The 2027 Ford F-150 Unlocks Hands-Free Towing Through BlueCruise
Ford's updated autonomy system will maintain lane centering and speed control while the truck is pulling a trailer.
Ford has announced that its 2027 F-150 lineup will feature an updated version of BlueCruise capable of hands-free operation while towing. This development extends the utility of Ford's Level 2 driver-assistance system to one of the most common use cases for the pickup truck segment.
What Happened
The 2027 F-150 will integrate trailer towing capabilities into the BlueCruise hands-free driving system. Previously, BlueCruise was restricted to driving without a trailer attached. The updated system allows the vehicle to maintain lane centering and adaptive speed control while the driver is towing, provided the system is active on mapped highways. This change effectively removes the requirement for the driver to keep hands on the wheel during highway transit with a load.
Why It Matters
For F-150 owners who frequently tow, this update significantly reduces driver fatigue on long highway stretches. By enabling hands-free operation during towing, Ford is addressing a key limitation of current Level 2 autonomy systems in the truck market. This move may pressure competitors like GM's Super Cruise and Tesla's Autopilot to offer similar hands-free towing features, potentially making it a standard expectation for premium driver-assistance packages in the full-size truck segment.
The Bottom Line
The 2027 Ford F-150 will offer hands-free highway driving while towing via an updated BlueCruise system, marking a notable expansion of Ford's autonomy capabilities for truck users.
