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The Kia Drive Wise suite of driver-assistance and safety features is available on a number of new and used Kia models. While the brand has struggled in the past with subpar safety and necessary safety recalls, there have been many improvements in recent years. The latest Kia Drive Wise suite offers many features—but what are they?

Please note that not all features are available in all Kia models and trims. 

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 

Blue Kia Niro model with available Kia Drive Wise features
Kia Drive Wise features are installed on many new Kia models

According to Kia, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) “is designed to help alert the driver and, under certain conditions, apply emergency braking when rapidly approaching a vehicle that is slowing down, braking, or stopped. Initially, FCA provides Forward Collision Warning (FCW) when it detects a potential collision with a vehicle, emitting an audible warning and visual alert on the instrument cluster.”

This system can automatically apply brakes if the risk of a collision increases. Kia Drive Wise, available on models like the Kia Stinger, can help significantly improve safety.

Blind-Spot Collision Warning

Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) “uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to help alert the driver in certain situations if it detects an approaching vehicle in the driver’s blind spot area. The system will activate when the vehicle is traveling faster than 20 mph and will alert the driver if another vehicle is detected by the radar sensor.”

This system is one of the reasons that Kia SUVs were showered in safety awards. 

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist 

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) “uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to monitor and warn the driver and, under certain conditions, apply braking if it detects an approaching vehicle in the driver’s blind-spot area. Initially, BCA provides Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) when it detects a potential collision with a vehicle, emitting an audible warning and visual alert on the outside rearview mirrors.”

BCA can play a major part in keeping drivers safe when piloting models like the Kia EV6.

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist 

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) is “designed to warn the driver and, under certain conditions, apply braking if it detects cross traffic approaching the vehicle, when the vehicle is in reverse. Initially, RCCA provides Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) when the system sensors detect approaching vehicles from the rear left or rear right side of the vehicle, the system will sound an audible alert, and the warning indicators on the outside rearview mirror will illuminate, and a message will appear on the Instrument Cluster screen.”

Blind-Spot View Monitor System

Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) System is “designed to display the rear and side of the vehicle blind spot areas in the Instrument Cluster LCD when the system is activated. The BVM System will operate when turned on in User Settings, the Engine Start/Stop button is on, and the turn signal is activated.”

This car safety feature is an expansion of the typical blind-spot monitoring system. Not only will the system let you know that something is in your blind spot, but it can also show you what it is.

Lane Keeping Assist

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) is “designed to detect the lane markers on the road with a front view camera on the windshield, and may assist the driver’s steering to potentially help keep the vehicle in the lane. The instrument cluster indicator will initially illuminate white when turned ON. It will remain white when the vehicle is traveling slower than 40 mph or when the system does not detect the lane markers. When the system detects the lane markers and can assist the steering, the LKA icon will illuminate green.”

Lane Following Assist System

Lane Following Assist (LFA) System is “designed to help ensure that the vehicle stays centered in its lane by monitoring the detected lane markings ahead and adjusting the steering. The instrument cluster indicator will initially illuminate white when turned ON and SCC is engaged. It will remain white when the system does not detect the lane markers. When the system detects the lane markers and can assist the steering, the LFA icon will illuminate green.”

Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go

Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go system is “designed to maintain a predetermined distance from vehicles detected ahead by automatically adjusting the driving speed as needed.”

This is one of the more advanced safety features available on modern cars. It’s particularly beneficial when driving on the highway for long stretches.

More Kia Drive Wise features and systems

Want to learn more? 

Visit kia.com/us/en/technology to explore additional safety features and driver-assistance features available under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella.

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MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, Mentor

Becca Hopkins

Becca Hopkins joined MotorBiscuit as a Staff Writer, Mentor in 2022. A graduate of the University of Vermont, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology, Becca brings several years of experience writing professionally to the team. Her many years of expertise include writing automotive content for companies such as Dealer.com and Cox Automotive.

Growing up with a family of 6 and as a proud owner of multiple dogs, Becca understands the importance of matching the right vehicle to a person’s unique lifestyle and is most inspired by how much freedom, opportunity, and access the right car can offer a driver.

When Becca isn’t writing, she can often be found hiking, training her dogs for agility competitions, and paddleboarding along the shores of Lake Champlain.