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Driving the steep I-5 over the Grapevine can test even the most skilled drivers. With big rigs clogging lanes and never-ending uphill climbs through Tejon Pass, you can experience stress during those long, hilly drives between Bakersfield and Los Angeles. Though you'll still need to keep your eyes on the road and be ready to grab the wheel when needed, Lincoln BlueCruise offers a hands-free highway driving assistant that helps fight fatigue during these tough drives.
What Is BlueCruise?
Lincoln BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving technology that builds on intelligent adaptive cruise control and lane centering to create a Level 2 Advanced Driver-Assistance System. This driver-assist feature only works in hands-free Blue Zones and monitors the driver through an in-cabin camera. You can only take your hands off the wheel in a hands-free Blue Zone. Keep your eyes on the road and be ready to take control, as BlueCruise isn't self-driving technology.
The system uses cameras, sensors, and GPS maps to control gas, brakes, and steering while maintaining lane position. A driver-facing camera monitors road attention and warns if your focus drifts. BlueCruise operates on over 130,000 miles of highways mapped as Blue Zones across the U.S. and Canada.
Does BlueCruise Work on the Grapevine?
BlueCruise operates on mapped highways, known as Blue Zones, on most U.S. interstates. If you want to drive I-5 through Tejon Pass hands-free, it qualifies as a divided highway. But be aware that worn lane markings, construction, bad weather, or accidents can disable hands-free mode. Clear markings and decent weather are required for a successful Lincoln BlueCruise Grapevine operation.
The Grapevine area of I-5 presents unique driving hazards. Elevation changes affect visibility and vehicle performance. Weather can shift from sunshine to snowstorms quickly, and fog and high winds can impact safety and driver-assistance performance. Check the official Ford BlueCruise map for California before traveling, and be ready to drive manually if conditions worsen.
Features That Help on Long Drives
BlueCruise packs some tricks that shine during I-5 Grapevine drives. Lane change assist lets your car switch lanes automatically when you hit the turn signal, which is helpful when you need to get around slow-moving trucks on steep sections. The system keeps an eye on the traffic all around you, only changing lanes when it's safe.
In-lane repositioning gives you breathing room when driving next to massive semi-trucks by subtly shifting your position within your lane. Some models offer automatic lane change that can operate without you hitting the turn signal, though this depends on your Lincoln's model and trim.
Latest Software Improvements
New software updates allow you to drive hands-free for much longer, make lane centering work better, and improve how the system handles tight curves. These upgrades are showing up on certain 2025 models, with wireless updates coming to other Lincoln vehicles down the line. The latest BlueCruise 1.4 marks a huge step forward. Drivers can now stay in hands-free mode roughly eight times longer than the original version and five times longer compared to version 1.2.
BlueCruise 1.4 also cuts lane wobbling by almost 80% compared to the first version, keeping your vehicle more stable and providing smoother handling. These updates make the system work better on the twisty sections of the Grapevine.
Which Lincoln Models Offer BlueCruise?
BlueCruise availability varies by model. The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, Navigator, Corsair, and Nautilus include BlueCruise 1.4 as standard on all trims. For the 2024 lineup, BlueCruise is available on the Navigator Premiere as well as the Nautilus Premiere and Reserve models. BlueCruise is also available on the 2023 Corsair and Nautilus.
How To Use BlueCruise on the Grapevine
Getting BlueCruise working requires some simple steps. Navigate to Settings > Driver Assistance > BlueCruise, then turn on adaptive cruise control and lane centering. Press the Adaptive Cruise Control button, then activate lane centering by holding the assist button until it's confirmed. Before entering a Blue Zone, set the cruise speed and following distance.
A solid blue indicator on the screen and a blue steering wheel icon confirm that BlueCruise is active in Blue Zones. Stay focused and ready to take over when prompted. You can regain manual control by tapping the brake or gas pedal, grabbing the wheel, or pressing cruise cancel.
Ownership, Trials, and Map Updates
BlueCruise requires an active subscription or trial. Options include monthly at $49.99, annual at $495, and a one-time purchase at $2,495. Many new Ford models include a 90-day free trial. Modem activation is required, and pre-2024 models need dealer activation. Many new Lincoln vehicles include a four-year complimentary BlueCruise plan and operate on 97% of controlled-access highways across North America. High-precision mapping updates are delivered wirelessly.
Local Tips for a Smoother Grapevine Drive
Smart preparation makes Grapevine trips safer. Look up weather reports and check California Highway Patrol (CHP) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) updates before leaving, as conditions in mountain passes change fast. Keep plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles, and don't let your gas tank get too low, as climbing burns more fuel.
Remember that driver-assist features help you but don't replace you. Stay alert to changing road conditions. Pack some emergency supplies, such as water, snacks, and warm clothes, in case you get stuck due to unexpected weather or accidents. Allow extra time during rush hours and holidays when the Grapevine gets packed with traffic.
FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about BlueCruise.
Is BlueCruise legal to use in California on I-5?
Yes, it's legal to use on mapped, divided highways in California, including I-5 Blue Zones.
Will BlueCruise handle steep hills and curves on the Grapevine?
BlueCruise works with clear lane lines and decent weather. Recent software updates handle curves and hills better, but you must stay alert.
What if the weather shuts down the Grapevine?
BlueCruise won't work during heavy snow, high winds, or thick fog, as these conditions affect the sensors. Traffic maps might show open lanes even when roads are closed due to storms or crashes, so always be ready to drive manually and follow CHP and Caltrans directives.
Experience BlueCruise Technology With Jim Burke Lincoln
BlueCruise technology can help you stay sharper for longer when driving your Lincoln. Nothing beats trying it out for yourself to see if it fits your driving style. Come and see us at Jim Burke Lincoln to test-drive a BlueCruise-equipped vehicle and see how it works on the roads you drive. Our friendly team is ready to show you how BlueCruise can improve your Grapevine trips with minimal effort.