Top 10 Self-Driving Cars in 2027 (Best Overall + Best Value)
By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 6 min read
Direct answer
No car sold in the US is fully self-driving, but the 2027 Cadillac Escalade has the most proven hands-free system here: Super Cruise works hands-free on compatible roads, Cadillac cites over 800 million hands-free miles, and the Escalade starts at $102,700. The best value is the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E from $37,795 with BlueCruise, which IIHS rated poor. Every pick needs a driver who keeps watching the road.
$36,990 on Tesla's Model 3 page, which also shows $38,630 labeled "in MA"; Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is an upgrade whose price could not be confirmed
Buyers who want the lowest price here and the broadest driver-assist feature set
Luxury EV buyers who want driver assistance and not a hands-free promise
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2027 Cadillac Escalade
Best value
2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Best sedan
2026 Cadillac CT5
Widest hands-free roads
Rivian R1S
Fastest hands-free limit
2027 BMW 5 Series Sedan
The ranking
1
2027 Cadillac Escalade
Answrs VerdictThe hands-free benchmark.
Starting MSRP: $102,700 for the 2027 Escalade Luxury (the V-Series starts at $169,300)System: Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance on compatible roads, with Turn Signal Activated Lane Change; Cadillac says over 800 million hands-free miles have been driven with Super CruiseSupervision: Cadillac says to always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise; Partial driving automation, not self-driving: the driver must keep monitoring and be ready to take over (IIHS)IIHS safeguards: In its March 2024 ratings IIHS rated the partial automation on the GMC Sierra marginal; it says Super Cruise meets all the attention-reminder requirements and that GM is the only system tested to meet all the emergency-procedure requirements. The Escalade itself was not ratedPlan: Escalade ESV pricing lists Super Cruise with a 3-year OnStar One plan; Super Cruise needs an active plan or trial
The 2027 Escalade pairs Super Cruise, which lets you take your hands off the wheel on compatible roads, with Cadillac's flagship SUV, from $102,700. IIHS rated the partial automation on the GMC Sierra marginal and says Super Cruise meets all the attention-reminder requirements and GM is the only system tested that meets all the emergency-procedure requirements. The Escalade itself was not rated, and you must keep paying attention.
Go ifBuyers who want the most proven hands-free system on a full-size luxury SUV
Skip ifYou want a hands-free car under $60,000
Why #1 over #2: Super Cruise is the only system IIHS says meets all the emergency-procedure requirements, and Cadillac cites over 800 million hands-free miles.
2
2026 Cadillac CT5
Answrs VerdictHands-free in a sedan.
Example MSRP: $50,995 for a 2026 CT5 Premium Luxury RWD (Cadillac lease disclosure on its CT5 page); a starting MSRP could not be confirmedSystem: Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology, listed as standard with a 3-year OnStar planSupervision: Cadillac says to always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise and not to use a hand-held deviceIIHS safeguards: The CT5 was not rated; IIHS rated GM partial automation on the GMC Sierra marginalYears offered: Super Cruise is offered on 2023-2026 CT5, CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing
The 2026 CT5 lists Super Cruise as standard with a 3-year OnStar plan. Cadillac's lease example is a CT5 Premium Luxury RWD with an MSRP of $50,995; a starting MSRP could not be confirmed. The driver must keep paying attention and not use a hand-held device.
Go ifSedan buyers who want Super Cruise standard at about $50,995
Skip ifYou want an SUV or an EV
Why #2 over #3: It brings the same Super Cruise as the Escalade at an example price of $50,995 versus $52,515 for the Optiq.
3
2027 Cadillac Optiq
Answrs VerdictThe compact Super Cruise EV.
Example MSRP: $52,515 for a 2027 Optiq RWD Luxury (Cadillac lease disclosure on its Optiq page); a starting MSRP could not be confirmedSystem: Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology, listed as standard with a 3-year OnStar One planSupervision: Cadillac says to always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise and not to use a hand-held deviceIIHS safeguards: The Optiq was not rated; IIHS rated GM partial automation on the GMC Sierra marginalBody: Small electric SUV
The 2027 Optiq is the small electric SUV with Super Cruise listed as standard with a 3-year OnStar One plan. Cadillac's lease example is an Optiq RWD Luxury with an MSRP of $52,515; a starting MSRP could not be confirmed.
Go ifBuyers who want Super Cruise in a small electric SUV
Skip ifYou want a longer-range or larger vehicle
Why #3 over #4: It has the same Super Cruise as the Cadillacs above it and a lower example price than the Rivian R1S at $83,990.
4
2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Answrs VerdictThe value pick.
Starting MSRP: $37,795 for the 2026 Mustang Mach-E, the lowest price here for a hands-free system; the cost of BlueCruise on it could not be confirmedSystem: BlueCruise hands-free driving in mapped Blue Zones, with a driver-facing camera that warns you if you look awaySupervision: Ford says BlueCruise is not self-driving and hands-free is not eyes-free: you must keep your eyes on the roadIIHS safeguards: IIHS rated the Ford Mustang Mach-E poor; it said the Ford systems come very close on driver monitoring and meet all the attention-reminder requirementsCoverage: Wikipedia says BlueCruise operates on 130,000 miles of US divided highways
The 2026 Mustang Mach-E starts at $37,795 and offers BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free system for mapped Blue Zones, with a driver-facing camera. Ford says hands-free is not eyes-free. IIHS rated the Mach-E poor, though it said the Ford systems come very close on driver monitoring and meet all the attention-reminder requirements. The cost of BlueCruise could not be confirmed.
