Ford says the latest version of its BlueCruise driver assistance software will allow for greater hands-free driving capability than before.

BlueCruise 1.4 is launching on a number of 2025 model year Ford and Lincoln models, starting with the Ford F-150 and Lincoln Navigator right out the factory, before it rolls out to other models. Select vehicle lines will also receive it via a software update in the future.

Ford says BlueCruise 1.4 will stay engaged in hands-free mode an average of eight times longer than BlueCruise 1.0 and five times longer than BlueCruise 1.2.

Ford says BlueCruise 1.4 additions include:

• Enhancements that automatically and smoothly adjust the vehicle’s speed in curves, helping the driver to stay engaged in hands-free mode longer and experience a more continuous drive.
• Greater in-lane stability unlocked by an all-new motion controller, which controls the vehicle’s steering, helping reduce the “side-to-side” movement within the lane.
• Longer hands-free engagement than prior versions when in diverse driving conditions due to inclement weather like rain or direct sun.

Like previous versions of BlueCruise, drivers will be able to use the system’s lane change assist to change lanes by tapping the turn signal, plus the system’s in-lane repositioning also helps provide more space by subtly shifting away from vehicles in adjacent lanes.

The company is updating BlueCruise software via software updates to vehicles with it; however, the company says updating existing vehicles with the latest version is not as simple as pushing a button as there are complex systems involved to make the system run.

“That is why our goal is to always deliver the best version of software that is available for each vehicle line as it is ready, whether it is from the factory or via a software update. We will continue to move quickly to learn, develop and iterate to elevate the hands-free highway driving experience for more customers across gas-powered engines to hybrid and electric vehicles,” a post from Sammy Omari, executive director of advanced driver assist system technologies at Ford Motor Company, said.

More information on BlueCruise is available on the Ford Canada website.