Feature Breakdown: Super Cruise

What Is Super Cruise? 

If you follow GM feature updates and changes often, you probably have heard of Super Cruise. This feature was introduced in 2022, and is now available on around 20 different GM models. This feature is often misunderstood as complete self-driving, or many users are unsure of how safe it is to use. This incredible feature builds upon the already existing adaptive cruise control feature, which allows the vehicle to speed up and slow down without user interference. Super Cruise takes this to the next level by introducing a nearly self-driving experience. This includes speeding up, slowing down, changing lanes and stopping. 

Here is a quick break down on how this feature works:

• Hands-Free Driving
  • Allows the car to move on its own, using sensors to keep the car the same distance from the one ahead, and keeping itself centered in the lane you are driving in.
• Automatic Lane Changing
  • There are two options for the automatic lane changing. The default is where you have to signal manually and the vehicle will automatically check surroundings to ensure that it is safe for you to change lanes, then it will smoothly move to the next lane over. You will then have to indicate back if passing to move back to the other lane.
  • You can also choose to turn this setting off, and the vehicle will automatically pass if the conditions are safe to do so without you having to indicate, and the car will still indicate for you. 
• Trailering Support
  • In models that have towing capabilities, the Super Cruise feature uses a short-range radar and sensors to know when you have a trailer attached, as well as track its position when you have the Super Cruise feature activated. The computer uses this information to adjust braking and accelerating to account for the added weight and length of your trailer.
• Driver Monitoring
  • If the cameras and sensors find that you are on your phone, looking away from the road or falling asleep, the vehicle will automatically kick out of Super Cruise mode and require human takeover of the controls. This is to ensure safety on the road. 

What Vehicles Come With Super Cruise?

It is very important to know that while many higher-trim levels have Super Cruise as a feature that is available, it does require you to continue the OnStar subscription for the feature to remain usable on your vehicle. Here is a non-exhaustive list of popular GM models that have this feature as an option:

• Tahoe
• Suburban
• Traverse
• Blazer/Equinox EV
• Escalade 
• Yukon
• Acadia
• Enclave

When and Where Can You Use Super Cruise?

This is a great question! There are many predetermined roads and highways where the Super Cruise feature is available, so this means that you cannot use the feature everywhere all the time. The reason for this is because not all roads are rated safe enough to allow for hands-free driving yet. They are consistentaly adding more areas, and as of April 2026, they currently have over 600,000 miles of  pre-mapped roads in the United States and Canada, which covers most major highways and most roads you would use for any longer trips. 

Great times to use this feature:

• Long road trips
• When using highways/expressways
• In familiar areas with predictable traffic patterns
• When you feel it is safe to do so

Safety Precautions

As stated before, the car does have a built-in fail safe in case the driver loses focus. Super Cruise is not meant to completely replace the driver, as machines can make mistakes. It is paramount that a human be ready to take the reins in the event of an emergency. For the Super Cruise to work, the driver must be paying attention to the road in front of them. 

If the car notices a lapse in attention, it will vibrate the driver’s seat and a message will pop up on screen letting you know that it is time to take control. This may also happen in case of any unforeseen situations that were not caused by the driver looking away too long. For example, if you run into a sudden bout of heavy traffic, the car will alert you to take control until conditions have returned to normal. 

These precautions are present to avoid collisions, and keep you, other drivers, and pedestrians, all safe.

In Summary

The Super Cruise feature that is available on many different GM models is there to be an assistant on the road, not replace a human driver. Always remain alert and ready to take control of the wheel at any moment. This feature is great for long road trips, highway driving and familiar commutes. Stay safe on the road.

FAQ:

Q: How Much Does Super Cruise Cost?

A: Super Cruise is often bundled with an OnStar subscription and typically costs around $25 a month or $250 if you pay for a whole year after your free trial is up. Free trials vary by vehicle. 

Q: How do I know if my vehicle has Super Cruise available?

A: The easiest way to find out for sure is to check your owner’s manual. If you are having a hard time figuring it out it is always a great idea to call us at Axius Chevrolet and give us your vehicle’s information to verify.

Q: How Well Does it Work?
A: This is an ever-evolving feature, and it improves with every generation. Overall, it functions incredibly well, but there is a learning curve to it and may be frightening to drivers who have never used a similar technology.

Want to learn more? Watch this quick video on our Facebook Page!

Want to schedule a test-drive and see how it works for yourself? Call us at Axius Chevrolet at (574) 400-2307 or come see is at 209 North Main Street, Middlebury, IN 46540