2017 Ford Super Duty’s adaptive cruise control can handle a 31,500-pound trailer

By Stephen Edelstein July 8, 2016

Adaptive cruise control not only maintains a set speed, but also accelerates and brakes a car to follow the flow of traffic. It’s the kind of feature you’d expect to find on a luxury car or a well-equipped mainstream model, but what about a heavy duty pickup truck?

The 2017 Ford Super Duty has adaptive cruise control that works even when the truck is towing a 31,500-pound trailer. It’s one of numerous driver assistance and tech features Ford piled on in its recent redesign of the Super Duty, and part of a trend toward higher-tech trucks.

The Super Duty’s adaptive cruise control system uses radar to track vehicles ahead, and works at speeds above 20 mph whether the truck is driving solo or towing a trailer. On models equipped with the 6.7-liter diesel V8, the system works with the integrated engine brake to help slow the truck while saving wear on the mechanical brakes. Adaptive cruise control is also connected to the Super Duty’s trailer brake controller, so it can activate a trailer’s brakes as well.

Read more: Chevy’s 2017 Silverado HD breathes easier with new hood scoop

The 2017 Super Duty is also available with adaptive steering, another feature that’s relatively common on cars but new to big trucks. Adaptive steering changes the steering ratio on the fly, which effectively adds or reduces the amount of steering effort needed. Ford believes this will make the Super Duty more maneuverable in low-speed driving situations, such as navigating parking lots, and make towing easier by making the steering less sensitive at higher speeds.

Adaptive cruise control and adaptive steering are just the tip of the tech iceberg, though. The 2017 Super Duty will also be available with Trailer Reverse Guidance, a system that uses seven cameras and real time coaching to make maneuvering a trailer easier. Blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning will be offered as well.

The 2017 Ford Super Duty goes on sale later this year. Adaptive cruise control will only be available on the higher-level Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum models. Availability of other features will be detailed closer to the truck’s launch.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.