More than likely, potential buyers are looking for the latest and greatest driver assistance tech in their next purchase. With current features like blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree parking cameras, and rear seat alert, any car at any price has a lot to offer. Yet, some on long drives may want their cars to do more in terms of support. Fortunately, the Mazda Cruising and Traffic Support system can take the mundane out Monday morning office commutes.

What is the Mazda Cruising and Traffic Support system?

The Mazda Cruising and Traffic Support system is an advanced driver assistance system. It aims to enhance driver comfort and safety during long commutes or in heavy traffic. But only on limited models. Properly-equipped vehicles rely on various sensors, cameras, and software algorithms to monitor the environment and assist the driver with steering, acceleration, and braking.

To make driving safer and stress-free, the system facilitates using multiple drive assistance features already available. For instance, it combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to guide the car at speed. The goal is not to provide autonomous driving capabilities but to remove some of the dread from stop-and-go highway traffic.

How does it work?

The Mazda Cruising and Traffic Support system uses adaptive, radar-guided cruise control to maintain a predetermined distance to the vehicle in front. Secondly, it utilizes the lane-keeping assist to survey lane markers to the sides of the vehicle. A white steering wheel icon on the instrument cluster will illuminate green when the system is engaged. From then, the system will keep a safe distance from the car in front while reading the roadway markers to keep the vehicle in its current travel lane.

To use the system, it must be activated manually. Mazda Cruising Traffic Support isn’t automatically on when the ignition is engaged. First, drivers must press the far-right steering wheel button to engage adaptive cruise control and set a speed at or above 40 mph. Then, pressing the Mazda Cruising Traffic Support system button in the middle of the right-hand side of the steering wheel will put the feature in standby mode.

Which models have the Mazda Cruising and Traffic Support system?

Currently, the Mazda Cruising and Traffic Support system is only available in the 2024 Mazda CX-90 SUV. While the system is featured on other Mazda models, those are European market cars. With Mazda’s move to include more driver assistance and safety technologies in their cars, the system could likely expand in the lineup. However, there are no indications the company has that goal in mind.

Limitations of Mazda’s system

As mentioned before, the Mazda Cruising and Traffic Support system isn’t an alternative to human-centric driving. It’s not an autonomous system by any means, and drivers must proceed cautiously and maintain alert while on the road. The system will go into standby mode when the vehicle ahead pulls away at more than 38 miles per hour. It will also disengage if the car ahead slows below 18 miles per hour or exits the field of view. And like any driver assistance feature, it may not work in every driving condition.

For instance, the system may not be reliable in extreme weather conditions or complex traffic situations—parking, in-town driving, and long descending slopes—where drivers must rely on their skills and judgment. Moreover, J.D. Power asserts that the Mazda Cruising and Traffic Support system may not work properly if the car tires are worn or modified. They say tires of different or special sizes—like a space-saver spare—will lead to a loss of the system’s function. Moreover, improperly inflated tires, those with insufficient tread, and using tire chains in the snow won’t allow system usage.

Despite a few drawbacks, the Mazda Cruising and Traffic Support system will provide drivers with a safer and more comfortable commute. To ward off fatigue, it can take temporary control of the car but also monitor the driver, adjusting audio and climate settings based on owner preferences, even suggesting taking a break.