Go ifBuyers who want the lowest starting price with a hands-free option
Skip ifYou want a better IIHS safeguard rating than poor
Why #4 over #5: It starts at $37,795 versus $83,990 for the Rivian R1S, with a hands-free system on mapped highways.
5
Rivian R1S
Answrs VerdictThe widest hands-free road map.
Starting MSRP: $83,990 for the 2027 R1S (Rivian, August 13, 2026)System: Universal Hands-Free works on 3.5 million miles of roads in the US and Canada wherever lane lines are clearly markedSupervision: Rivian says drivers must keep paying attention and be prepared to resume control at all times, and it will not stop or slow for traffic lights or stop signsAutonomy+: $49.99 per month or $2,500 one time; new R1S and R1T deliveries include a 60-day trialIIHS safeguards: Not rated: Rivian was not among the automakers in IIHS's first partial automation ratings
The 2027 R1S starts at $83,990. Rivian's Universal Hands-Free works on 3.5 million miles of roads in the US and Canada wherever lane lines are clearly marked, and it will not stop or slow for traffic lights or stop signs. Autonomy+ costs $49.99 per month or $2,500 one time. Rivian's point-to-point early access is separate; see /cars/rivian-point-to-point-hands-free-early-access/. IIHS did not rate Rivian in its first round.
Go ifBuyers who want hands-free on the widest road network here
Skip ifYou want a proven IIHS rating or a price under $80,000
Why #5 over #6: It is hands-free on 3.5 million miles of marked roads, against hands-free up to 85 mph on controlled-access highways for the BMW.
6
2027 BMW 5 Series Sedan
Answrs VerdictThe fastest hands-free limit.
Starting MSRP: $60,500 for the 2027 530i SedanSystem: Highway Assistant allows hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on controlled-access highways and includes Active Lane Change; it comes in the Driving Assistant Professional PackageSupervision: BMW says the driver must stay attentive and take over if needed; it is not available in Alaska, Puerto Rico or HawaiiIIHS safeguards: IIHS evaluated a BMW system and found it did not react when the camera lens or driver's face was covered; a rating for the 5 Series itself could not be confirmedPackage price: The price of the Driving Assistant Professional Package could not be confirmed
The 2027 BMW 5 Series starts at $60,500 for the 530i. Highway Assistant allows hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on controlled-access highways, with Active Lane Change, inside the Driving Assistant Professional Package; the package price could not be confirmed. BMW says the driver must stay attentive and take over if needed. IIHS found a BMW system did not react when the camera lens or driver's face was covered.
Go ifSedan buyers who want hands-free driving up to 85 mph
Skip ifYou want a hands-free system with a published IIHS rating
Why #6 over #7: It is hands-free to 85 mph at $60,500, where the Tesla Model 3 requires the driver to remain attentive and IIHS rated it poor.
7
Tesla Model 3
Answrs VerdictCheap, supervised, poor IIHS.
Starting MSRP: $36,990 on Tesla's Model 3 page, which also shows $38,630 labeled "in MA"; Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is an upgrade whose price could not be confirmedSystem: Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is an upgrade to the standard Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Departure AvoidanceSupervision: Tesla says Full Self-Driving (Supervised) requires the driver to remain attentive at all times and does not make the vehicle autonomousLevel: Wikipedia describes Tesla's FSD as a Level 2 (hands on, eyes on) driver-assistance systemIIHS safeguards: IIHS rated the Tesla Model 3 poor; its tests used software from before the December 2023 recall
The Model 3 starts at $36,990 on Tesla's page, which also shows $38,630 labeled "in MA". Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is an upgrade whose price could not be confirmed; Tesla says it requires the driver to remain attentive at all times and does not make the vehicle autonomous. Wikipedia calls it a Level 2 system, and IIHS rated the Model 3 poor.
Go ifBuyers who want the lowest price here and the broadest driver-assist feature set
Skip ifYou want a good IIHS safeguard rating
Why #7 over #8: It offers a broader supervised feature set than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 at $36,990 versus $40,200 for the Ioniq 5 SEL.
8
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Answrs VerdictHands-on, but cheap.
Starting MSRP: $35,250 for the 2027 Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range; the SEL is $40,200System: Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) is standard on the SEL, Limited and XRT trims and not available on the SE Standard Range and SESupervision: Hyundai's page lists HDA2 as a driver-assistance feature and does not call it hands-free or self-drivingIIHS safeguards: Not rated: Hyundai was not among the automakers in IIHS's first partial automation ratingsRange: EPA-estimated 318 miles for the SE, SEL and Limited RWD
The 2027 Ioniq 5 starts at $35,250, and Highway Driving Assist 2 is standard on the SEL from $40,200, plus the Limited and XRT. Hyundai's page does not call HDA2 hands-free or self-driving, and IIHS did not rate Hyundai in its first round.
