It seems like every day, automakers are coming up with a new tech acronym or abbreviation to tout their vehicles. With so many new features being hurled in your direction, it can be difficult to determine what you need and what falls into the category of a luxury item or a convenience. With so much technology available on such a broad spectrum of models, the lines are becoming blurred as to whether things that enhance your ability to stay safe are things that you can go without.

That brings us to our next question. Do you need your car to parallel park itself?

Most of us insist we can park without the help of a computer, right! We don’t need any help from some fancy machine!

But wouldn’t it be nice if we knew for sure that we could fit nicely in that apparently tight spot? What if you are too uncertain of your own abilities to give that same spot a try? That’s where active parking features can be your best friend and can tuck you into that dreaded space right in front of that restaurant.

How does active park assist work?

While most cars can be optioned to include a backup camera and parking sensors, active parking features take it to the next level. Simply, press a button and the car searches for a spot large enough to accommodate itself—and alerts you when it locates one. The onboard screen then guides you through your next steps. All you’ll need to do at that point is control the gas, brake, and gearshift while the car steers you into that spot perfectly.

While a bit nerve-wracking at first, the car’s sensors do a nearly perfect job each time with zero damage to your car or that cars around you. It’s convenience at its finest.

Some models, such as the new Volvo XC90 or Ford Escape, feature an enhanced active parking assistant that can help you perfectly back in to a traditional perpendicular spot or even pull you out of a parallel spot.

Is active park assist worth the cost?

Active park assist systems can easily add a couple thousand dollars to the price of the vehicle. If you absolutely love having the latest technology in your car, it can be a must have. For city drivers who consistently park in tiny spots it can be a life saver, and it can also be an asset to drivers who are less comfortable with parallel parking.

Which vehicles offer active park assist?

Interestingly, many auto makers have shied away from offering this technology, while some, like Ford, feature it on nearly every model they sell, including the world’s only pickup available with active park assist; its best-selling F-150.

Here is a list of vehicles that offer autonomous parking (as of the time of this article):

BMW Intelligent Parking

BMW’s active park assist is available on the X1, X3, X4, X5, X6, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series.

Buick Automatic Parking Assist

Buick’s active park assist is available on the Envision.

Cadillac Automatic Parking Assist

Cadillac’s active park assist is an option on the XT5, CTS and CT6.

Chevrolet Automatic Parking Assist

Chevy’s active park assist is available on the Malibu and Volt.

Ford Active Park Assist

Ford’s active park assist is offered on the Focus, Fusion, C-Max, Taurus, Escape, Edge, Explorer, Flex and F-150.

Infiniti Intelligent Park Assist

Infiniti’s active park assist is offered on the Q30 and QX30.

Land Rover Intelligent Park Assist

Land Rover’s active park assist is available on the Evoque, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery Sport.

Lincoln Active Park Assist

Lincoln’s active park assist is part of the Pre-Collision System on the MKZ, MKS, MKT, MKC and MKX.

Mercedes-Benz PARKTRONIC Active Park Assist

Mercedes-Benz’ active park assist is offered on the C-Class, E-Class, GLC Class and GLE-Class.

Volvo Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Distance Alert

Volvo’s active park assist is available as part of the Technology Package on the S90 and XC90.

The following car companies do not currently offer an automatic parking feature: Acura, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota.

Whether or not you want active park assist in your new vehicle, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.