With so many different options available for Tesla vehicle autonomous driving features, it can be difficult to understand the differences and features of each.

In this article, we’ll go over each feature, its cost, and what you can expect from your vehicle.

Basic Autopilot

Tesla’s Autopilot is the most basic level of autonomous features available for Tesla vehicles. It comes standard with each vehicle and has no extra cost.

Autopilot can do two things: it can steer the vehicle within a single lane on a highway and it can automatically accelerate and brake based on surrounding traffic, similar to an adaptive cruise control system.

For example, if you are driving on the highway and set your Autopilot speed to 65 miles per hour, and then you encounter traffic moving at only 35 miles per hour, your vehicle can slow itself down and handle stop-and-go traffic, then speed back up to 65 miles per hour once the traffic clears.

Enhanced Autopilot

Enhanced Autopilot was a feature that could be purchased after delivery of a Tesla vehicle for $6,000. It has been discontinued on all new vehicles as of April 2024.

Enhanced Autopilot included the features of Basic Autopilot, plus a few others:

Auto Lane Change: Your vehicle can automatically change lanes on the highway when the turn signal is engaged.

Navigate on Autopilot (Beta): Your vehicle can actively change lanes, handle on-and off-ramps, and suggest lane changes and other intersection maneuvers based on your GPS route.

Autopark: Your vehicle can automatically parallel or perpendicular park.

Summon: You can use the Tesla App to move your vehicle forward or backward in a straight line to navigate tight parking spaces or garages.

Smart Summon: You can use the Tesla App to Summon your vehicle through more complex environments. The vehicle will navigate parking lots and avoid obstacles to arrive at your location.

Full Self-Driving (FSD)

Full Self-Driving is the most advanced level of autonomous driving features Tesla offers for its vehicles. It can be purchased either before or after delivery, and currently costs $8,000. You can also sign up for a monthly subscription to FSD instead for a cost of $199/month.

Please note, if your vehicle is equipped with Enhanced Autopilot, you can purchase FSD for $2,000 or subscribe monthly for $99.

FSD includes all the features of Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot, plus:

Stop Sign and Traffic Control: Your vehicle can navigate traffic and understand road signage such as stop signs. The vehicle can detect green and red lights and bring itself to a full stop.

All Future Updates: FSD is a continuously evolving program which means you will be able to receive future updates that add more functionality, such as Autosteer on city streets, in which your vehicle will be able to steer itself through intersections, make turns, and handle other city-driving situations.

What are the Limitations?

All autonomous features on Tesla vehicles require active supervision. The driver must be ready at all times to take over control if the vehicle’s autonomous features are unable to navigate driving situations, road obstacles, or weather conditions. The driver is also responsible for any broken speed laws, road laws, or accidents due to a lack of supervision.

Additionally, some features have functional limitations to be aware of:

• All Tesla autonomous features will only function at speeds of 90 miles per hour or less.
• When using Autopark, you will need to locate an empty parking spot that has a car located on either side of it so that your Tesla can properly measure parking distance.
• When using Navigate on Autopilot (Beta), the vehicle will suggest lane changes and you will need to confirm them by using your turn signals.
• When using Stop Sign and Traffic Control, you will need to manually press the accelerator pedal to confirm forward movement when a traffic light turns green.
• Summon and Smart Summon will only operate if you are within 150 feet of your vehicle.

How Do I Turn Autonomous Features On and Off?

Before driving, navigate to the Autopilot section of your vehicle’s controls screen. Turn on all relevant autopilot features.

When you do, you will be prompted to agree to a waiver message. Read the waiver carefully and accept. You are now ready to activate autonomous features on the road.

To turn Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, or FSD on, your vehicle must be in motion. Once your vehicle is on the road, press your gear selector stalk all the way down two times. This will activate any autonomous features available in your vehicle.

If you wish to only turn on adaptive cruise control, press the gear selector stalk all the way down one time.

To turn autonomous features off, you can manually press the brake or raise the gear selector stalk all the way up once.

To regain control of steering but leave cruise control active, wiggle the steering wheel to disable Autosteer.

Conclusion

Basic Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving are all great options for experiencing Tesla’s unique autonomous features. However, they can come with significant costs.

To decide which is right for you, we recommend test driving a Tesla vehicle. Test driving can give you hands-on experience with autonomous features and help you determine which features will be most helpful in your day-to-day drives.

If you are still unsure, Full Self-Driving can be purchased at any point after delivery, so you can choose to upgrade later once you have had a chance to use Autopilot and experience Tesla ownership.

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