GM Gives 19 Models Hands-Free Towing That Ford And Tesla Still Don’t Offer

Driving Into The Future

Hands-free driving systems are among the latest advancements in the auto industry, though they remain far from perfect, as reflected by lawsuits surrounding Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. Still, automakers continue to refine the technology in pursuit of more advanced autonomous driving, with the goal of reducing driver fatigue and improving road safety.

General Motors is highlighting a notable development in this space. The automaker has expanded its Hands-Free Trailering feature under Super Cruise to 19 models across its four core U.S. brands. The feature allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel on compatible mapped roads while towing a trailer, a capability GM says remains exclusive to Super Cruise.

Built For Heavy Lifting

Ford's BlueCruise offers hands-free driving, but the Blue Oval brand says it cannot be used while towing. Same with Tesla's FSD, though it does offer Trailer Mode, which focuses more on towing-related safety settings than hands-free driving. GM, meanwhile, debuted Hands-Free Trailering in 2022 on models like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and GMC Hummer EV Pickup.

The latest expansion now includes the Buick Enclave; Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ/Escalade IQL, Optiq, Lyriq, and Vistiq; Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Silverado 1500, Silverado EV, Suburban, Tahoe, and Traverse; and GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, Sierra EV, and Yukon/Yukon XL.

The function works by using the F = ma equation, or force equals mass times acceleration. This allows Super Cruise to estimate how heavy the trailer is and adjust acceleration, braking, and steering accordingly. It can modify the torque sent to the wheels during acceleration and account for longer braking distances when slowing down. Steering behavior is also important, since towing a trailer can easily make a vehicle less stable if the system applies the wrong inputs.

Learning On The Go

GM says vehicles capable of Hands-Free Trailering can store separate Super Cruise settings with and without a trailer. If a driver hooks up a trailer they have towed before, the system does not have to start from scratch, though it still continues to adjust in real time.

As GM continues to battle Ford for truck dominance in the U.S., Hands-Free Trailering could give a useful advantage to buyers who regularly tow. It is worth noting, however, that Super Cruise is still an SAE Level 2 system, meaning drivers must keep their attention on the road and be ready to take over at all times. Eyes-off capability starts at Level 3, while fully autonomous systems, such as robotaxis like Waymo, fall under Level 4.

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