Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are not yet available for purchase by consumers. The combination of computer processing power and advanced automotive camera/sensor technology required to create a full self-driving vehicle, capable of operating safely in all driving locations and conditions, is still several years (at least) away.

However, if you want to experience a fully autonomous driving system, Waymo (a former Google project now spun off as its own company) operates a fleet of electric cars featuring self-driving technology. These “robotaxi” services are available in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, and offer a glimpse of the self-driving future we’ll all eventually have access to. If you’re in one of those cities consider using the Waymo app to schedule a ride.

Isn’t Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) System an Example of an Autonomous Car?

No. Despite its not-entirely-accurate name, Tesla’s FSD is not a fully-autonomous, self-driving system, though some owners have used Tesla’s advanced driver assist systems irresponsibly in an effort to suggest these cars are capable of full self driving.

What’s the Closest Thing To a Self-Driving Car I Can Buy Today?

While no fully driverless cars are available for consumer purchase yet, several automakers offer highly advanced driver assistance systems with autonomous-like traits. Safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance are standard on nearly every new car, and when combined with the latest driving assistance tech, like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and hands-free driving, some modern cars can deliver automated-driving experiences – for a limited time under very specific circumstances. 

This includes automatically adjusting the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from other cars, slowing all the way down to a stop and then accelerating back to highway speeds based on traffic conditions, keeping the vehicle properly centered in its lane, and even making lane changes automatically – with no direct driver input. This level of automated driving can greatly reduce driver fatigue over long distances.

The following are the best self-driving-like cars you can buy right now:

  1. Mercedes Benz Drive Pilot: Mercedes-Benz is the first company to offer self-driving tech that meets SAE Level 3 autonomous driving standards. This means the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan, when equipped with Drive Pilot, can operate with the driver’s hands off the steering wheel and eyes off the road. This level of automation requires very specific circumstances and is only available on highways in and around Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. 
  2. Tesla’s Autopilot FSD System: The “Full Self-Driving” system on the Tesla Model Y, 3, S, X, and Cybertruck isn’t capable of self driving, and is not even defined as a Level 3 system like Mercedes’ Drive Pilot technology. This means the driver must keep his or her eyes on the road at all times. However, Tesla’s system goes beyond extended hands-off highway driving by offering Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, meaning the system can bring the vehicle to a complete stop when encountering a red light or stop sign.
  3. General Motor’s Super Cruise: While the Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot system is the best self-driving car tech currently available, GM’s Super Cruise also offers extended hands-free highway driving on several models, though the driver’s eyes must remain on the road to keep the system operating. The Cadillac CT4 and CT5 sedans, and the Escalade, Lyriq, Optiq, and XT6 SUVs offer Super Cruise. The Chevrolet Bolt, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe, and the GMC Sierra, can also be ordered with Super Cruise.
  4. Ford’s BlueCruise: Similar to GM’s Super Cruise, Blue Cruise also allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel for extended periods of highway driving. Ford’s BlueCruise is available on the F-150, F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles, the Ford Expedition and Explorer. Ford’s luxury division, Lincoln, also offers BlueCruise technology on the Corsair, Nautilus, and Navigator. 
  5. BMW Active Driving Assistance Professional Package: This package combines several driver assistance technologies and allows for extended hands-free highway driving at speeds up to 85 mph. The system can slow or stop the vehicle based on traffic conditions, and for 2025 it added automatic lane change capabilities. This package is available on the BMW 5 Series, 7 Series, X5, X7, and iX. 

If taking your hands off the steering wheel for an extended period is your definition of autonomous driving, you’ll want to consider the technologies and models listed above. Several automakers, including Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo, offer advanced driver-assist features but haven’t (yet) released extended hands-free driving modes. You can expect to see hands-free driving migrate across the industry over the next few years, followed by additional Level 3 models from brands beyond Mercedes-Benz.