Cadillac beats Tesla as best partially self-driving system, Consumer Reports says
Monday, 8 October 2018
Cadillac's partially self-driving system outperforms Tesla's in a new assessment performed by Consumer Reports.
Of the two systems that automatically steer, brake and accelerate in limited road circumstances, the magazine ranks Cadillac's Super Cruise system as the best.
The GM luxury brand's system does 'the best job of balancing high-tech capabilities with ensuring the car is operated safely and that the driver is paying attention,' Consumer Reports said. That system will be available on all GM brands by 2020.
Tesla's Autopilot system, which has faced scrutiny from critics who say its name misleads drivers about its capability, ranks second. It's available on all Tesla cars.
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Consumer Reports also tested Nissan's ProPilot Assist system and Volvo's Pilot Assist system, but didn't include similar systems from the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the testing, as the respective companies specifically don't market them as 'autonomous systems'.
According to the article, Consumer Reports contacted Volvo to ask why it was being listed on the company's website under 'Autonomous Driving', as it seemed 'contrary to the stated intent that the system is designed for drivers to keep their hands on the wheel.' Volvo has since changed the language on the website to remove the connection between Pilot Assist and autonomous driving.
However, it says that the Cadillac and Tesla systems ranked well ahead of the others.
'Autopilot and Super Cruise were the clear winners. These systems accelerated and slowed comfortably and were able to reliably keep the vehicle centred in the lane for several miles at a time,' Consumer Reports said.
It's the first time Consumer Reports has ranked partially automonous driving systems.
One key aspect of the tests that helped Cadillac was the magazine's emphasis on ensuring that the systems keep drivers engaged. Cadillac's Super Cruise uses a driver-facing camera to ensure that people keep their eyes on the road. It monitors eye movement and alerts the driver to pay attention if they take their eyes off the road for more than a few seconds.
By contrast, Tesla's Autopilot requires drivers to touch the wheel but doesn't disengage right away if they take their hands off.
'The best systems balance capability with safeguards - making driving easier and less stressful in the right situations. Without proper safeguards, over-reliance on the system is too easy, which puts drivers at risk,' said Jake Fisher, director of auto testing at Consumer Reports, in a statement.
Consumer Reports tested the vehicles at its 327-acre test track and on Connecticut freeways in September.
Among the performance criteria Consumer Reports used:
How well cars stay centred in their lanes.
How often the vehicles crossed lane lines.
Speed control.
Ease of use.
- USA Today