As autonomous vehicle (AV) technology continues to evolve at an astonishing pace, self-driving cars are no longer a concept of the distant future—they’re a rapidly expanding reality. In the United States, automakers and tech giants alike are pushing the boundaries of automation, offering consumers a glimpse into a world where cars drive themselves safely, efficiently, and with minimal human intervention.
This article discloses the best self-driving cars available in the US in 2025, focusing on their features, levels of autonomy, price points, safety standards, and market availability. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a prospective buyer, or an investor watching the space, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the leading autonomous vehicles reshaping American roads.
Understanding Self-Driving Car Levels
Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to understand the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Levels of Driving Automation:
| SAE Level | Description | Human Role |
| Level 0 | No automation | Full human control |
| Level 1 | Driver assistance (e.g., adaptive cruise control) | Driver actively engaged |
| Level 2 | Partial automation (e.g., Tesla Autopilot) | Driver monitors system |
| Level 3 | Conditional automation | System handles most tasks |
| Level 4 | High automation (geofenced autonomy) | No driver needed in zones |
| Level 5 | Full automation (any condition, no driver) | Fully autonomous everywhere |
Most vehicles in 2025 offer Level 2 or Level 3 automation, while experimental models and robotaxis explore Level 4 autonomy.
Top 10 Best Self-Driving Cars in the US (2025 Edition)
1. Tesla Model S with Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability
- Level: 2 (approaching Level 3 with FSD Beta)
- Price: ~$95,000
- Key Features:
- Navigate on Autopilot
- Smart Summon
- Auto Lane Change
- Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates
- Navigate on Autopilot
Why it’s great: Tesla’s aggressive development and data-rich FSD platform make it the most recognized name in autonomous driving. The Model S blends performance and futuristic tech seamlessly.
2. Mercedes-Benz EQS with Drive Pilot
- Level: 3 (conditionally autonomous)
- Price: ~$125,000
- Key Features:
- First Level 3 certified car in the US
- Operates without driver input in heavy traffic
- High-definition mapping, LiDAR sensors
- First Level 3 certified car in the US
Why it’s great: Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to receive Level 3 certification in select US states, giving the EQS a legal edge in autonomy.
3. Waymo One (Chrysler Pacifica or Jaguar I-PACE)
- Level: 4 (limited geofenced operation)
- Price: N/A (ride-hailing service)
- Key Features:
- 100% driverless taxi
- Available in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles
- Remote support integration
- 100% driverless taxi
Why it’s great: Alphabet’s Waymo has logged over 20 million autonomous miles and remains the gold standard in robotaxi operations.
4. BMW i7 with Personal CoPilot
- Level: 2+
- Price: ~$120,000
- Key Features:
- Intelligent driving assistant
- Highway auto-steering and adaptive cruise
- Sensor fusion (camera + radar)
- Intelligent driving assistant
Why it’s great: Combining ultra-luxury with advanced autonomy, the BMW i7 delivers a smooth, tech-infused driving experience.
5. Ford Mustang Mach-E with BlueCruise
- Level: 2
- Price: Starting ~$45,000
- Key Features:
- Hands-free highway driving
- Driver-facing camera for attention monitoring
- OTA feature enhancements
- Hands-free highway driving
Why it’s great: Ford’s BlueCruise system is an affordable, practical option for everyday American drivers.
6. Cadillac LYRIQ with Super Cruise
- Level: 2
- Price: ~$58,000
- Key Features:
- Hands-free driving on 400,000+ miles of US highways
- Automatic lane changes
- High-precision GPS + LiDAR mapping
- Hands-free driving on 400,000+ miles of US highways
Why it’s great: Super Cruise is a highly rated system for reliability and ease of use on long road trips.
7. Lucid Air Dream Edition
- Level: 2+
- Price: ~$140,000
- Key Features:
- DreamDrive Pro ADAS suite
- Over 30 sensors (ultrasonic, radar, camera, LiDAR)
- Highway autonomy and traffic jam assist
- DreamDrive Pro ADAS suite
Why it’s great: Lucid combines electric luxury with powerful autonomy tools and performance.
