Cars with adaptive cruise control
These cars with adaptive cruise control help you make light work of long motorway journeys
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By Craig Hale
Last updated: 30 April 2025
If you've ever dreamed of a car that could read the road ahead and take the stress out of traffic, cars with adaptive cruise control might be high on your list.
From high-tech electric cars with adaptive cruise control to comfy motorway wafters and family estates, we've rounded up the best cars with adaptive adaptive cruise control in the UK.
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Which cars have adaptive cruise control?
Tesla Model 3
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Range Rover Velar
Nissan Qashqai
Volkswagen Golf
Kia Sportage
Volvo XC60
Peugeot 5008
Cars with adaptive cruise control UK
Tesla Model 3
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One of the best-selling electric saloons on the market, the Tesla Model 3 is an extremely impressive car with exceptional efficiency and a range of over 400 miles, depending on the spec.
Inside, everything centres around a large touchscreen infotainment system that's among the most responsive in the business, and that's good news, because you control everything from here, ranging from lights and wipers to media and navigation. You even select your drive gear on the touchscreen in facelift 'Highland' Model 3s, sold after 2024.
All cars come with so-called Basic Autopilot, which includes adaptive cruise control and a steering aid, but you can pay to upgrade any new or used Tesla Model 3 to have even more driver aids, including genuine self-driving abilities.
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Hyundai IONIQ 6
 "Hyundai IONIQ 6 driving")
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 stands out for its sleek and futuristic design, which incorporates a pixel-heavy design (there are more than 700 pixel design cues throughout the car, including in its headlights and tail lights).
You get a quiet and smooth drive, an impressive range and a tech-rich interior, including an easy-to-use 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and, depending on trim and options, digital cameras and screens instead of conventional wing mirrors.
As standard, entry-level Premium and high-spec Ultimate cars all get adaptive cruise control, which Hyundai calls Smart Cruise Control. Opt for a Hyundai IONIQ 6 Ultimate for Remote Smart Parking Assist, which lets you pull the car in and out of parking spaces (in a straight line) from the key – perfect for tight car parks.
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Range Rover Velar
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If you're after a luxury SUV with an upscale design and interior materials, then look no further than the Range Rover Velar, which has space for five adults and that all-important British badge on the bonnet.
Whether you pick a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid model, you'll always get Land Rover's Terrain Response 2 system, which means an extremely capable four-wheel-drive system for exceptional off-road capabilities as well as on-road refinement and grip.
Even the entry-level Velar S has adaptive cruise control, but our favourite part about it is that you can use the on/off button to toggle between adaptive cruise control and regular cruise control, giving you more control over how you drive your car.
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Nissan Qashqai
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Not only is it a really popular buy on the used market, but the Nissan Qashqai is often in the charts as one of the most-bought new cars, which means there's always a steady stream of these family-favourite crossovers going up for sale.
Drivers love the affordability and the strong fuel economy, and we particularly love the e-Power model which uses an electric motor to drive the wheels for an outstanding experience, and a petrol engine to keep the battery topped up like an on-board generator.
All third-generation Qashqais sold from 2021 come with adaptive cruise control, or Intelligent Cruise Control, on all trim levels. Mid-spec N-Connecta cars have Traffic Jam Assist which takes over speed management at lower speeds, too.
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Volkswagen Golf
 "VW Golf Mk8.5 driving")
Now more than half a century old, the Volkswagen Golf has been a staple up and down the UK since 1974. Despite its compact dimensions, its boot size is often quoted as the goal for a family hatchback, while rear-seat space is still acceptable for adults.
It's well-built and feels premium for the price thanks to that quality German manufacturing, which means it straddles the border between affordable and premium motoring. Better still, you have endless powertrain choices, including petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and even electric.
Entry-level Life versions of the Golf already have adaptive cruise control, but Match models represent the best value for money. They add keyless entry and a reversing camera for barely any more money at all.
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Kia Sportage
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There's a lot to love about the Kia Sportage, including the striking design, spacious and versatile interior, and seven-year warranty.
Where we think it stands out the most, though, is its value. All cars come with all-round parking sensors and a reversing camera, as well as systems to keep you centred within your lane.
For Kia's Smart Cruise Control, you'll have to go for mid-spec '3' models and above, including '4' and GT-Line S. This brings a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, keyless entry and power-adjustable front seats.
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Volvo XC60
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It's all about the little pleasures in life, and driving a Volvo XC60 is one of them. You get a minimalist Scandinavian interior design, a smooth and refined ride and plenty of smart tech with Google integration. Plus, everything just works. It's all laid out perfectly and the seats are comfortable and supportive.
Power comes in the form of petrol or diesel, with or without mild hybrid assistance, and these are probably one of the ones we'd go for. Plug-in hybrid variants can be more efficient if you're charging regularly, but they can be costly to buy and, for most, unnecessarily powerful.
All versions come with regular cruise control, but you'll need to look out to make sure specific used models have that all-important adaptive variant. Previously, it was an optional upgrade, but newer cars have it as standard right from the entry-level Core trim
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Peugeot 5008
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The Peugeot 5008 stands out as a stylish seven-seater that proves family motoring needn't be boring. Compared with other SUVs, it has an aggressive and sporty design and eye-catching looks.
Inside, there are plenty of family-friendly features, like fold-out picnic tables on the front seatbacks and sliding rear seats. We also love the i-Cockpit design, which puts a smaller-than-usual steering wheel pretty low for that fun, go-kart feel.
For previous-generation 5008s, you'll need to go for a top-spec GT model for adaptive cruise control, but that's not a bad thing. You also get all-round parking sensors and upgraded LED headlights, and the launch of a newer model and its electric sibling mean that used Peugeot 5008 prices have become more affordable.
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What is adaptive cruise control?
Unsure how adaptive cruise control differs from regular cruise control, or how it works? We break down everything you need to know about cars with adaptive cruise control below.
How does adaptive cruise control work?
 "Adaptive cruise control settings in Volvo XC60")
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses sensors – typically radar, and sometimes cameras – to monitor the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead.
You set your desired speed, for example 70mph on the motorway, but if there's a slower car in front, it'll reduce your car's speed to maintain a safe distance. Then, when the road clears, it'll accelerate back up to your desired speed.
Most systems also allow you to change the distance between you and the car in front. All distances are considered safe, but you can increase the distance if you're still getting used to the system or prefer to leave a bigger gap.
How should I use adaptive cruise control?
The first step is to engage adaptive cruise control (ACC), and that'll vary from model to model. Most cars have a button on the steering wheel to set the speed, while others (like Tesla, Volvo and Polestar) use the gear selector stalk behind the steering wheel.
Choose your speed (generally altered in increments of 1mph, 5mph, or both) and set your preferred following distance, and let the car take you away.
Remember, though, that ACC is a driver aid and not a self-driving system, so you should always stay alert and be ready to brake, steer or take over if needed. It's best used on 'simple' roads like motorways and bypasses – parked cars can confuse some systems and not all are designed to work with heavy traffic.
How is it different to normal cruise control?
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Standard cruise control holds your car at a set speed no matter what – if you've got it set to 70mph and the car in front is doing 65mph, you'll eventually go into the back of it.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) adds convenience and an extra layer of safety, especially on longer drives or in variable traffic conditions where regular cruise control might not be as much help as you'd hoped.
Explore used cars
Whether you're gliding down the motorway or crawling through city traffic, adaptive cruise control makes life that little bit easier.
And let's be honest, once you've used it, you'll wonder how you ever survived long trips before. We've got plenty of used cars with features like adaptive cruise control, cruise control, steering aids and more.
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