Consumer Reports Says Cadillac's Super Cruise Automated Driving System Outperforms Tesla's Autopilot

author: Manish Kharinta   

GM's Super Cruise was first available on the 2018 Cadillac CT6.

Electric automaker Tesla, which now has become the world's most valuable automaker, pioneered the use of autonomous driving technology with its Autopilot automated driving feature. 

The company's Autopilot inspired other mainstream car manufacturers around the world, including U.S. rival General Motors (GM), to invest in autonomous driving technology. GM introduced its Super Cruise automated driving feature in 2018 on the Cadillac CT6.

Now a recent study by Consumer Reports said that Super Cruise is one of the best performing systems in the segment, performing even better than Tesla's Autopilot. 

Consumer Reports evaluated the performance of Cadillac's Super Cruise against Tesla's Autopilot system and others based on five parameters, which included ease of use, the ability to react to an unresponsive driver, engagement level, as well as capability and overall performance.

The consumer watchdog said the tests were conducted in controlled environments on the track as well on normal roads.

The Super Cruise system managed to outperform Tesla's Autopilot in three of the five categories making it the best performing tech overall. Only models equipped with active driver assistance features like lane-keeping assist and advanced cruise control were considered for the test.

Cadillac's Super Cruise system was commended for its infrared camera along with other active driver assistance technology, which delivered the most consistent performance in the tests. 

The infrared camera monitors the driver's eyes to ensure they are paying attention to the road ahead. If the system detects that the driver is not looking straight ahead, a slim led strip on the steering wheel starts flashing bright red.

If the driver continues to be inattentive, the Super Cruise system starts to slow the vehicle down and will even call for help or bring the car to a complete stop, if needed. 

Ford Motor Company's Co-pilot 360 suite was the third-best performing driver-assistance system, scoring 52 out of 69 points. 

Interestingly, GM's driver assist system for its Buick vehicles, along with that of Jaguar Land Rover and Mazda, didn't perform as well in the study. But as a subsidiary of GM, it's possible that the automaker might update the Buick driver assistance-suite in the future via an over-the-air-update.

Just a couple of years ago, there were only four driver assistance systems on the market. Now, a total of 17 driver-assistance suites are offered by the world's automakers. 

GM intends to offer its Super Cruise feature on 22 models by the year 2023. Cadillac customers can use GM's driver-assistance technology free of charge for the first three years, afterwards the feature is available as a subscription. 

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.