The top cars with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technology have been ranked according to Consumer Reports. We bring you the highlights of the organization’s independent customer review and conclusions, which motorists will find informative if they prioritize driver assistance and vehicle safety. Two of the brands on the list of ADAS models assessed are Tesla and Mercedes-Benz, and you can find out below which one came out on top and why.
Consumer Reports has ranked ADAS technology for motorists’ convenience
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit organization that conducts independent product reviews and testing and is also involved in investigative journalism and consumer advocacy. CR has been providing valuable, reliable, objective information to motorists for years, and recently it decided to delve into advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The technology and capabilities differ across the industry and the distinctions can be confusing, but you will find the key information below.
There are several features categorized under ADAS, such as lane departure prevention, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, among others. The average consumer is unlikely to be familiar with all the terms and what functions they involve.
A related issue is the naming of features such as “self-driving” or “autopilot,” which give the misleading impression that drivers can hand over responsibility for the vehicle to its computer system. This is a particular problem with Tesla’s ADAS, and it’s definitely not the case: motorists are responsible for all actions on the roads 100 percent of the time regardless of which systems they have activated.
A new CR report details how the outlet tested current ADAS technologies and how they rank.
How did Tesla and Mercedes-Benz perform in the CR ADAS rankings?
Mercedes-Benz’s driver-assistance system emerged in third place in the Consumer Reports study. Tesla’s Autopilot didn’t perform well, coming in in eighth place. The first and second positions were taken by Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise systems, respectively; however, both of these Level 2 systems are classified as “hands-free driving,” making them distinct from the majority of current ADAS technology.
Mercedes’ system came out on top among traditional driver assistance systems that still require motorists to keep their hands on the wheel.
One notable difference between Tesla’s ADAS tech and others is that collaborative steering is not an option. The system prompts the driver to apply torque to the steering wheel, meaning jiggle it to prove he or she is paying attention, but then the system deactivates.
Tesla has always been at the forefront of autonomous driving technology, which is one of the things that makes the brand stand out. By early 2025, it hopes to have self-driving cars on European roads.
Why did Mercedes pip Tesla in the ADAS survey?
Consumers reported that they appreciated the fact that the Mercedes ADAS allows drivers to steer the vehicle and keep the driver-assistance system active simultaneously. This is particularly helpful when steering around a pothole or debris in the roadway.
The Mercedes system also performed the best in lane centering. The fluidity of the adaptive cruise system is another top feature that drew praise and won motorists over.
The Mercedes models also have a dedicated driver display, which is comfortable for drivers, whereas Teslas have only a central screen.
Ford’s BlueCruise was highly rated
Ford’s BlueCruise technology was rated on top for its active driving assistance system. This refers to the simultaneous use of lane-centering assistance (LCA) to control steering and adaptive cruise control (ACC) for speed control. ACC is an advanced form of cruise control that brakes or accelerates to keep the car at a set, safe distance from vehicles traveling ahead and LCA provides steering support to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane.
Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing, highlighted the benefits of ADAS:
“Systems like BlueCruise are an important advancement that can help make driving easier and less stressful. But they don’t make a car self-driving at all. Instead, they create a new way of collaboratively driving with the computers in your car. When automakers do it the right way, it can make driving safer and more convenient. When they do it the wrong way, it can be dangerous.”
ADA systems are already available in more than 50% of 2023 model-year vehicles, according to CR. So it’s likely that the next new car you purchase will come with an optional ADA system if it’s not a standard feature.
It’s important for motorists to remain well-informed by consulting trusted sources like Consumer Reports and only relying on verifiable data, especially when making important decisions when in the market for a vehicle.
In different rankings, consumer data has been compiled into an analysis of the top five SUVs to avoid buying, and the information gives drivers insight into why these models have been rated low.