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March 8, 2025 – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have rapidly become a must-have feature for American car buyers, offering a suite of safety and convenience technologies that reduce driver fatigue and help prevent collisions. While luxury models have long offered these systems, an increasing number of mainstream SUVs now provide Level 2 ADAS at prices under $40,000. This guide explores the top SUVs equipped with ADAS in the US market, highlighting the specific features and brand offerings that make them stand out.
Toyota offers its Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (or 3.0 on newer models) as standard across nearly its entire SUV lineup, making it one of the most accessible ADAS packages in the price range.
Models with ADAS under $40,000:
ADAS Highlights
Toyota’s system relies on a forward-facing camera and radar, providing features like Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (with stop-and-go capability), Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist (for highway lane centering). The package also includes Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Assist. The newer Safety Sense 3.0 improves detection of cyclists, motorcyclists, and nighttime pedestrians, and adds Proactive Driving Assist for gentle braking and steering in low-speed zones.
Honda’s Honda Sensing suite is standard across its SUV range, offering a well-tuned Level 2 system that emphasizes smooth braking and natural steering intervention.
Models with ADAS under $40,000:
ADAS Highlights
Honda Sensing uses a front camera and radar to deliver Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation (which can gently steer the car back into the lane), and Traffic Sign Recognition. The 2025 CR-V adds a new Traffic Jam Assist feature that combines ACC and Lane Keeping Assist for low-speed congestion. Honda’s system is praised for its natural feel, though some drivers find the Lane Keeping Assist to be less aggressive than competitors.
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on all automatic Subaru models, including their popular SUVs. The latest version (4.0) uses two wide-angle cameras and provides arguably the most reliable lane-centering in the segment.
Models with ADAS under $40,000:
ADAS Highlights
EyeSight 4.0 includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Braking (including pedestrian and cyclist detection), Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. A standout feature is Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control that can bring the car to a complete stop and resume automatically. Subaru also offers a DriverFocus distraction mitigation system on higher trims. The 2025 Forester and Outback now include Automatic Emergency Steering to avoid obstacles at low speeds. Note that EyeSight operates primarily with a camera system, so it may be less effective in heavy rain or fog compared to radar-based systems.
Hyundai’s SmartSense suite is available on many trims, but not always standard on base models. However, most mid-range variants under $40,000 offer Level 2 capabilities.
Models with ADAS under $40,000:
ADAS Highlights
Hyundai’s SmartSense package includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection), Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist (for active centering), and Highway Driving Assist (HDA) on select trims, which combines adaptive cruise with lane centering and can adjust speed based on navigation data. The 2025 Tucson adds a new feature: Blind-Spot View Monitor that displays a camera feed in the instrument cluster. Hyundai’s system is generally well-rated for its smooth highway performance, though some earlier models had overly sensitive lane-keeping interventions.
Kia’s Drive Wise suite mirrors Hyundai’s SmartSense in many ways, offering a tiered approach across its SUV lineup. Many models come with at least Level 1 ADAS on base trims, with Level 2 available on higher trims still under $40,000.
Models with ADAS under $40,000:
