In terms of self-driving technology, Tesla has received most of the hype. Tesla's self-driving automation has seen drastic improvements over time and, in the real world, has been seen to save its drivers from accidents due to reacting far quicker than any human could.

But there are other car companies out there making just as great technological advancements in the self-driving world. Here are five cars on sale in 2022 that have incredible self-driving features.

5 Vehicles With Self-Driving Features Better Than Tesla

Tesla isn't the only vehicle manufacturer with impressive self-driving technology. Here are some of the best self-driving vehicles on sale in 2022. Each vehicle below is categorized as a level 2 self-driving system, the highest available in the U.S.

1. Mercedes S-Class

black mercedes s class sedan in autumn fall leaves

Mercedes flagship luxury sedan has always been the biggest rival to Tesla in terms of self-driving features. The Mercedes S-Class has several driver assistance features that are perfect for those who want a relaxing driving experience.

Its most impressive driver assistance feature is called Distronic. This allows the vehicle to reduce its speed according to the road conditions ahead, whether it's incoming traffic, roundabouts, or toll booths, then will speed back up when the road is open again.

The S-Class also has lane-change assist. When driving at highway speeds, the driver can nudge the indicator stock, and the vehicle will automatically change lanes in that direction when it is safe to do so. The system considers the speed of surrounding vehicles and checks for vehicles in front of, behind, and next to the S-Class.

The luxury sedan also has Active Speed Limit Assist as well as Traffic Sign Assist. These features together allow the vehicle to recognize speed limit signs and adjust the maximum speed setting automatically without driver involvement. This system can also recognize road work signs as well as set a recommended maximum speed on country roads with no signs or map data.

The S-Class also has several other incredibly impressive driver assistance features, including Active Parking Assist, Remote Park Assist from your smartphone, as well as evasive steering and emergency braking.

2. BMW iX

BMW iX Xdrive 40 white all-electric SUV in germany
Image Credit: BMW Group

The 2022 BMW iX is BMW's newest all-electric sports activity vehicle. It starts at just over $83,000, will deliver up to 324 miles of range, and DC fast charging can add up to 90 miles of range for a rapid 10-minute charge. The midsized SAV comes with 516hp, good for rocketing the car to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds.

No electric vehicle is complete without some futuristic self-driving features, and the iX does not disappoint. Its 12 ultrasonic sensors, five radar sensors, and five cameras allow the iX to steer itself on country roads and center itself in the lanes on highways. BMW calls its system the Driver Assistant Professional.

Every so often the steering wheel will glow yellow, telling you to place your hands back on the steering wheel. Once you do, the iX will continue to drive itself, allowing you to relax behind the wheel. The iX comes with other driver assistance safety features as well, such as automatic braking if something unexpected crosses its path. Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Control work flawlessly together, automatically accelerating, braking, and changing the following distance based on the situation. The iX can also change lanes for you.

3. Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E electric crossover finished in silver

One of Ford's newest all-electric SUVs, the Mustang Mach E, is incredibly impressive, from its stylish exterior to the self-driving technology packed inside. Starting at $43,895, the GT Performance Edition hits 60mph in 3.5 seconds and has a range of up to 260 miles, while the California Route 1 RWD Edition has a range of up to 314 miles on a full charge. Those opting for the Comfort & Technology Package will get Ford's hands-free driving technology known as BlueCruise.

Ford calls its full package of driver assistance technology, Ford Co-Pilot360. It includes impressive features such as emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering, and can even help steer you away from danger with Evasive Steering Assist. Ford's BlueCruise lets you drive on highways hands-free; the Mach-E's camera above the steering wheel makes sure your eyes are still on the road. If your eyes begin to drift elsewhere, BlueCruise is disabled until you bring your attention back to the road. The Mustang Mach-E can also read speed limit signs and automatically adjusts your speed accordingly.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is available, but at the time of writing, inventory at dealers is extremely limited due to high demand and chip shortages. Certain higher trims, such as the Premium Edition and California Route 1 Edition, are not available to order online for the time being.

4. Cadillac Escalade

2023 Cadillac escalade v high performance luxury SUV Red
Image Credit: Cadillac 

Many new Cadillac models releasing in 2022, including the Escalade, are being offered with Cadillac's new hands-free driving technology known as Super Cruise. According to Cadillac, this includes the "2018-2020 CT6; 2021 CT4 and CT5; 2021-2022 Escalade; 2022 XT6; and forthcoming 2023 LYRIQ."

Although many Cadillac models have offered adaptive cruise control, Super Cruise takes things a step further. Super Cruise allows drivers to drive hands-free on compatible roads. Cadillac states it has "mapped over 200,000" miles in the U.S. and Canada, and counting, of compatible roads." On these approved roads in perfect conditions, Super Cruise will keep you centered in the lane using a combination of LiDAR map data, cameras, and other sensors on the vehicle, maintains a safe speed and following distance between you and the car ahead and can change lanes for you at highway speeds.

The system will not work correctly in a few instances. For example, one part of a highway may be Super Cruise compatible while another section of the same highway will not be. This seems to be the case with highways constantly undergoing maintenance, such as lane marker changes and repaving. Super Cruise may also not be available in non-ideal conditions, such as snow, rain, or fog. Interestingly, Cadillac also states that Super Cruise should not be used when driving through tunnels, exiting a highway, or towing a trailer.

Although Cadillac's level 2 self-driving system has its shortcomings, it's fantastic that this technology is making its way into several of Cadillac's models, not only its flagship offerings.

5. Genesis GV80

Grey Genesis GV80 luxury hyundai SUV
Image Credit: Genesis

Hyundai's luxury brand, Genesis, isn't holding back with its self-driving technology. Available now on the Genesis GV80 is HDA II, known as Highway Driver Assist II. Like many others on this list, the system combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technologies to make highway driving as easy as possible.

Although you can let go of the steering wheel whenever you want, the vehicle will warn you to put your hands back on the steering wheel, or else it will deactivate. Genesis makes sure to tell drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times, even in its promotional video on HDA II. Genesis wants to maintain a luxury experience by making driving as easy as possible for its owners but does not label its system as self-driving technology.

The GV80 can also change lanes for you and can even park itself. The self-parking assist scans for open parking spots when driving at under 12mph. Once you select the spot you want on the infotainment screen, the GV80 will back into the spot for you, straightening out the wheel all on its own.

The Genesis GV80 is available now and starts at $48,900.

What's the Next Step for Self-Driving Vehicles?

Mercedes has recently beat Tesla to selling level 3 autonomous vehicles to consumers. Although only available in Germany at the time of writing, the next generation of Mercedes S-Class will be available in early 2022 with its updated driving technology, Drive Pilot. Level 3 systems allow the vehicle to react to the surrounding environment without the driver needing to take control. This is called conditionally automated driving.

This is an amazing first step to getting level 3 self-driving systems in the hands of consumers, but it's a long way off from making its way to the U.S and several other countries. This higher level of automated driving will make driving safer for everyone on the road, including pedestrians. We can't wait to see what these luxury automakers have in store for the future of self-driving technology.