Not every car has cruise control, and the ones that do vary widely in how the feature works
Cruise control is standard on most new cars sold in the United States, but it is not universal. Older vehicles, budget models, and some specialty cars do not have it. Even among cars that do have cruise control, the type differs: some offer basic cruise control that maintains a set speed on flat roads, while others have adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts your speed based on traffic ahead. Whether your car has cruise control depends on its age, price point, and manufacturer.
If you are shopping for a car or trying to figure out what your current vehicle offers, the easiest way to know is to check your owner's manual or look at the steering wheel and dashboard. Cruise control buttons are almost always on the steering wheel itself, usually on the right side or on stalks behind the wheel. If you do not see them there, your car likely does not have the feature.
Key Takeaways
- Most new cars have cruise control as a standard or low-cost option, but older vehicles and budget models often do not.
- Cruise control buttons appear on the steering wheel or on stalks behind it; if they are not there, your car does not have the feature.
- Adaptive cruise control, which slows down automatically when traffic ahead slows, is different from basic cruise control and costs extra on most vehicles.
- Luxury and mid-range brands are more likely to include cruise control than economy brands, though this varies by model year and trim level.
When cruise control became standard equipment
Cruise control has been available since the 1950s, but it did not become common until the 1980s and 1990s. Most cars built after 2000 have it, either as standard equipment or as an option you can add. Cars built before 1990 rarely have cruise control unless it was a luxury model or a special order.
The shift toward standard cruise control happened gradually. In the 2000s, it moved from a luxury feature to something you could find on mid-range vehicles. By the 2010s, many manufacturers began including it on base models. Today, cruise control is standard on the majority of new cars, though some budget brands still offer it only on higher trim levels.
Which new cars typically have cruise control
Most new sedans, SUVs, and trucks sold by major manufacturers include cruise control. Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, and Nissan all include it on most of their lineup. Luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus include it across all models. Budget brands like Hyundai and Kia include it on most trims, though sometimes only on mid-level or higher versions.
The exceptions are rare. Some very basic economy cars, certain specialty vehicles, and some commercial trucks do not have cruise control. If you are buying a new car, the window sticker (called the Monroney label) will list cruise control under features if it is included. If it is not listed, you can ask the dealer whether it is available as an add-on option for that model.
How to tell if your car has cruise control
The fastest way to check is to look at your steering wheel. Cruise control buttons are almost always mounted on the right side of the wheel or on stalks that extend from behind the wheel toward the driver. Common button labels include "CRUISE," "SET," "RES" (resume), and "CANCEL." Some cars use a stalk you push up or down instead of buttons.
If you do not see buttons or a stalk, check your owner's manual. Search for "cruise control" in the index or table of contents. The manual will tell you whether your car has the feature and where to find the controls. If your car was built before 1995, it almost certainly does not have cruise control unless it is a luxury model.
Another option is to ask your dealer or a mechanic who knows your car's year and model. They can tell you in seconds whether cruise control is part of your vehicle.
Basic cruise control versus adaptive cruise control
Basic cruise control holds your car at a speed you set and maintains it until you press the brake or cancel button. It does not slow down if traffic ahead slows down — you have to brake manually. This is the type found on most cars, especially older ones and budget models.
Adaptive cruise control (sometimes called ACC or dynamic cruise control) uses radar or cameras to detect vehicles ahead and automatically slows your car to match their speed. When traffic clears, it speeds back up to your set speed. This feature costs extra on most vehicles and is more common on mid-range and luxury cars. Some manufacturers include it on higher trims; others charge $500 to $1,500 as an add-on option.
If your car has cruise control buttons but you are not sure which type you have, your owner's manual will specify. Look for the words "adaptive," "dynamic," or "radar" to identify adaptive cruise control. If the manual only mentions maintaining a set speed, you have basic cruise control.
Why some cars do not have cruise control
Cost is the main reason. Adding cruise control to a car requires steering wheel controls, software, and sometimes additional sensors. For budget manufacturers trying to keep the base price low, leaving it out saves money. Some specialty vehicles like commercial trucks or work vans prioritize durability and simplicity over convenience features.
Older cars do not have cruise control because the technology was not standard when they were built. A car from 1985 or earlier almost never has it. Even cars from the 1990s often lack it unless they were higher-end models.
A few drivers also choose not to use cruise control even when their car has it, preferring to control speed manually. This is a personal choice and does not affect whether the feature is present.
What to do if your car does not have cruise control
If your car lacks cruise control and you want it, your options depend on the car's age and model. For newer cars (2010 or later), some aftermarket cruise control systems can be installed by a mechanic or car electronics shop. These typically cost $300 to $800 plus installation. However, not all cars are compatible, and installation quality varies.
For older cars, aftermarket cruise control is rarely worth the cost and effort. If you are shopping for a used car and cruise control matters to you, focus on models from 2005 onward, which are more likely to have it. When comparing used cars, always check the steering wheel and owner's manual before buying.
If you are buying a new car and want cruise control, it is almost always cheaper to choose a trim level that includes it than to add it later. Ask the dealer what the cost difference is between trims with and without the feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add cruise control to a car that does not have it?
Aftermarket cruise control systems exist, but they are expensive and not available for all vehicles. Installation typically costs $300 to $800. For older cars, the cost is usually not worth it. For newer cars, it may be possible, but you should check with a car electronics shop first to see if your model is compatible.
Is cruise control the same as autopilot?
No. Cruise control maintains speed but requires you to steer. Autopilot (or driver information systems like Tesla's Autopilot or other brands' lane-keeping features) can control both speed and steering, though you must stay alert and ready to take over. Autopilot is much more advanced and costs significantly more.
Do all new cars have adaptive cruise control?
No. Most new cars have basic cruise control as standard, but adaptive cruise control is usually an extra-cost option. Luxury brands are more likely to include it standard. Check the window sticker or ask the dealer whether a specific model includes adaptive cruise control or offers it as an option.
What year did cruise control become common?
Cruise control became common in the 1980s and 1990s, but it was not standard on most cars until the 2000s. Most cars built after 2005 have it. Cars from the 1990s and earlier are less likely to have it unless they were luxury or higher-end models.
How do I know if my car has cruise control if I have never used it?
Look at your steering wheel for buttons labeled "CRUISE," "SET," "RES," or "CANCEL." Check behind the steering wheel for stalks you can push or pull. If you do not see these controls, check your owner's manual under the index for "cruise control." The manual will confirm whether your car has the feature.