Uncooperative BlueCruise functionality on a F-150 Lightning, causing erratic lane changes on the highway; three unsuccessful dealership visits. Update only occurred upon test drive of GMC's EV.

In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, two key players stand out: Ford's BlueCruise and Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD). Let's delve into how these systems compare.

Ford unveiled the BlueCruise system in 2021, debuting with the F-150 Lightning, America's best-selling truck brand's electric pivot. The system, now in its 1.5 version, offers hands-free highway driving with automatic lane changing, requiring the driver to stay attentive. This advanced driver-assist system (ADAS) has seen rapid growth, with millions of miles driven hands-free on highways.

On the other hand, Tesla's FSD system, while still in regulatory purgatory as a driver-assist system, aims for higher levels of automation, including urban driving and city streets. Tesla owners actively test and use this system, with frequent software updates. However, it requires driver supervision despite automation claims.

| Aspect | Ford BlueCruise 1.5 | Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Automation Level | Hands-free highway driving with automatic lane changes; driver must stay attentive | Higher-level autonomy aiming for full self-driving including city streets; beta access for select users | | Availability | On select 2025 Ford and Lincoln models, expanding | Available via software subscription or purchase on all Tesla models | | Usage | Rapid growth with millions of miles driven hands-free on highways | Actively tested and used by Tesla owners with frequent software updates | | Driver Attention | Required, system monitors hands on wheel and driver state | Also requires driver supervision despite automation claims | | Core focus | Safety and comfort on highways and controlled-access roads | Broad autonomous driving ambitions including urban environments |

The unevenness of automotive technology is reflected in the experiences of different owners. Take David Scott, an owner of a Ford F-150 Lightning, for instance. He experienced his vehicle disconnecting from BlueCruise and ping-ponging between lanes. After accepting that the update might never come, he considered switching to a different brand. However, his Lightning suddenly received the BlueCruise 1.4 update over the air, improving its performance significantly.

As of mid-2025, BlueCruise 1.5 is available on select 2025 Ford and Lincoln models, expanding to the 2025 Mustang Mach-E, Explorer, and nearly 90% of the Expedition lineup. This update introduces automatic lane changing, which can autonomously execute up to 45% of lane changes under optimal conditions, improving safety and comfort during hands-free highway driving.

While Ford steadily enhances BlueCruise with features like automatic lane change and expanding availability, it continues to position the system as hands-free driving rather than fully autonomous. Tesla's FSD targets a deeper layer of autonomy but remains in active development and deployment with regulatory and technical challenges ongoing. Ford’s development emphasizes safety, real-world usability, and gradual feature deployment within driver-assist boundaries, whereas Tesla aims for a more ambitious full self-driving future.

References: [1] Ford Media Centre. (2025, May 1). Ford BlueCruise 1.5 introduces automatic lane changing, expands to more vehicles. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2025/may/01/ford-bluecruise-1-5-introduces-automatic-lane-changing-expands-to-more-vehicles.html

[2] Ford Media Centre. (2024, December 1). BlueCruise usage grows, with drivers logging 140 million miles and 2 million hours in 2024. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2024/december/01/bluecruise-usage-grows-with-drivers-logging-140-million-miles-and-2-million-hours-in-2024.html

[3] Ford Media Centre. (2023, April 1). Ford F-150 Lightning launches in Norway and Switzerland to respond to rising EV demand. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2023/april/01/ford-f-150-lightning-launches-in-norway-and-switzerland-to-respond-to-rising-ev-demand.html

[4] Ford Media Centre. (2021, May 19). Ford unveils F-150 Lightning, claims early success with over 100K reservations within a month. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2021/may/19/ford-unveils-f-150-lightning-claims-early-success-with-over-100k-reservations-within-a-month.html

[5] Ford Media Centre. (2022, October 1). Ford Performance's EV demonstrator, based on the Lightning, races at Pikes Peak with aerodynamic upgrades, custom suspension, and carbon-ceramic brakes. Retrieved from https://media.ford.com/content/ford/en/news/2022/october/01/ford-performance-s-ev-demonstrator-based-on-the-lightning-races-at-pikes-peak-with-aerodynamic-upgrades-custom-suspension-and-carbon-ceramic-brakes.html

Uncooperative BlueCruise functionality on a F-150 Lightning, causing erratic lane changes on the highway; three unsuccessful dealership visits. Update only occurred upon test drive of GMC's EV.