Many of the luxury features from several years ago are becoming mainstream and are available on more models.

What is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Related:7 Awesome Ford F-150 Lightning Electric Truck Features

Those names should tell you everything you oughta know.

Rockbox on an iPod Nano

However, it’s not just a setting that keeps your car at 78-mph going down the highway.

Once you lock your preferred speed into the system, the computers take over the throttle and brake controls.

Many ACC systems will even let you adjust the distance to the car in front of you.

A woman looking frustrated surround by smart home tech.

If that car moves over, your modern car will automatically accelerate again and reach your desired speed.

The system handles everything.

Then, reach its designated speed later when possible or after a light turns green.

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If you’ve never driven a car with ACC, It’s a game-changer.

For example, you could select ACC with economy mode and it’ll slowly accelerate for better fuel economy.

it’s possible for you to even pair it with lane assist features for seriously comfortable driving.

Car RPM engine revving

What’s the Difference Between Normal and Adaptive Cruise Control?

Modern cruise control was invented in 1948 by the American engineer Ralph Teetor.

Over the years, auto manufacturers improved the feature set by leaps and bounds.

RAM Rebel ACC steering wheel

For example, my old 2011 Toyota Tacoma has cruise control, but it’s nothing fancy.

Once I tap the brake, it’s all over, and everything shuts off.

That’s about the extent of its control.

F-150 Lightning infotainment screen

And while that’s moderately helpful, driving with ACC is a vastly better experience.

Adaptive cruise control isn’t anything new, either.

Unfortunately, the feature was reserved for more expensive luxury vehicles back in 2011.

Chevy Tahoe ACC gap settings on dash

Is Adaptive Cruise Control Worth It?

These days adaptive cruise control is readily available in cars of all different price points.

And to a degree, that’s still the case.

But those are easily added with a premium package or a higher trim of the specific vehicle.

So, is adaptive cruise control worth it?

As we said earlier, it’s a game-changer, especially on longer road trips.

For example, Toyota now considers adaptive cruise control “standard equipment” on all vehicles.

you could thank me later.