8. Hyundai IONIQ 6 with Highway Driving Assist 2
- Level: 2
- Price: ~$45,000
- Key Features:
- Lane centering and adaptive cruise
- Semi-automatic lane change
- EV efficiency with ADAS
- Lane centering and adaptive cruise
Why it’s great: Hyundai’s tech is accessible, energy-efficient, and packed with autonomy in an affordable EV.
9. Nissan Ariya with ProPILOT Assist 2.0
- Level: 2
- Price: ~$48,000
- Key Features:
- Highway hands-free driving
- Hands-on city navigation assist
- AR-based navigation and alerts
- Highway hands-free driving
Why it’s great: ProPILOT 2.0 improves urban and highway functionality, making this EV a smart semi-autonomous choice.
10. Volvo EX90 with Ride Pilot (Upcoming)
- Level: 3 (expected)
- Price: ~$80,000
- Key Features:
- LiDAR-based autonomy
- Driver monitoring system
- Software-focused updates
- LiDAR-based autonomy
Why it’s great: Built with a safety-first philosophy, Volvo is betting big on dependable Level 3 automation.
Key Features to Consider in Self-Driving Cars
When evaluating autonomous vehicles, consider:
- Level of Automation
- Sensor Suite (LiDAR, radar, cameras)
- Real-Time Mapping
- Driver Monitoring Systems
- OTA Software Updates
- Regulatory Compliance
- Crash Avoidance Ratings
- Insurance Compatibility
High-Value Topics Related to Self-Driving Cars
To further enrich user experience and increase CPC relevance:
- Autonomous Vehicle Insurance Premiums
- AI & Machine Learning in ADAS
- EV Tax Credit Eligibility
- Comparison of ADAS platforms
- Smart Infrastructure Readiness
- Self-Driving Car Testing Regulations
Where Are These Cars Legal to Operate Autonomously?
| State | Automation Level Permitted | Restrictions |
| California | Up to Level 4 (testing & ride-hailing) | Requires permits for public road testing |
| Arizona | Level 4 fully autonomous taxis | Waymo operating without safety driver |
| Texas | Level 3+ testing and deployment | Friendly regulations, especially in Austin |
| Nevada | Home to AV testing zones | Focus on industrial logistics and city AVs |
| Florida | Allows Level 4 AV operations | Lenient driverless laws |
Always check local and federal laws before relying on AV features for driving autonomy.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
As these technologies become mainstream, concerns about safety, ethics, and job displacement arise. Automakers are working closely with regulators to address:
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Bias in machine learning algorithms
- Emergency handover procedures
- Cybersecurity threats in connected cars
- Data privacy in cloud-based vehicle data
Ethical AV development must be transparent and people-first.
Future of Self-Driving Vehicles in the US
According to Deloitte and McKinsey reports, by 2030, nearly 20% of new vehicles sold in the US will feature Level 3 or higher autonomy. Innovations in AI chips, edge computing, and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication will enable broader deployment across urban and suburban landscapes.
Moreover, companies like Apple, Amazon (Zoox), and Nvidia are investing billions into autonomy platforms and simulation engines—accelerating safe, commercial-grade deployment.
Read more on Self-Driving Cars
FAQs
Q1: What’s the difference between Tesla Autopilot and Full Self-Driving?
- Autopilot provides basic lane centering and cruise control. FSD includes traffic light recognition, auto lane changes, and city driving—but still requires driver supervision.
Q2: Is it legal to sleep in a self-driving car?
- No. As of 2025, all available models still require an alert driver behind the wheel, even if the car can manage itself under certain conditions.
Q3: Are autonomous vehicles safe?
- Yes, when used correctly. Studies show that self-driving systems reduce accident rates, especially in highway settings. However, driver oversight is still crucial.
Q4: Can I buy a fully autonomous car in 2025?
- Not yet for general consumer use. Level 4 is limited to robotaxis like Waymo, and Level 5 is still under development.