2025 Cars With the Best Adaptive Cruise Control Systems

Stay Safer on Aussie Roads With Smarter Driving Tech

As technology continues to revolutionise the driving experience, adaptive cruise control (ACC) is now one of the must-have features in 2025 vehicles. Whether you’re commuting on the M1 or heading out on the Great Ocean Road, this intelligent driver-assist feature enhances convenience and safety.

But not all systems are created equal. In this guide, we explore the top-performing adaptive cruise control systems in 2025 models available in Australia, across various segments—from luxury sedans to budget-friendly SUVs.

🚗 What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive Cruise Control is a step above traditional cruise control. It automatically maintains a set speed but also adjusts your vehicle's speed based on the flow of traffic ahead using radar, lidar, or cameras. It can:

• Maintain a safe following distance
• Slow down and speed up with traffic
• Sometimes bring the car to a complete stop (in stop-start traffic)
• Be paired with lane-keeping systems for semi-autonomous driving

In 2025, many Australian-spec vehicles offer highly refined adaptive cruise control systems, often bundled with broader active safety packages.

🧠 How We Evaluated the Best ACC Systems

Our rankings are based on several key criteria:

1. Responsiveness and smoothness – Does it accelerate and brake naturally?
2. Traffic jam assist or stop-and-go – Can it handle bumper-to-bumper?
3. User interface and ease of use – How intuitive is it to activate and control?
4. Reliability and safety performance – Based on ANCAP, Euro NCAP, and real-world data
5. Availability across trim levels – Is it limited to top-spec variants or widely offered?

✅ Top 15 Cars With the Best Adaptive Cruise Control in 2025 Australia

Let’s get into the models that stand out for 2025:

1. 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid

• Segment: Mid-size Sedan
• ACC Highlights: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
• Key Feature: Full stop-and-go + Lane Trace Assist

The updated Camry Hybrid is not only efficient—it’s also a tech powerhouse. Toyota’s improved Safety Sense suite brings smoother adaptive cruise control that now responds quicker to cut-ins and has improved lane-keeping. It’s standard across all trims.

2. 2025 Tesla Model 3 Highland

• Segment: Electric Sedan
• ACC System: Tesla Autopilot
• Key Feature: Vision-only system with AI learning

Tesla's adaptive cruise control is among the most advanced—fully vision-based and constantly evolving. Although some miss radar-based ACC, the system is smooth, anticipatory, and handles Aussie roads very well, especially on highways.

3. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6

• Segment: Electric Sedan
• ACC System: SmartSense 2.0
• Key Feature: Highway Driving Assist 2

Hyundai’s futuristic Ioniq 6 features HDA2, which includes adaptive cruise with lane-centering and smart navigation-based speed control. It adapts to curves and upcoming speed zones and is impressively refined.

4. 2025 Ford Everest Platinum

• Segment: 7-Seater SUV
• ACC System: Ford Co-Pilot360
• Key Feature: Predictive stop-and-go for towing

The Everest is one of the few family SUVs with trailer-capable adaptive cruise. It can adjust acceleration based on tow load and does an excellent job maintaining smooth, safe distances on long road trips.

5. 2025 Mazda CX-60

• Segment: Premium Midsize SUV
• ACC System: i-Activsense
• Key Feature: Radar-based with stop/go + curve adaptation

Mazda’s ACC is both intelligent and natural-feeling. With stop/start capabilities, a well-integrated UI, and proactive curve speed reduction, the CX-60’s system rivals many luxury brands at a lower price point.

6. 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid

• Segment: Sedan
• ACC System: Honda Sensing 360
• Key Feature: Improved radar angle + smoother responses

Honda’s new Sensing 360 system boasts improved peripheral awareness, with more natural acceleration and braking. It also reads road curvature better, helping prevent "phantom braking" common in older systems.

7. 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

• Segment: Luxury Sedan
• ACC System: DISTRONIC+ with Route-Based Speed
• Key Feature: Uses GPS and maps for speed control

Mercedes' adaptive system is exceptionally refined. It adjusts based on navigation data, speed signs, and road curvature. In urban stop-and-go or motorway cruising, it remains one of the most confidence-inspiring systems.

