Automakers are dreaming of a world where drivers can sit back and chill while the car does all the hard work of driving. We still have a few years to go before this becomes a reality, but Cadillac is making some real progress. The American automaker has developed a hands-free system known as Cadillac Super Cruise, and many consumers are eager to try it out.

What is Super Cruise?

If you’re interested in hands-free driving, Cadillac Super Cruise may just be for you. This semiautonomous driver-assistance feature allows the user to remove their hands from the steering wheel while driving on compatible highways. 

There are a few important features to note about Super Cruise. First, it is a level 2 type of autonomous technology and is not capable of fully driving the car for you. While you can safely remove your hands from the steering wheel, you still have to keep your eyes on the road. 

Second, it is not compatible with all roads. Cadillac reports there are currently over 200,000 miles of roads you can use Super Cruise in the U.S. and Canada, and this number is rapidly expanding. 

Third, there are several factors that need to come into play before you can use Super Cruise. You need to be watching the road, there need to be visible lane markers, GPS must be available, and there can be no system faults. Some models require that you be centered in the lane first.

To use Super Cruise, you start by pressing the ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL button on the steering wheel. If all the above factors are in play, then the Super Cruise symbol will illuminate on the instrument cluster. Then you simply press the Super Cruise button on the steering wheel.

Before you remove your hands from the steering wheel, look for the steering wheel light to turn green. Once it does, you can safely remove your hands. 

There are two ways to turn Super Cruise off. Take the steering wheel firmly and press the brakes, or press the Super Cruise button on the steering wheel.

Here’s how to find out if your Cadillac has Super Cruise

The easiest way to check if your Cadillac has Super Cruise is to check your instrument cluster. There will be a steering wheel symbol on the upper right-hand side of the instrument panel. 

The Super Cruise button is located on the left-hand side of the steering wheel, close to the adaptive cruise control. You will also notice a driver attention camera on top of the steering wheel, which tracks whether you are focused on the road.

There is also a light bar on the top of your steering wheel which will turn green when you activate Super Cruise.

If all else fails, check with your dealer before purchasing. They will be able to tell you if your Cadillac has Super Cruise and can help demonstrate how to use it during your test drive.

Which Cadillac models offer this hands-free driving feature?

Several Cadillac models offer Super Cruise. They include the 2021 to 2023 Cadillac Escalade, 2022 to 2023 XT6, 2023 CT4, 2021 and 2023 CT5, 2018 to 2020 CT6, and 2023 Lyriq.

But Super Cruise is not available on some models because of the chip shortage. Even some trims, like the XT6 Premium Luxury and Sport, that advertise it might not have Super Cruise, so ask your dealer before purchasing if you want the hands-free driving feature.

There are additional Super Cruise features that will be updated on some models. They include automatic lane change and trailering. More changes will doubtless come down the line, but in the meantime, Super Cruise is one of the top hands-free driving systems on the market.