Self-driving technology has gone from sci-fi dream to industry reality in the last few years, and 2024 is proving to be another big year in autonomous driving advancements. While entirely driverless cars are still in development, prospective buyers have many options for vehicles with self-driving features. More specifically, there are five levels of autonomous driving as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), a professional organization that sets standards for the auto industry.

Each of the five levels of autonomous driving details how advanced the self-driving features are with 1 being the least and 5 the most advanced:

• Level 1 has features that have been present in vehicles for many years, such as cruise control or collision warning.
• Level 2 introduces partial self-driving features, such as lane control assist and the ability to brake and accelerate to control the distance between vehicles.
• Level 3 can assess traffic conditions and navigate accordingly. This means the vehicle is able to navigate itself to a known destination, switching lanes, braking, and turning. Although Level 3 is advanced, the driver must still be ready and able to take over at any moment.
• Level 4 vehicles can drive themselves entirely with or without a driver present.
• Level 5 is entirely self-directed without a human in the loop at all.

Levels 4 and 5 are mostly still experimental at this stage, but there are plenty of wonderful options with the other three levels of autonomy.

It’s the perfect time to take advantage of the best self-driving cars of 2024. Here are some of the top choices for vehicles with levels of autonomy, so your next ride can feel like it’s from the future¹.

1. Tesla Models S, 3, X, Y, and Cybertruck

All Tesla models are listed here simply because the brand tends to be on the cutting edge of self-driving vehicle technology. Though technically classified as a Level 2 vehicle in terms of autonomy, their autopilot feature is incredibly sophisticated. Using a large-screen touch panel located in the center of the dashboard, users can input a waypoint for the vehicle to drive to. Tesla vehicles are then able to accelerate, brake, and switch lanes to navigate the streets to that destination. Since these vehicles are not fully autonomous, driver awareness and readiness to take over are still necessary. 

Tesla vehicles sport an impressive array of sensors, including cameras to sense and view obstacles around the vehicle. Drivers can view what the system is detecting with these sensors in real-time on a display. These sensors, combined with artificial intelligence, allow the vehicle to perform other functions, such as parking on its own, and use a “summon” feature to bring the car to where you are outside the vehicle. Best of all, updates are wireless. This allows Tesla to fix any issues with code that could cause issues with the vehicle and push new driverless features to the car without you needing to bring it to the shop. Data is also collected while you drive, allowing Tesla to use all that information to improve the car’s intelligence over time. As a bonus, there’s even a special insurance option that varies your rate based on driving habits, which may potentially lower your overall rate.

The Tesla Model that’s turning heads right now is the Cybertruck. Its form is unique, with a paintless body and sharp edges that give it a futuristic look. Functionally, it has an estimated range of over 300 miles, 11,000 lbs. of towing capability, and touchscreens in both the front and back for entertainment and control. It also sets itself apart by being a truck that’s capable of going from 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds. Anyone prizing uniqueness combined with self-driving features might want to consider the Cybertruck².

2. Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan has a Drive Pilot system, which is classified as Level 3 automation, setting it apart from the rest of the pack. The vehicle can analyze its surroundings and make decisions to drive itself in certain conditions. It still requires an alert driver, as well as specific road conditions, like clear lane markings, clear weather, and good lighting³. Drive Pilot is certified to be used in highways in parts of California and Nevada. Even with these limitations, the technology is impressive.

While the self-driving aspects of this vehicle are top-notch, the Mercedes-Benz impresses even without this ability. It has sharp handling, is an incredibly comfortable ride, and can easily attain 340 miles with its electric motor. There are a variety of trims available with options, such as stitched sports seats for the front, wide exterior LED bands for a futuristic look, and sharp silver accents for the door handles. If luxury and detail is your goal, the Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan is a great choice⁴.

3. Chevrolet Tahoe

Self-driving features aren’t only available for sedans. The Chevrolet Tahoe is one example of a full-sized SUV with some advanced technology. Its Premier and High Country versions sport Super Cruise, a hand-free driving assistance technology for compatible roads. This is complemented with other features, such as a head-up display that can be projected onto the windshield and camera views.

The Tahoe is also equipped with safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane keeping. Depending on the driver’s needs, there are several engine options including a turbo-diesel version.  For a more traditional SUV mixed with new tech, the Tahoe paired with the Advanced Technology Package add-on is a solid choice⁵.

4. Nissan Leaf SV Plus

The Nissan Leaf is a prime example of striking a balance between modern features and affordability. In addition to a lower price tag, the top-line model Leaf SV Plus version has Nissan’s ProPILOT system. This partially autonomous option adds features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, in addition to a multi-view camera.

The Leaf does have a shorter driving range of under 200 miles, making it more ideal for daily commutes. The model with advanced technology also comes with leather accents, navigation, heated mirrors, and an upgraded audio system which helps justify the cost increase. The all-electric Nissan Leaf is a perfect mix of budget friendly, technological, and practical⁶.

5. Rivian R1T

We haven’t yet touched on traditional pickup trucks, and that’s where the Rivian R1T comes in. This relatively new automaker makes a top-notch electric truck that can handle off-road conditions. It uses a Driver+ setup, which includes 12 ultrasonic sensors, four corner radars, and one forward radar for sensing obstacles and performing maneuvers. Its electric nature gives it the ability to speed up very quickly, and it supports solid storage areas you expect from a pickup truck. It even has a camera that records while driving, and like Tesla, the Rivian pushes wireless updates to fix issues and improve performance⁷.

Source the Best Self-Driving Cars and Trucks

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Sources

1. Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles. SAE. Retrieved on July 7, 2024, from https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3016_202104/
2. CYBERTRUCK. Tesla. Retrieved on July 7, 2024, from https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck
3. EQS Sedan. MBUSA. Retrieved on July 7, 2024, from https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/class/eqs/sedan#models
4. Moorhead, C. (5 May 2024). 11 Best Self-Driving Cars. Go Banking Rates Retrieved on July 7, 2024, from https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/car/best-self-driving-cars/
5. 2024 Tahoe. Chevrolet. Retrieved on July 7, 2024, from https://www.chevrolet.com/suvs/tahoe
6. Irwin, A. 2024 Nissan Leaf. Car and Driver. Retrieved on July 7, 2024, from https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/leaf
7. Cantu, M. 2024 Rivian R1T Review. Edmunds. Retrieved on July 7, 2024, from https://www.edmunds.com/rivian/r1t/