Go ifBuyers who want highway driver assistance at the lowest price, from $40,200
Skip ifYou want true hands-free driving
Why #8 over #9: It starts at $35,250 versus $47,950 for the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ and includes highway assistance on the SEL.
9
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Sedan
Answrs VerdictHands-on, with Pro coming.
Starting MSRP: $47,950 for the 2027 CLA 250+ Electric Sedan (the CLA 220 Hybrid starts at $43,900)System: MB.DRIVE ASSIST helps with highway Steering and Lane Change Assists; MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO for city driving is listed as coming soonSupervision: Electrive describes MB.Drive Assist Pro as Level 2++, hands-on and eyes-on, and says the driver must always be ready to take controlSubscription: Electrive reports MB.Drive Assist Pro costs $3,950 for a three-year subscription in the CLA in the USIIHS safeguards: The CLA was not rated; IIHS rated the Mercedes-Benz C-Class poor and said its system lacks a driver-monitoring camera
The 2027 CLA 250+ Electric starts at $47,950; the CLA 220 Hybrid starts at $43,900. MB.DRIVE ASSIST adds highway Steering and Lane Change Assists, and the PRO version for city driving is listed as coming soon. Electrive calls Pro a Level 2++, hands-on, eyes-on system at $3,950 for a three-year subscription in the US. Mercedes dropped Level 3 Drive Pilot from its newest S-Class and EQS, according to reports.
Go ifBuyers who want Mercedes's newest driver assistance and can wait for the Pro version
Skip ifYou want hands-free driving or the Level 3 Drive Pilot
Why #9 over #10: It starts at $47,950 versus $79,900 for the Lucid Air and offers an active highway steering assist.
10
Lucid Air
Answrs VerdictAssistance, not hands-free.
Starting MSRP: From $79,900 for the Air TouringSystem: DreamDrive is Lucid's advanced driver assistance system, with Blind Spot Warning and optional 3D Surround View MonitoringSupervision: Lucid says DreamDrive is a supplement to, not a substitution for, attentive drivingHands-free: Lucid's Air page does not describe a hands-free modeIIHS safeguards: Not rated: Lucid was not among the automakers in IIHS's first partial automation ratings
The Lucid Air starts from $79,900 for the Touring. DreamDrive is its advanced driver assistance system with Blind Spot Warning and optional 3D Surround View Monitoring, and Lucid says it supplements attentive driving. Lucid's Air page does not describe a hands-free mode, so it is the least hands-free pick here.
Go ifLuxury EV buyers who want driver assistance and not a hands-free promise
Skip ifYou want hands-free driving
How we ranked these
We ranked 2026 and 2027 model-year cars sold in the US by what the driver-assist system lets you do (hands-free on mapped or marked roads before hands-on), then by the IIHS partial automation safeguard rating where one exists, then by the maker's published MSRP. No car here is self-driving: IIHS says vehicles with partial automation are not self-driving and the driver must monitor the system and be ready to take over. IIHS ratings from March 2024 apply only to the models it tested, so most picks are not themselves rated, and later software updates may change them. Prices are from each maker's page when we checked and change often; Cadillac CT5 and Optiq prices are lease-example MSRPs. Consumer Reports ratings for these systems could not be confirmed for this page. Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot, a Level 3 system, is not listed because reports say Mercedes dropped it. For Rivian's next step see /cars/rivian-point-to-point-hands-free-early-access/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best self-driving car in 2027?
None is self-driving, but the 2027 Cadillac Escalade has the most proven hands-free system here: Super Cruise works hands-free on compatible roads, Cadillac cites over 800 million hands-free miles, and the Escalade starts at $102,700. The driver must still pay attention.
What is the best value car with hands-free driving?
The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $37,795 and offers BlueCruise, though IIHS rated the Mach-E poor and the BlueCruise cost could not be confirmed. The 2026 Cadillac CT5 lists Super Cruise as standard with a 3-year OnStar plan, from an example price of $50,995.
Are any of these cars fully self-driving?
No. IIHS says vehicles with partial automation are not self-driving: the human driver must still handle many routine driving tasks, monitor the system and be ready to take over. Wikipedia lists this as Level 2, partial automation.
Which system has the best IIHS safeguard rating?
In IIHS's first round only the Lexus LS Teammate earned acceptable; the GMC Sierra's system, which is GM Super Cruise, and the Nissan Ariya were marginal. The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model 3 were rated poor. Lexus says the LS is ending, with the final 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition models at select dealers.
Starting or example MSRP on the cited maker page (USD) at a glance
Hyundai Ioniq 5$35,250
Tesla Model 3$36,990
2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E$37,795
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Sedan$47,950
2026 Cadillac CT5$50,995
2027 Cadillac Optiq$52,515
2027 BMW 5 Series Sedan$60,500
Lucid Air$79,900
Rivian R1S$83,990
2027 Cadillac Escalade$102,700
Starting or example MSRP on the cited maker page (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
