In Honda vehicles, “cruise mode” usually refers to cruise control or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). These systems help keep a steady speed or automatically adjust speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Cruise control vs Adaptive Cruise Control
These two features share a goal—reducing the need to ride the accelerator—but they work differently and are suited to different driving conditions.
- Cruise Control: Maintains a constant set speed you select; it does not adjust for traffic or following distance.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Uses radar and sometimes cameras to maintain a set speed while keeping a preselected following distance from the car in front; it can slow or accelerate automatically.
In practice, many Honda models offer ACC as part of Honda Sensing, which also includes features like Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Mitigation. If your model is equipped with Honda Sensing, ACC can be enabled or disabled along with the other safety aids.
How to use cruise control in a Honda
Here are the general steps to engage and manage cruise control on most Honda models. Note that button layouts can vary by trim and year.
- Reach your desired highway speed with your hands on the wheel.
- Turn on the cruise control system by pressing the ON/CANCEL or CRUISE button (or the MAIN switch on some models).
- Press SET or SET/+, or use RES if you’re resuming after a cancellation; the vehicle will hold the current speed.
- Use + and − to adjust the set speed as needed.
- To temporarily disable, press Cancel or lightly apply the brakes; resume with RES/SET if desired.
- In ACC-equipped models, you can also set a following distance using a distance lever or button, which adjusts how closely you follow the car ahead.
- For Stop & Go traffic, ACC can manage braking and acceleration within its capability; you may need to override in heavy traffic or complex situations.
Disengaging cruise control or ACC, or braking, returns control to the driver. Always be ready to take over at any time.
Honda Sensing, ACC, and related features
Many newer Hondas include Honda Sensing, a bundle of driver-assistance technologies that includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. These features are designed to work together but should not be relied upon as a substitute for attentive driving.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go can adjust speed automatically in traffic up to the system’s limits.
- Lane Keeping Assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, but does not replace safe lane discipline.
- Road Departure Mitigation helps steer or brake to keep the car from leaving the road under certain conditions.
Check your owner’s manual or the vehicle settings for your specific model and trim to confirm which features are available and how to operate them.
Model and year availability
Cruise control is standard on most new Hondas. Adaptive Cruise Control, as part of Honda Sensing, is widely available on mid-to-upper trims and newer models, with availability varying by model and market.
- Civic: ACC is available on most trims with Honda Sensing in recent generations.
- Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Odyssey, HR-V: ACC is commonly offered as part of Honda Sensing on many trims.
- Passport and Ridgeline: ACC with Stop & Go is typically available on upper trims or as part of a technology package.
Because feature availability changes with year, market, and trim level, verify on your specific vehicle’s window sticker, owner's manual, or with a dealer.
Safety and limitations
Cruise control and ACC are driver aids, not autonomous systems. They require the driver’s attention and hands on the wheel in most conditions. Do not rely on these systems in heavy traffic, rain, snow, or icy roads where sensors may be compromised.
- ACC may not detect all vehicles or obstacles; stay alert for closing traffic and be prepared to brake manually.
- Systems may have limitations at highway ramps, curves, construction zones, or poorly lit areas.
- Never use Stop & Go in extreme traffic or while towing a trailer if the system is not rated for it.
Always consult your owner's manual for exact operation instructions for your model and trim.
Summary
In practice, “cruise mode” on a Honda usually means one of two things: traditional Cruise Control that holds a steady speed, or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a more advanced system that maintains speed and a safe following distance using sensors. The features are most commonly accessed via steering wheel controls and, when available, as part of the Honda Sensing suite. Always verify your model’s capabilities and read the manual to understand how they operate and their limitations.