10 Cars with Lane Change Assist Using Cameras or Sensors

2016 Chevrolet Volt ・ Photo by General Motors

The latest new cars bring a lot of active safety technology to the table, and, to be honest, the terminology can get confusing. As we highlight 10 new cars with lane change assist systems, it’s important to understand what this technology actually does. Lane change assist technology uses sensors or cameras to monitor the perimeter of the car, and alerts the driver if a vehicle is approaching quickly from behind or is hovering in the blind spot. That way, the driver can quickly assess if it’s safe to make a lane change (although lane change assist is not intended to be a substitute for actually looking).

Lane keep assist, which is sometimes confused with lane change assist, uses cameras to find the lane markers painted on the road, and ensure the car stays between them—though the systems are often available together, they are completely different. And, to make things even more confusing, some auto manufacturers prefer the term “blind spot monitoring” to “lane change assist”—they’re basically the same thing, and will be used interchangeably throughout this list.

2016 Hyundai Sonata

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that was completely redesigned last year, bringing with it an updated list of features and safety equipment that increased the vehicle’s already strong value. The Sonata seats five passengers in its quiet, spacious cabin. Three engines are offered in the Sonata. The base model features a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which offers good fuel economy compared to the competition. The Eco model has a 178-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit. The Sport model yields 245 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The Eco model gets a seven-speed automatic transmission; the other two models get a six-speed automatic unit. Blind spot detection is offered as an option with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, along with plenty of other active safety features.

Photo by Hyundai

2016 Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan is a luxury suv that was introduced in 2015, providing accommodations for five occupants within its swanky cabin. Porsche is known for coddling the driver as much as the passengers, and the Macan hits a sweet spot that was a void in the Porsche lineup (if not a void in the market overall): it’s bigger than a sports car, and smaller than a full-size Porsche Cayenne SUV. The Porsche Macan S offers a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine that makes 340 horsepower, while the Macan Turbo is powered by a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 400 horsepower. Though the 2016 Porsche Macan is loaded with standard features, most are of the infotainment variety. However, there’s a long list of optional high-tech safety features, including Porsche’s lane change assist system.

2016 Subaru Legacy

The 2016 Subaru Legacy is an affordable, well-rounded five-passenger midsize sedan that also happens to be rather sporty. Subaru takes safety seriously, and has loaded the Legacy with advanced standard and optional features, making this a smart choice on the list of cars with lane change assist. The Subaru Legacy offers the choice of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, which offer 175 and 256 horsepower, respectively. Though fuel economy is slightly below average for the class, it’s worth pointing out that Subaru equips the Legacy with standard all-wheel drive, and its fuel numbers are compared to mostly front-wheel drive vehicles. A continuously variable transmission is standard. Subaru’s blind spot detection system is optional on the 2016 Legacy, along with features such as the Subaru EyeSight driver assist technology package, rear cross traffic alert, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system.

Photo by Subaru

2016 Mazda Mazda3

The 2016 Mazda Mazda3 is a popular compact car that’s known for being fun, sporty, and reasonably efficient, at an accessible price point. The Mazda3 comes in a sedan and a hatchback, which share similar attention-getting styling. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that yields 155 horsepower, or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 184 horsepower, both of which offer competitive fuel economy. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic is available. Though the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 packs in a bunch of standard features, which help make it very competitive for its class, the more high-end active safety technology comes at an additional cost. Blind spot monitoring can be found on the options list, along with plenty of other safety features.

Photo by Mazda USA

2016 Lexus ES

The 2016 Lexus ES is an upscale sedan that’s been refreshed for this year. The Lexus ES features a generously proportioned, comfortable cabin that prioritizes the passenger experience. It’s noted for being quiet and smooth, particularly on the highway, and offering balanced handling that provides plenty of feedback to the driver while protecting the occupants from bumpy roads. Just one trim level is available this year, the ES 350, which features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine good for 268 horsepower, which comes paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. While the Lexus ES features plenty of standard infotainment equipment, some of the more desired features must be added on. Lane change assist is optional on the 2016 Lexus ES, along with other safety features such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.

Photo by Lexus

2016 Volvo S60

Volvo is known for its safety, thanks to both the vehicles’ structural integrity and the brand’s dedication to utilizing the most advanced safety features. So really, any Volvo in the current lineup could have qualified for inclusion on this list of 10 cars with lane change assist; however, we’re going with the 2016 Volvo S60. The S60 is a five-passenger luxury sedan, the current version of which has been available since 2011, and during that time, it’s racked up the safety recommendations. The Volvo S60 is also noted for its range of four available engines. The base model comes with a 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the list tops out with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that makes 325 horsepower (or 345 ponies in the very limited Polestar edition). Blind spot monitoring is just one of the options on the 2016 Volvo S60’s list of available safety features. 

Photo by Volvo

2016 Dodge Charger

The 2016 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that provides a balance of performance and practicality, with a roomy interior and a strong engine lineup. Buyers who are drawn to the Charger for its styling with probably be satisfied with the base 3.6-liter V-6 engine’s 292 horsepower; three V-8 engine upgrades offer 370 horsepower (from a 5.7-liter Hemi), 485 horsepower (from a 6.4-liter) or 707 horsepower (from a supercharged 6.2-liter). Most of these drivetrains are actually suitable for daily use, although the top-end model might be a bit much for commuting. The 2016 Dodge Charger offers a blind spot monitoring system as an option, along with other safety features such as adaptive cruise control with full stop, lane departure warning, and rear cross path detection.

Photo by FCA Media

2016 Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck that’s been redesigned for this year and offers seating for up to five passengers. While the Tacoma remains pretty simple in comparison to the elaborate and complicated pickup truck segment, it is a strong option for buyers who only need basic truck functionality. The base engine, a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, makes 159 horsepower and comes with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. 278 horsepower comes from the 3.5-liter V-6, which offers the choice of six-speed auto and manual transmissions and the same fuel economy as the smaller engine. Lane change assist is available as an option on the 2016 Tacoma, along with other safety systems, such as rear parking sensors.

Photo by Toyota Media

2016 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is a stylish compact SUV that’s available in a unique two-door coupe body style, alongside the regular four-door version. Land Rover’s luxury SUVs are loaded with features, and the Evoque is no exception. The 2016 Evoque is powered by a 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that's equally at home on pavement or in the wild, thanks to the brand’s Terrain Response system. Terrain Response helps the Evoque’s engine, transmission, four-wheel drive and stability control systems work together to tackle just about any kind of surface. And the Evoque’s capabilities don’t stop there—it’s as comfortable as it is powerful, with tons of equipment. Lane change assist is an option on the 2016 Evoque’s extensive menu of features.

Photo by Land Rover

2016 Chevrolet Volt

The Chevrolet Volt, a compact plug-in hybrid, has been redesigned for this year, featuring a bunch of updates that make the Volt friendlier and easier to use, and at a lower price than the previous model. Though the Volt can run on a gasoline engine, it’s designed to encourage its owners to use its electric range as much as possible. This year’s updates mean the Volt can travel farther on an electric charge (up to 53 miles, depending on conditions), and it also gets better mileage while running on gasoline than the outgoing generation. Even better, Chevrolet redesigned the Volt’s interior, increasing available seating from four to five. Most of the active safety features available with the 2016 Chevrolet Volt are optional, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and forward collision warning.