11 Best Self-Driving Cars of 2024

Caitlyn Moorhead
AndreyPopov / Getty Images/iStockphoto
AndreyPopov / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Self-driving cars have been a hot topic for years. In 2024, the levels of automation have advanced significantly. With more companies investing in autonomous vehicle technologies, consumers now have a variety of options to choose from when deciding what to buy or avoid, as more and more people are taking their hands off the wheel.

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Quick Take: What Is an Autonomous or Self-Driving Car?

There is something slightly unsettling if you think you don’t have control over your vehicle. Though many fear that self-driving vehicles will just blow through traffic lights or won’t give you access to automatic emergency braking, these futuristic cars can potentially take the human error out of driving. Here are a few key takeaways:

  • A self-driving car is often also referred to as a driverless car or autonomous vehicle.

  • It operates using a combination of systems including cameras, sensors radar and AI without the need for a human driver.

  • Some cars on the market have self-driving capabilities without being considered fully autonomous. This means it would still need human intervention to destinations that include roads not adapted for this feature.

11 Best Autonomous Cars

If you’re still hesitant about letting go of the steering wheel, you should start paying attention to some of the leading automakers and their advancing self-driving technology. Big names in the self-driving game include such heavy hitters as Tesla, Volvo, BMW, Ford, General Motors and even Google. If you are curious about taking a ride but not wanting to drive here are 11 of the best self-driving cars of 2024:

1. Tesla Model X

Tesla continues to lead the way in self-driving technology with its Model X. Equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot system, this SUV offers advanced features like lane centering and automatic lane changes.

However, other options such as the Tesla Model S, which comes with Autopilot and lane-departure features, has some more innovative semi-autonomous technology. Either way you slice it, Tesla is at the forefront of the self-driving push.

2. Audi A8

Audi’s A8 sedan comes with Traffic Jam Pilot, allowing for hands-free driving in certain conditions. It combines radar, cameras, and sensors to navigate traffic with ease.

Currently, the new A8 features Level 2 autonomous features as standard. Its Adaptive Cruise Assist combines Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control which can effectively drive the car in most conditions. However, the system will disengage if the driver lets go of the steering wheel. And not level 3

3. Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s electric SUV, the Mustang Mach-E, offers an available Active Drive Assist feature that enables hands-free driving on compatible highways. It works off of “Blue Zones” (named after the blue lights that will show on your dashboard) that have been tested and mapped for safety.

Another of Ford’s BlueCruise features includes the driver-facing camera which helps monitor your attention. The Mustang Mach-E is not the only car on the line with self-driving features as the Ford F-150 also has semi-autonomous options.

4. Nissan Ariya

The Nissan Ariya is an all-electric crossover equipped with ProPILOT Assist 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance features for a more relaxing driving experience. This feature can also come with Navi-link which can help you during stop-and-go traffic as well as guide you between on-ramps and off-rams automatically.

5. Volvo XC90

Volvo’s XC90 SUV comes with Pilot Assist, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities. It can assist with steering, acceleration, and braking on highways through specific ultrasonic sensors that enable self-driving. It also comes equipped with several radars and cameras as part of its Ride Pilot technology.

6. Mercedes-Benz EQS

The EQS is Mercedes-Benz’s flagship electric sedan, featuring the latest autonomous driving technology for a luxurious and effortless driving experience. Its Drive Pilot feature is a Level 3 autonomous driving program that’s only currently available in California and Nevada.

7. Rivian R1T

Rivian’s R1T electric pickup truck boasts impressive off-road capabilities along with driver assistance features for both on and off-road driving scenarios. It has lane centering highway assistance and Driver+ adaptive cruise control abilities through the Autopilot system which is great for life in the express lane.

8. Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan offers Porsche InnoDrive, a system that utilizes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist for a smoother driving experience. The Porsche Adaptive Cruise Control system is advanced and also helps your car drive more efficiently and safely while operating autonomously.

9. Lexus LS

The Lexus LS sedan comes with Lexus Teammate, offering advanced driver assistance system features for enhanced safety and convenience. This car was developed with sensor fusion and comes with a Level 2 semi-autonomous system which means it can brake, accelerate and steer autonomously but does need constant monitoring.

10. BMW X7

The 2024 BMW X7 comes equipped with proactive protection through the Driving Assistance Professional Package. This means you can take advantage of the following features:

  • Available Highway Assistant which can be hands-free driving up to 85 mph

  • Extended Traffic Jam Assistant which can self-drive in specific scenarios like helping you steer through stop-and-go traffic on the highway.

  • Unique separate headlight configuration

  • Toggle instead of a stick shift, curved display, and light bar are included in the interior design.

11. Infiniti QX50

The Infiniti QX50 has driving-assisted allowances including forward emergency braking and a lane-departure warning system. Though not fully autonomous the Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE, considers it a Level 1. This is the most basic type, but that means the vehicle has the ProPilot Assist system which comes with automatic braking, steering, acceleration and hazard detection once the driver gets the car moving.

Final Take To GO

The bottom line is that carmakers are on the fast track to making fully autonomous vehicles. Many of these self-driving cars represent the most cutting-edge automotive technology available in 2024 and are a great gateway to see how hands-free your driving experience can be. While fully autonomous vehicles are still undergoing safety testing and refinement, these models showcase the current capabilities of self-driving technology and what driving will look like down the road.

FAQ

  • Is there a fully self-driving car?

    • Yes, there are fully self-driving cars however many haven't been permitted to be sold to the general public or are delayed due to safety concerns. For example, the General Motors Cruise Origin is a fully autonomous electric vehicle developed by General Motors in collaboration with Cruise Automation, however, it has delayed release and suspended operations indefinitely.

  • Which car brand has self-driving?

    • Many car brands are advancing self-driving features or teaming up with other car companies to create autonomous vehicles. For instance, the Lexus LS sedan comes with a Lexus Teammate, offering advanced driver assistance system features for enhanced safety and convenience.

  • What is the best self-driving car?

    • Here are some of the best self-driving cars or semi-autonomous vehicles available right now:

      • Tesla Model X

      • Audi A8

      • Ford Mustang Mach-E

      • Nissan Ariya

      • Volvo XC90

      • Mercedes-Benz EQS

      • Rivian R1T

      • Porsche Taycan

      • Lexus LS

      • BMW X7

      • Infiniti QX50

  • Are there legal self-driving cars?

    • Yes, and if you want to try one out before buying you could do a ride share with Waymo One which has been at the forefront of autonomous driving for years. Waymo One is their latest offering, providing a safe and reliable self-driving experience for passengers as it was the first company to offer service to the public without safety drivers in the vehicle.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 11 Best Self-Driving Cars of 2024

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