8. 2025 Subaru Outback XT

• Segment: AWD Wagon
• ACC System: EyeSight 4.0
• Key Feature: Dual-camera + lane centring with curve speed assist

Subaru’s EyeSight system has matured beautifully. The Outback’s adaptive cruise is excellent for long-distance Aussie driving—predictive, smooth, and responsive in variable conditions.

9. 2025 Volvo XC60 Recharge

• Segment: Plug-In Hybrid SUV
• ACC System: Pilot Assist
• Key Feature: Excellent lane-centering & emergency braking

Volvo’s safety reputation remains unmatched, and its ACC system is deeply integrated with the overall safety suite. The XC60’s Pilot Assist maintains composure in busy traffic and long-haul driving alike.

10. 2025 BMW X5

• Segment: Luxury SUV
• ACC System: Driving Assistant Professional
• Key Feature: Auto lane change with adaptive cruise

BMW’s flagship ACC system is packed with semi-autonomous features, including automatic lane changes and predictive speed control. Ideal for luxury buyers seeking convenience and control.

11. 2025 Kia EV6

• Segment: Electric SUV
• ACC System: Highway Driving Assist 2
• Key Feature: Adaptive cruise + auto lane change

Kia’s EV6 boasts premium-level driving assist in a mainstream EV. The Highway Driving Assist 2 suite offers near-autonomous driving, and its ACC performance is smooth in both city and country conditions.

12. 2025 Lexus RX500h F Sport

• Segment: Luxury Hybrid SUV
• ACC System: Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
• Key Feature: Predictive ACC with curve control

The RX500h combines hybrid power and luxury with Lexus’ new predictive adaptive cruise control. The system uses radar, cameras, and map data to deliver a calm, effortless drive.

13. 2025 GWM Tank 300

• Segment: Off-Road SUV
• ACC System: GWM ADAS 2.0
• Key Feature: Off-road capable adaptive cruise

This budget 4WD offers adaptive cruise even when terrain gets tough. Surprisingly capable for its price, it balances semi-autonomy and rugged capability well—perfect for Aussie adventures.

14. 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron

• Segment: Compact Luxury EV SUV
• ACC System: Adaptive Cruise Assist with lane centring
• Key Feature: Combines radar, cameras, GPS for smooth operation

Audi’s system shines on highways and city traffic. The blend of radar and navigation-based decision-making results in near-luxury autonomous feel. Compact, smart, and capable.

15. 2025 Nissan X-Trail e-Power

• Segment: Hybrid SUV
• ACC System: ProPILOT with Navi-Link
• Key Feature: Navigation-linked intelligent cruise

Nissan’s ProPILOT Navi-Link uses GPS and navigation data to enhance cruise decisions. It slows before bends and off-ramps and resumes gracefully. Ideal for families and long commutes.

⚖️ Comparison Table – ACC Features by Model

🧾 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Car With ACC

• City vs Highway Driving: Some systems are better tuned for urban stop-go traffic; others excel on open roads.
• Trim Levels: Lower trims may miss out on advanced versions of ACC.
• Updates & Over-the-Air (OTA): EVs like Tesla and Hyundai can update cruise features via software.
• Towing Compatibility: Not all ACC systems are calibrated for towing (e.g., Ford Everest stands out here).
• Interference: In poor weather (heavy rain, dust), camera or radar-based systems may temporarily disengage.

🏁 Final Verdict – Which Car Has the Best Adaptive Cruise Control in 2025?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s how you could choose:

• Best Overall ACC: Tesla Model 3 (for tech lovers)
• Best Family SUV with ACC: Ford Everest Platinum or Mazda CX-60
• Best Budget Buy: Toyota Camry Hybrid or GWM Tank 300
• Best for Long Drives: Lexus RX500h or Subaru Outback
• Best Electric Option: Hyundai Ioniq 6 or Kia EV6

📌 Conclusion

Adaptive Cruise Control has shifted from being a luxury perk to a near-necessity for Australian drivers in 2025. Whether you’re after a budget sedan or a high-end EV, there’s a smart, responsive system out there for your needs.

Be sure to test the ACC system during your test drive—it’s one of the few features that can genuinely enhance your comfort, safety, and peace of mind on the road.