This Standard 2024 Ford F-150 Feature Makes All the Difference
Waiting for the new Ford F-150 just became more enticing thanks to an irresistible standard feature on select trims. This high-tech feature was reserved for higher trim levels, but the 2024 Ford F-150 will provide more access.
The 2024 Ford F-150 gets standard BlueCruise
Get excited because the 2024 Ford F-150 will have standard BlueCruise on more trims. BlueCruise is currently only available with the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning and the range-topping Platinum trim.
Now it will come with more affordable trim levels, making it easier to obtain. This is great since the 2023 F-150 XL or the standard model is the most popular option. With the 2024 F-150, BlueCruise is standard with the Lariat, King Ranch, Paltnuim, and Tremor models.
GMC only offers Super Cruise hands-free driving tech on the most expensive Denali and Denali Ultimate trims. Also, the Ram 1500’s self-driving tech isn’t available yet.
The F-150 may have an advantage by providing this software at a cheaper price. However, prices for 2024 F-150 models did increase due to the mid-cycle refresh with an updated exterior, interior, and modern tech. The 2023 model starts at $34,585, and the 2024 model starts at $36,570.
What is Ford BlueCruise?
The Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, and Ford Mustang Mach-E offer the BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance system. It lets you operate your vehicle hands-free while looking forward to the road.
You can only use the system in Hands-Free Blue Zones, which cover over 130,000 miles of North American highways and roads. Blue lightning on the digital gauge cluster indicates when BlueCruise is available.
It maintains an appropriate distance from other vehicles, works with stop-and-go, has road sign recognition, and can change lanes. But it’s an assistance feature and doesn’t automatically drive for you.
Pay attention and be prepared to resume control. If you’re distracted, the system will warn you with visual and audible alerts. It will slow down until you resume control.
Our experiences with BlueCruise in the Ford F-150 Lightning and Expedition were positive. It takes a little of the work out of long drives with precision and accuracy, but in rural areas and cloudy spots, we lost connection.
The BlueCruise 1.3 update will be available with the 2024 Ford F-150 to improve upon its capabilities with better lane positioning and longer driver engagement.
How much does Ford BlueCruise cost?
Select 2024 Ford F-150 trims actually have a complimentary BlueCrusie trial. It’s unclear how long the free trial will last, but it will allow more drivers to test the system to make an informed decision about subscribing to it.
About 82% of customers shared that they would subscribe after the free trial period. You can pay $2,100 for a three-year subscription or $800 per year at $75 per month. If you decide that BlueCruise isn’t for you, then you will still have Adaptive Cruise Control.
It automatically maintains a safe distance from other vehicles, but you still have to steer the vehicle. Plus, you can adjust the distance.
This is only one of the many exciting changes for the upcoming 2024 F-150. Stay tuned as we learn more about the mid-cycle refresh.
