As someone who gets to drive and evaluate new cars for a living, I’ve had the unique opportunity to witness the evolution of autonomous driving technology firsthand. Since 2015, I’ve tested hundreds of new car models, experiencing the progression from basic lane-keeping assist systems to the more ambitious, though not always successful, attempts at self-driving cars.
The initial systems were rudimentary, essentially adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping capabilities. However, the industry saw the potential and invested heavily in developing genuinely autonomous vehicles. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers have achieved this goal. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, on paper, appears to be the ultimate system, promising true point A to point B autonomy. However, my experience testing FSD and Autopilot in four different Tesla models, from 2019 to more recent iterations, has revealed inconsistencies. While undeniably capable in certain scenarios, I’ve found it prone to failures in situations where dependability is crucial. Furthermore, the system takes too many risks, which makes it difficult to fully trust.
Compared to Tesla’s approach, other automakers have adopted a more cautious strategy, prioritizing reliability. Hyundai’s HDA (Highway Driving Assist) is a capable system for highway driving, but not fully autonomous. Ford’s BlueCruise, while promising, has occasionally exhibited disconcerting behavior, abruptly disengaging without warning. But after testing all the systems, I have come to a definitive conclusion:
Super Cruise: The Leader in Autonomous Driving
GM’s Super Cruise technology, in my estimation, is the leading autonomous driving system I’ve tested. I’m here to explain why it’s the best autonomous driving technology I’ve tested since I’ve started reviewing cars.
My experience with Super Cruise spans several vehicles, including a Cadillac Escalade and a Chevrolet Silverado. Notably, I recently completed a family road trip of over 300 miles in a 2024 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate, and the experience was consistently impressive. During this trip, I was able to use the system hands and feet free for almost the entire journey. Even in heavy Boston traffic, Super Cruise seamlessly handled lane changes, brought the vehicle to complete stops, and reacted to oncoming traffic, behaving as a human driver would.
These systems have robotic behaviors and sluggish reaction times. But Super Cruise is so seamless and smooth, that you’d swear someone is hiding underneath the dashboard driving the car for you.
Beyond Basic Autonomy: Safety and Reliability
What truly distinguishes Super Cruise is its emphasis on safety and its ability to alert the driver when it cannot operate. Unlike Tesla’s camera-centric approach, GM utilizes a comprehensive suite of technologies, including cameras, sensors, radars, lidars, and pre-loaded mapping. GM collaborates with a mapping company that constantly provides map data. This data is then incorporated into the vehicles via over-the-air (OTA) updates. This extensive mapping data allows Super Cruise to function on an impressive 750,000 miles of North American roads.
The system only activates when all operating parameters are met. During my recent road trip, Super Cruise occasionally refused to activate due to a lack of preloaded map data, even when the cameras and sensors indicated it was safe to proceed hands-free. This exceptional level of redundancy contributes to a remarkably reliable system.
Driver Monitoring and Enhanced Safety
Furthermore, Super Cruise actively monitors driver behavior. Unlike some systems that rely on intrusive facial recognition, Super Cruise reminds the driver to pay attention to the road while allowing me to enjoy the scenery. This system discourages distractions such as using a phone or watching videos. If you’re caught looking away from the road for too long, Super Cruise intervenes by sending a light vibration through the seat and a blinking green light on the steering wheel. I tested this feature in various ways, from glancing down towards the steering wheel to simply turning my head to look out the window. After about ten seconds of inattention, Super Cruise gently reminded me that I was behind the wheel.
Considering I was traveling with my one-year-old son, spouse, mother, and brother, this emphasis on safety was essential for building my trust in the technology. GM’s Super Cruise has earned my full confidence, making it the best autonomous driving system I’ve tested to date.
