monitors your eyes. The system will give you an audible chime and visual warning if it detects that you're glancing away for more than five seconds. 

Ford Vehicles with BlueCruise Available in Montgomery, AL

Ford started featuring its BlueCruise technology in 2021 as an available option in the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 pickup. In the following four years, Ford expanded its BlueCruise system to select Explorer, Expedition, and F-150 Lightning models. Availability depends on the model year and trim.

Mustang Mach-E BlueCruise Availability by Trim & Year

As Ford's flagship electric vehicle (EV), it makes sense that the company added the BlueCruise technology to this model. If you're interested in a new or gently used Mustang Mach-E, you can find BlueCruise on the following models:

• 2021 Mustang Mach-E Select, California Route 1, Premium, First Edition, GT, and GT Performance Edition trims
• 2022-2023 Mustang Mach-E Select, California Route 1, Premium, GT, and GT Performance trims
• 2023 Mustang Mach-E Select, California Route 1, Premium, GT, and GT Performance trims

Ford includes its BlueCruise feature on all 2024 and 2025 Mustang Mach-E models.

Ford F-150 BlueCruise Trims: What to Look for in Montgomery

Ford's F-150 pickup has been the bestselling truck for decades, making it an ideal model to add BlueCruise technology. Here's a breakdown of the years and trims that include BlueCruise:

• 2021 F-150 Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and Tremor trims
• 2022-2023 F-150 Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and Tremor trims
• 2024-2025 F-150 XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Tremor trims

Which F-150 Lightning Trims Offer BlueCruise?

Entering the EV pickup segment, the F-150 Lightning benefited from the latest ADA systems. Here's a look at the F-150 Lightning models with this cutting-edge tech:

• 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning Lariat and Platinum trims
• 2024 F-150 Lightning Flash, Lariat, and Platinum trims

Ford Expedition Trims with BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving

The Ford Expedition has all the performance, space, and versatility you expect from a full-size SUV. It also has the latest in-vehicle tech and advanced ADA systems such as BlueCruise in select models, including:

• 2022-2024 Expedition Platinum trim
• 2025 Expedition Platinum, King Ranch, Active, and Tremor trims

2025 Explorer Models with BlueCruise Enabled

If you're looking for a capable midsize SUV, you'll love the Ford Explorer. It has sleek exterior style, capable performance, and the utility you want from an SUV. Ford started offering its BlueCruise technology in the 2025 Explorer model year ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims.

Future Ford Vehicles That May Include BlueCruise

Ford hasn't made any firm commitments to its expansion of BlueCruise throughout its lineup, but we know that its popularity and top-ranking status will drive its inclusion in future Ford vehicles. If you're a driver of the popular commuter and family SUVs such as the Edge and Escape, this advanced tech can reduce your stress on future Montgomery commutes and road trips to the Alabama and Florida beaches.

What It’s Like to Drive with Ford BlueCruise in Alabama

You can let go of the steering wheel and let BlueCruise take control, allowing you to relax on long road trips or your stop-and-go Montgomery commutes. Thanks to a driver-facing camera system that tracks your eye gaze and head position, you gain an extra layer of protection, ensuring you remain ready to assume control if necessary.

BlueCruise provides all-around coverage of your vehicle, utilizing sensors to scan its surroundings. These sensors provide the data that lets BlueCruise keep you centered in your lane, maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead and to either side, and keep your car driving at speeds that match the traffic flow. This situational awareness enhances your sense of security.

The connected maps of Blue Zones use your geolocation to activate BlueCruise safely. Ford updates these maps over the air, ensuring you always know your BlueCruise will engage.

How to Activate & Subscribe to BlueCruise on Your Ford

Activating BlueCruise has never been easier. If you purchase a new 2024 or 2025 Ford equipped with BlueCruise, you automatically get a 90-day complimentary trial period. When the trial period ends, you can sign up for a Ford BlueCruise subscription at $49.99 per month or $495 for a yearly plan.

Ford also offers plans that provide a minimum of seven years of service in a one-time purchase for $2,495 on select new models. You can save 28% compared to renewing annually over seven years at $495.

Common Questions About Ford BlueCruise and How It Works

What is Ford BlueCruise?

Ford BlueCruise is a hands-free driver assistance system that allows your vehicle to steer, accelerate, and brake on pre-mapped highways called Blue Zones. It combines adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a driver-facing camera to maintain safety while letting you take your hands off the wheel, under the right conditions.

Is BlueCruise completely autonomous driving?

No, BlueCruise is not a self-driving system. It’s classified as a Level 2 driving assistance technology, meaning the driver must stay alert and ready to take control at any time. The system uses an infrared camera to track your eye movement and will disengage if you’re not paying attention.

Which Ford models offer BlueCruise?

BlueCruise is available on select trims of the following Ford vehicles:

• Mustang Mach-E (2021–2025)

• F-150 and F-150 Lightning (2021–2025)

• Expedition (2022–2025)

• Explorer (starting in 2025)

Check your trim and model year or contact a Ford dealership in Montgomery, AL to confirm availability.

Does BlueCruise work on any road?

No, BlueCruise only activates on Ford’s “Blue Zones,” which include over 130,000 miles of divided highways in the U.S. and Canada. It will not work on undivided roads, local streets, or construction zones.

How does BlueCruise keep me safe while driving hands-free?

The system uses radar and camera sensors to monitor your surroundings and adjust your speed and steering accordingly. An inward-facing camera also ensures you’re looking at the road. If it detects driver inattention, it sends audio and visual alerts and can deactivate the system if needed.

Can BlueCruise be used in bad weather?

BlueCruise may not function optimally in heavy rain, snow, or fog, as it relies on visible lane markings and external sensors. Drivers should always monitor conditions and take manual control when necessary.

Is there a subscription fee for BlueCruise?

Yes. New vehicles typically include a 90-day free trial. After that, you can choose between:

• Monthly plan: $49.99/month

• Annual plan: $495/year

• 7-year prepaid plan: $2,495 (saving ~28%)

These options vary by model and purchase type, so confirm with your dealership.

Can BlueCruise be updated over time?

Yes. Ford pushes over-the-air updates to expand BlueCruise’s coverage and improve functionality. This means more roads and enhanced features become available without needing to visit a dealership.

Does the Ford Escape or Edge have BlueCruise?

Not yet. As of 2025, BlueCruise is limited to the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 series, Expedition, and Explorer. However, Ford may add support to the Escape, Edge, and other models in the future.

Can I install BlueCruise on an older Ford vehicle?

BlueCruise requires specific hardware, including sensors and driver monitoring cameras, so it cannot be retrofitted onto vehicles that weren’t factory-equipped. Only compatible trims from supported model years can activate the feature.

Experience BlueCruise Firsthand at Stivers Ford in Montgomery, AL

If you're curious about how this cutting-edge tech might elevate your driving experience, we invite you to contact or call our dealership for a demonstration. One of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will answer your questions and coordinate a test drive so you can experience the benefits of Ford hands-free driving.

Images by Ford Media