Ford BlueCruise Explained: Hands-Free Driving for Missouri Roads
What if you could cruise down I-70 or I-44 without your hands on the wheel? With Ford BlueCruise, that future is here — and it’s already changing how St. Louis drivers approach daily commutes and long-distance drives across Missouri. As one of the most exciting features in the Ford lineup, BlueCruise offers hands-free highway driving on over 130,000 miles of pre-qualified roads across North America, including many right here in the Show-Me State.
What Is Ford BlueCruise?
Ford BlueCruise is an advanced driver assistance technology (ADAS) that allows for true hands-free driving on designated highways known as Blue Zones. While traditional adaptive cruise control adjusts your speed and maintains distance, BlueCruise adds lane-centering and real-time driver monitoring, enabling you to take your hands off the wheel in approved zones.
- Available on vehicles like the F-150, Mustang Mach-E, Expedition, and Explorer
- Uses a combination of radar, cameras, and GPS mapping
- Operates only on mapped highways for maximum safety
Where Can You Use It in Missouri?
BlueCruise is perfect for some of the busiest highways in and around St. Louis and throughout Missouri, including:
- I-70 from St. Louis to Columbia, Kansas City, and beyond
- I-44 southwest toward Rolla and Springfield
- I-55 running south to Cape Girardeau
- I-64 and Highway 40 through St. Louis County
With more than 2,000 miles of eligible Blue Zones in Missouri alone, this tech is a perfect fit for STL drivers who hit the road often.
How Does Ford BlueCruise Work?
BlueCruise uses the following components to keep you safe and in control — even while you’re hands-free:
- Forward-facing cameras detect lane markings and traffic flow
- Radar sensors monitor vehicles around you to adjust speed and distance
- Driver-facing infrared camera tracks your eyes and head position to ensure attention
- High-definition GPS mapping identifies eligible Blue Zone highways
If the system detects you’re not watching the road or exiting a mapped zone, it will prompt you to take over manually.
Which Ford Vehicles Offer BlueCruise in 2024?
Here are some of the 2024 models equipped with BlueCruise or available with it as an option:
- Ford F-150 – Available on Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Lightning
- Ford Mustang Mach-E – Standard or optional depending on trim
- Ford Expedition – Offered on higher trims like Platinum and Timberline
- Ford Explorer – Available with select packages
BlueCruise continues to expand across the lineup — including upcoming models like the new electric Explorer and refreshed Edge.
Why St. Louis Drivers Love It
Whether you’re dealing with morning congestion on I-64 or planning a road trip to Kansas City, BlueCruise provides:
- Less fatigue on long drives
- More confidence in highway traffic
- Enhanced safety through real-time monitoring
For busy families, commuters, and travelers alike, it makes every highway trip more relaxed and more enjoyable.
How to Activate and Use It
- Turn on Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
- Ensure you’re in a Blue Zone (you’ll see an icon light up)
- Wait for prompt that hands-free mode is available
- Keep your eyes on the road — BlueCruise handles the rest
If you take your eyes off the road for too long, the system will notify you with visual and audio alerts.
Ford BlueCruise vs. Tesla Autopilot
| Feature | Ford BlueCruise | Tesla Autopilot |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-Free Driving | Yes (on Blue Zones) | Not fully hands-free without upgrade |
| Driver Monitoring | Camera-based (eyes/head tracked) | Steering wheel input |
| Mapped Road Coverage | 130,000+ miles | Not clearly mapped |
| Subscription | Free trial, then subscription | Subscription required for FSD |
Is BlueCruise Worth It?
If you do a lot of highway driving or long-distance trips — the answer is yes. Even occasional users say it helps reduce stress, keeps them safer, and turns boring commutes into relaxing experiences. Plus, the resale value on BlueCruise-equipped Fords is already proving stronger.
See It in Action at Dave Sinclair Ford
Want to test it for yourself? Stop by Dave Sinclair Ford in St. Louis and experience BlueCruise in person. We have multiple models in stock — and our team will walk you through a live demo on the highway.
BlueCruise availability and features may vary by model and trim. Subscription required after trial. Always keep eyes on the road and be prepared to take over when needed.
