Q&A: Everything Annapolis Valley Drivers Ask About Ford BlueCruise in Winter

Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving raises questions for Nova Scotia drivers who face snowy Trans-Canada Highway stretches and coastal weather. Here are answers to the most common questions about how BlueCruise works, which vehicles include it, and how it performs when winter weather arrives in the Maritimes.

What is Ford BlueCruise?

BlueCruise is Ford's hands-free highway driving system. The technology handles steering, braking, and acceleration on pre-mapped divided highways while you maintain attention on the road. A driver-facing camera monitors your eye position to verify you're watching ahead.

The system works on thousands of kilometres of pre-qualified highways across North America called "Blue Zones." In Nova Scotia, this includes sections of Highway 102, Highway 103, and the Trans-Canada Highway. When you enter a Blue Zone, a notification appears on your instrument cluster indicating BlueCruise is available.

BlueCruise includes two main features:

• Lane Change Assist: Switch lanes hands-free with a tap of the turn signal when the path is clear
• In-Lane Repositioning: Subtly shifts away from vehicles in adjacent lanes to provide extra space

The system doesn't replace the need to pay attention. You remain responsible for safe vehicle operation at all times.

Which Ford Vehicles Include BlueCruise for 2025-2026?

BlueCruise hardware comes equipped on select 2025 and 2026 Ford models:

2026 Ford Explorer

• Available on ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims
• 90-day complimentary trial included
• Three-year plan available for purchase

2025 Ford Expedition

• Available on nearly 90% of Expedition models
• Platinum, King Ranch, Tremor, and Active trims equipped
• 90-day complimentary trial or one-year activation options
• One-time purchase option available at vehicle order

2025 Ford F-150

• Available on select trims (specific trim availability varies)
• 90-day or one-year trial depending on model
• Flexible activation options: monthly, annually, or one-time purchase

The 2026 model year continues offering BlueCruise on these vehicles with the same hardware and activation options as 2025 models.

How Do Activation and Subscription Options Work?

Ford offers flexible activation choices:

90-Day Trial: New customers with BlueCruise-equipped vehicles receive a complimentary 90-day hands-free highway driving trial. At the trial's end, you choose how to continue:

• Monthly subscription: Activate only when you need it
• Annual subscription: Full year of access
• One-time purchase: Never activate again on that vehicle

One-Year Plan: Some models offer one year of access included at vehicle purchase or as an option when ordering.

You manage subscriptions through the FordPass app or at Ford.ca/myaccount. The system requires no dealership visits for activation or renewal.

Does BlueCruise Work in Snow, Slush, and Fog?

BlueCruise uses forward-facing cameras and radar sensors to monitor road conditions and surrounding traffic. The system requires clear lane markings to function properly.

Here's how different Nova Scotia winter conditions affect BlueCruise:

Light Snow

BlueCruise continues working when light snow falls but lane markings remain visible. The system uses radar to track vehicles ahead and maintain following distance.

Heavy Snow or Slush

When heavy snow covers lane markings, BlueCruise may temporarily deactivate. The system alerts you to take over steering. Once lane markings become visible again, BlueCruise can re-engage.

Coastal Fog

Dense Maritime fog can reduce camera visibility. BlueCruise may disengage if sensors can't detect lane markings clearly. The radar continues tracking vehicles ahead, but steering assistance requires visible lane markers.

Black Ice

BlueCruise doesn't detect road surface conditions like black ice. The system maintains normal operation, but you remain responsible for adjusting speed for road conditions. If wheels slip, the vehicle's standard stability control systems activate independently of BlueCruise.

Freezing Rain

Heavy freezing rain covering the windshield and sensors can limit BlueCruise functionality. Keep sensors and cameras clean for best performance in winter weather.

What Happens When BlueCruise Deactivates?

The system provides multiple warnings before disengagement:

1. Visual alerts appear on the instrument cluster
2. Audible chimes sound to get your attention
3. The driver-facing camera monitors whether you've taken over

If you don't respond to warnings, the vehicle gradually slows down and activates hazard lights. This safety feature ensures the vehicle doesn't continue operating hands-free without driver supervision.

You can manually deactivate BlueCruise anytime by:

• Turning the steering wheel
• Pressing the brake pedal
• Pressing the BlueCruise button on the steering wheel

The system smoothly transitions control back to you without sudden movements.

Does BlueCruise Receive Over-the-Air Updates?

Yes. Ford delivers software updates over cellular connection without requiring dealership visits. Updates can improve:

• BlueCruise performance and smoothness
• Lane change timing and execution
• Following distance algorithms
• New Blue Zone highway coverage

Your vehicle automatically checks for available updates when parked and connected. You receive notifications through the FordPass app when updates are ready to install. Most updates complete overnight without disrupting your schedule.

The Ford Digital Experience platform enables these over-the-air capabilities on 2025 and 2026 models equipped with BlueCruise.

Can BlueCruise Handle Stop-and-Go Traffic?

Yes. BlueCruise includes Stop-and-Go functionality that works in highway traffic jams. The system:

• Brings the vehicle to a complete stop when traffic halts
• Maintains position in your lane
• Resumes following the vehicle ahead when traffic moves
• Handles speeds from 0 km/h up to highway speeds

This feature reduces fatigue during Halifax rush hour traffic on Highway 102 or when construction slows Highway 101 between Kentville and Windsor.

Is BlueCruise the Same as Ford Co-Pilot360?

No. These are different systems that work together:

Ford Co-Pilot360 includes standard driver-assist features on most Ford vehicles:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane-Keeping System
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• Rear View Camera
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps

BlueCruise is an advanced, subscription-based system that enables hands-free highway driving. BlueCruise works alongside Co-Pilot360 features but requires specific hardware and active subscription.

All BlueCruise-equipped vehicles include Co-Pilot360 as standard equipment.

Key Takeaways

Learn More at Valley Ford

Ford BlueCruise brings hands-free highway driving to Trans-Canada Highway stretches and Nova Scotia divided highways. Visit our team in Kentville to see how BlueCruise works in 2025 and 2026 Ford models equipped with this advanced driver-assist technology.