Turn on the system with the MAIN switch on the steering wheel, accelerate to your desired speed, then press SET to lock it in; you can adjust speed with the +/- controls or RES, and use the distance setting to manage following distance. Braking or turning off cancels the system.
The following guide walks through enabling Honda Sensing with Adaptive Cruise Control, setting a cruising speed, adjusting distance, and safe-use tips for highway driving. Button labeling can vary by trim, but the core steps remain consistent across the 2024–2025 Accord lineup.
Enabling Honda Sensing and Cruise Control
Before you can set a speed, you must activate the system and confirm it is ready to maintain speed and distance.
- Start the car and ensure you're traveling above the minimum speed required for cruise control (commonly around 25 mph / 40 km/h).
- On the left side of the steering wheel, press and hold the MAIN switch to enable Honda Sensing. A cruise control indicator should appear on the instrument cluster, signaling the system is active.
- Confirm the system readiness by looking for the cruise control icon and a message stating that Adaptive Cruise Control is available, if shown by your model's display.
With the system enabled, you can proceed to set a specific speed and the following distance.
Setting your speed and following distance
Use the speed controls to lock in a cruising speed and adjust how closely you follow vehicles ahead using the distance setting.
- Accelerate to your desired cruising speed using the accelerator pedal or by quickly tapping the accelerator while the system is off.
- Press the SET or RES/SET control to lock in the current speed. The car will maintain that speed automatically.
- To change the speed while the system is active, press the + or - switch on the steering wheel until you reach the new target speed.
- Adjust following distance with the Distance control. Choose a shorter or longer gap based on traffic and weather conditions.
- To cancel the system, tap the brake pedal momentarily or press the CANCEL button, or switch the system off with MAIN.
Once the speed and distance are set, the Accord will maintain the chosen speed unless you intervene. Always be prepared to regain manual control if traffic conditions change.
Safety considerations and best practices
Important reminders for using adaptive cruise control on highways and in mixed traffic.
- Use ACC on well-separated highway lanes with clear visibility, not in heavy traffic or city driving.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and stay attentive; ACC is a driver‑assist feature, not autonomous driving.
- Be ready to brake or steer if a vehicle enters your lane or weather conditions worsen.
- Avoid using ACC when road conditions are slick, or when following distances are difficult to maintain.
- Understand your specific trim's controls; consult the owner's manual for exact button labels and behavior.
In practice, ACC reduces fatigue on long trips but relies on the driver's judgment and vigilance at all times.
Summary
The 2025 Honda Accord's adaptive cruise control combines a MAIN-enabled system with SET/RES and +/- speed controls to maintain speed, while the Distance setting adjusts how closely you follow other vehicles. Activation and operation are generally consistent across trims, with safety guidance to remain attentive and ready to intervene.