Nissan and Infiniti's ProPilot Assist 2.1 under scrutiny: Is driving without hands actually the ultimate solution?
In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, Nissan's ProPilot Assist 2.1 stands out as an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that enables hands-free driving on certain highways. This system, similar to General Motors' Super Cruise and Ford's BlueCruise, is designed to offer drivers a more relaxed and convenient driving experience.
Functionality-wise, Nissan ProPilot Assist 2.1 allows hands-free operation on approved divided highways, maintaining speed, distance, and lane position. It includes an eye-monitoring camera to ensure driver attention. Unlike General Motors' Super Cruise and Ford's BlueCruise, ProPilot Assist 2.1 does not automatically execute a lane change for you when in hands-off mode.
The system is continuously being refined and integrated into more models, including the Nissan Rogue and Infiniti vehicles. It will suggest a lane change to pass a slower car, which can be accepted with the steering wheel button or the turn signal. If the current stretch of road is hands-off compatible, the display imagery turns blue. Otherwise, it remains green, indicating that the driver needs to stay hands-on.
Updates are performed via over-the-air updates, allowing for continuous improvement and expansion of compatible roads. ProPilot Assist 2.1 requires a subscription after a trial period. Drivers can deactivate the steering assistance or choose to turn off all steering assists using the Steering Assist settings menu.
Nissan has mapped approximately 115,000 miles in the United States and Canada for ProPilot Assist, with parts of the Palisade Parkway in New Jersey and New York being included. Only parts of the system are currently operational in these areas.
The max speed for hands-on mode is 90 mph, and hands-off mode is 85 mph. The system is available on the 2025 Nissan Armada SL, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve, and the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Luxe and Sensory, with the Autograph models having it as standard. The 2025 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4ORCE and the 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph also have ProPilot Assist 2.1.
In conclusion, while all three systems offer hands-free driving capabilities, their specific features and mapping coverage differ. GM's Super Cruise is notable for its extensive road coverage, while Ford's BlueCruise is praised for its ease of use and robust Driver Attention feature. Nissan's ProPilot Assist 2.1 is highlighted for its reliability and integration into more models across the Nissan lineup.
- In the automotive industry, Nissan's ProPilot Assist 2.1 is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that provides hands-free driving on approved highways.
- This system shares similarities with General Motors' Super Cruise and Ford's BlueCruise, offering a more relaxed driving experience.
- On approved divided highways, ProPilot Assist 2.1 maintains speed, distance, and lane position, with an eye-monitoring camera to ensure driver attention.
- Unlike its counterparts, ProPilot Assist 2.1 does not automatically execute a lane change for the driver when in hands-off mode.
- The system is continuously being refined and integrated into more models, like the Nissan Rogue and Infiniti vehicles, with updates performed via over-the-air updates.
- ProPilot Assist 2.1 requires a subscription after a trial period, and drivers can deactivate the steering assistance or turn off all steering assists using the Steering Assist settings menu.
- Nissan has mapped approximately 115,000 miles in the United States and Canada, with parts of the Palisade Parkway in New Jersey and New York being included, but only parts of the system are currently operational in these areas.
- The max speed for hands-on mode is 90 mph, and hands-off mode is 85 mph. The system is available on various models in 2025, including the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX80, as well as the 2025 Nissan Ariya and the 2026 Infiniti QX60, highlighting its integration across the Nissan lineup in the realm of transportation technology and smart-home devices.
