What Is Volvo’s Pilot Assist? The Ins and Outs of the Semi-Autonomous Feature

MOTOR TREND Explains.

Volvo Pilot Assist is a semi-autonomous driving aid that is offered across the Swedish automaker's lineup of sedans, SUVs, and wagons. Keep reading to find out how it works, and if it's useful in everyday driving.

How Does Pilot Assist Work?

Volvo Pilot Assist provides steering assistance to help the driver stay within the lane markings on a road. It also helps maintain a set speed and distance between your car and the vehicle ahead. All of this is possible thanks to camera and radar technology scanning the road.

Activating the feature is simple. Toggle the left and right buttons on the steering wheel keypad until you see the Pilot Assist symbol on the left corner of the driver display. Press the center button to activate. To make sure steering assistance is active, check to see the steering wheel symbol on the display is green.

Pilot Assist is just a steering aid, so you should always have your hands on the wheel. If you don't, you'll receive a few warnings, which if not heeded, will result in the steering function automatically turning off. Similarly, drivers are ultimately responsible for the vehicle's acceleration and braking even when cruise control is active.

Which Volvo Cars Have Pilot Assist? 

Is It A Standard Feature?

Read more at MOTOR TREND.com.