At CES 2026, Ford unveiled plans to launch an AI-powered assistant initially within its smartphone app, with native in-vehicle integration expected by 2027. The company also previewed its next-generation BlueCruise advanced driver assistance system, which promises enhanced capabilities at a lower production cost, aiming for hands-free and eyes-off driving by 2028.

This announcement was among the few made by major automakers during CES, a shift from the late 2010s when automotive innovations dominated the event. Notably, Ford shared these updates not in a high-profile keynote but during a session titled "Great Ideas," focused on exploring the intersection of technology and humanity.

The new digital assistant runs on Google Cloud and leverages off-the-shelf large language models, enriched with deep access to vehicle-specific data. This enables it to answer practical questions such as “How many bags of mulch can my truck bed hold?” and provide real-time insights like engine oil life or maintenance status.

Ford intends to roll out the assistant through its redesigned Ford app in early 2026. Full embedded integration into vehicles will follow in 2027, although the company has not disclosed which models will receive the feature first.

While Ford did not demonstrate the in-car user experience, insights from more tech-forward rivals offer a glimpse of what’s possible. Rivian recently showcased its own assistant capable of managing text messages, handling complex navigation commands, and adjusting cabin climate settings. Tesla has integrated Grok, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, enabling drivers to generate spontaneous sightseeing tours. While Ford’s initial implementation may be more limited, the automaker has another year to refine its in-vehicle functionality.

The upcoming BlueCruise iteration will debut in 2027 on Ford’s first electric vehicle built on its low-cost “Universal EV” platform—expected to be a midsize pickup. The system will cost 30% less to manufacture than current versions while delivering expanded features.

Ford claims the next-gen BlueCruise will support point-to-point assisted driving, similar to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software, allowing for automated highway-to-highway routing. Rivian is also preparing to launch a comparable system later this year. However, all such systems still require drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control at any moment.