Imagine driving from Dubuque to Iowa City without the stress of constantly gripping the steering wheel, or cruising to Wisconsin Dells for a family vacation while arriving more relaxed and energized. Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology is transforming how families in the tri-state area experience highway travel, and it’s available right here at Finnin Ford.

What is Ford BlueCruise?

BlueCruise is Ford’s advanced hands-free highway driving system that allows you to take your hands off the steering wheel on pre-mapped highways called “Blue Zones.” Unlike basic cruise control, BlueCruise actively steers, accelerates, and brakes your vehicle while keeping you centered in your lane and maintaining safe distances from other vehicles.

For drivers in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, this technology is particularly valuable on the long stretches of highway that connect our communities. Whether you’re commuting to Cedar Rapids, traveling to the Quad Cities, or making the drive to Madison, BlueCruise can handle much of the driving workload.

How BlueCruise Works: The Technology Behind the Magic

Advanced Sensor Array

BlueCruise combines multiple technologies to create a comprehensive driving assistance system:

• Cameras and radar sensors monitor road conditions and surrounding traffic
• GPS mapping ensures the system only activates in safe, pre-qualified areas
• Driver-facing camera tracks your attention to ensure you remain alert
• Advanced software processes real-time data to make driving decisions

Blue Zones: Where Hands-Free Driving is Available

Ford has mapped over 200,000 kilometers of divided highways across North America as “Blue Zones” where BlueCruise can safely operate. These include major routes throughout our region, such as portions of Interstate 80, Highway 380, and other divided highways that connect Dubuque to surrounding communities.

The system continuously updates these mapped areas through over-the-air updates, expanding coverage and improving functionality without requiring a trip to the dealership.

The Latest: BlueCruise 1.4 and 1.5 Updates

Ford continues improving BlueCruise with regular software updates. The latest versions include significant enhancements:

BlueCruise 1.4 Improvements

• Better curve handling: Automatically adjusts speed on tighter curves, maintaining hands-free operation longer
• Enhanced weather performance: Improved functionality during challenging conditions like sun glare or light precipitation
• Smoother operation: More natural feeling acceleration and deceleration

BlueCruise 1.5 Features

• Automatic Lane Change: The system can now change lanes automatically to maintain your preferred speed when encountering slower traffic
• In-Lane Repositioning: Subtly adjusts your position within the lane to provide more space from adjacent vehicles
• Enhanced Stop-and-Go: Better performance in heavy traffic situations

Real-World Benefits for Midwest Families

Long-Distance Travel Made Easier

For families in the Dubuque area, BlueCruise transforms trips that were once tiring into comfortable journeys. Whether you’re driving to:

• Des Moines for sports tournaments or state events
• Chicago for weekend getaways or airport trips
• Twin Cities for family visits or shopping
• Madison for university events or recreation

BlueCruise handles the monotonous highway driving, allowing you to arrive feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.

Daily Commuting Comfort

Even for shorter commutes between Dubuque and surrounding communities like Dyersville, Manchester, or Maquoketa, BlueCruise can reduce stress during the highway portions of your drive. The technology is particularly beneficial during peak traffic hours when stop-and-go conditions are common.

Safety Through Consistency

Human drivers can become distracted, tired, or inattentive during long drives. BlueCruise maintains constant vigilance, monitoring road conditions and traffic patterns without the fatigue that affects human drivers. The system’s reaction times are faster than human reflexes, potentially helping avoid accidents.

Which Ford Vehicles Offer BlueCruise?

At Finnin Ford, BlueCruise is available on several popular models that serve different family needs:

2025 Ford Explorer

Available on ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims, BlueCruise makes the Explorer even more family-friendly for longer trips. Perfect for:

• Families with growing children who need three-row seating
• Active families who travel frequently for sports or activities
• Multi-generational households who need versatile transportation

Ford F-150 and F-150 Lightning

Available on select trims, BlueCruise transforms these capable trucks into comfortable long-distance cruisers. Ideal for:

• Contractors who travel between job sites
• Families who need truck capability but want passenger comfort
• Anyone who wants the best of both capability and convenience

Ford Mustang Mach-E

All trims of this electric SUV include BlueCruise capability, offering:

• Zero-emission highway cruising
• Advanced electric vehicle technology
• Sport utility versatility with eco-friendly operation

Ford Expedition

Available across the 2025 model lineup, bringing hands-free driving to Ford’s largest SUV for:

• Large families who need maximum seating and cargo space
• Those who frequently tow boats, trailers, or recreational equipment
• Families who prioritize comfort on extended road trips

Understanding BlueCruise Pricing and Availability

Ford offers flexible pricing options for BlueCruise to fit different budgets and usage patterns:

Trial Period

All new BlueCruise-equipped vehicles include a 90-day complimentary trial from the warranty start date. This allows you to experience the technology before committing to a subscription.

Pricing Options

• Monthly subscription: $49.99 per month – perfect for seasonal use or occasional long trips
• Annual subscription: $495 per year – ideal for regular highway drivers
• One-time purchase: $2,495 for minimum seven years of service (available on select 2025 models) – best value for long-term ownership

The one-time purchase option saves 28% compared to renewing annually over seven years, making it an excellent choice for families who plan to keep their vehicle long-term.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Driver Monitoring System

BlueCruise includes sophisticated driver monitoring to ensure safety:

• Eye tracking: Infrared cameras monitor where you’re looking
• Attention alerts: The system reminds you to stay focused if it detects inattention
• Immediate override: You can take control instantly by gripping the steering wheel

Hands-Free, Not Mind-Free

It’s important to understand that BlueCruise is a Level 2 driver assistance system, meaning you must remain alert and ready to take control. The technology assists with driving tasks but doesn’t replace the need for an attentive driver.

Weather and Road Limitations

BlueCruise operates best in:

• Clear weather conditions
• Well-marked highways
• Divided highway situations

The system may temporarily deactivate during heavy rain, snow, or fog, returning control to the driver when conditions improve.

Consumer Recognition and Reliability

BlueCruise has earned significant recognition in the automotive industry:

• Consumer Reports’ top-ranked active driving assistance system for two consecutive years
• Rated above Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise
• Over 492,000 BlueCruise-equipped vehicles on the road globally
• More than 244 million hands-free miles driven by customers

This widespread adoption and positive feedback demonstrate the technology’s reliability and effectiveness in real-world driving situations.

Experience BlueCruise at Finnin Ford

As your trusted Ford dealer since 1979, Finnin Ford is committed to helping Dubuque area families understand and experience the latest automotive technologies. Our knowledgeable sales team can demonstrate BlueCruise functionality and help you determine which Ford model best fits your family’s needs.

Why Choose Finnin Ford for BlueCruise?

• Local expertise: We understand the driving conditions and routes common to our tri-state area
• Comprehensive service: Our certified technicians can maintain and service all BlueCruise components
• Family legacy: Three generations of the Finnin family have served local customers
• Community commitment: We’ve been part of the Dubuque community for over four decades

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

BlueCruise represents a significant step forward in automotive safety and convenience. For families in the Dubuque area who frequently travel highways for work, recreation, or family obligations, the technology can transform the driving experience from stressful to relaxing.

Consider BlueCruise if you:

• Regularly drive more than 30 minutes on divided highways
• Experience fatigue during longer trips
• Want the latest safety and convenience technology
• Value stress reduction during travel
• Plan to keep your vehicle for several years

Schedule Your BlueCruise Demonstration

Ready to experience the future of highway driving? Visit Finnin Ford at 3600 Dodge Street in Dubuque to schedule a demonstration of BlueCruise technology. Our team will show you how this innovative system works and help you understand its benefits for your specific driving needs.

Whether you’re interested in the family-friendly Explorer, the capable F-150, the electric Mach-E, or the spacious Expedition, we’ll help you find the perfect BlueCruise-equipped Ford for your lifestyle.

You’re Winnin’ with Finnin when you choose the latest Ford technology backed by over 45 years of trusted service to the tri-state area. Contact us today to discover how BlueCruise can transform your family’s highway travel experience.

Call Finnin Ford today or visit our showroom to experience BlueCruise firsthand. Join the hundreds of thousands of drivers who have already discovered the freedom and confidence that comes with Ford’s advanced hands-free driving technology.