What Is Honda Sensing? Every Feature Explained
What is Honda Sensing?
Honda Sensing is an exclusive suite of intelligent and groundbreaking driver-assistance features, which help Honda drivers stay alert and safe on the road.
What Features Does Honda Sensing Include?
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
The Collision Mitigation Braking System works in tandem with Forward Collision Warning. The latter feature alerts the driver when a collision is considered possible. Then, should a collision be deemed imminent, CMBS will automatically apply the vehicle’s brakes, a measure aimed at reducing the severity of the impact.
Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
If the vehicle crosses out of its detected lane without signaling, Road Departure Mitigation will take over and automatically apply steering and braking pressure, as needed, to keep it safely on the road.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
When activated, Adaptive Cruise Control automatically adjusts its cruising speed to maintain an even following distance behind the vehicle in front of it. It’s a valuable tool that can help take the stress out of long-range highway drives and reduce the frustration of constantly tinkering with the controls.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
The Lane Keeping Assist System offers subtle steering corrections to help keep the Honda safely centered within its detected lane, to avoid it accidentally crossing lane lines.
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
Using a small camera, Traffic Sign Recognition has the ability to detect signs along the road, then communicate important information, like posted speed limits, along to the driver.
Additional Honda Sensing Features
The following Honda Sensing tools are also available on select models:
- Blind Spot Information System — Audible and visual alerts when the turn signal is on and another vehicle is in the intended destination lane
- Cross Traffic Monitor — When in reverse with the rearview camera activated, beeps and visual indications notify the driver of vehicles approaching on either side
- Auto High-Beam Headlights — When driving above 25 MPH at night, the system automatically detects when high-beam headlights are appropriate and turns them on
- Low-Speed Braking Control and Parking Sensors — Sensors in the bumper detect nearby obstacles and automatically apply the brakes between 1 and 6 MPH
- Driver Attention Monitor — A feature that recognizes when the driver’s focus on the road is waning, and advises them to take a break
FAQs
The epicenter of Honda Sensing is the wide-angle camera mounted at the top of the vehicle’s windshield, which collects most of the data needed to drive the system’s various features. The camera is supplemented by the rear camera, sensors, and radar units to provide a complete picture of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Most individual Honda Sensing features can be turned off with a couple quick button presses through the settings menus, though it’s important to note that everything will re-activate the next time the car is started. It’s also possible to configure Honda Sensing to your personal preferences, by adjusting its sensitivity and alert frequency.
Yes, several Honda Sensing features are able to stop the car if circumstances require — for instance, if the Collision Mitigation Braking System detects an imminent crash, or when traffic comes to a standstill with Adaptive Cruise Control activated. Other functions, like Traffic Sign Recognition, are simply aimed at informing the driver.
The Honda Sensing 360 system adds five advanced millimeter-wave radar units to the front camera and sensors used by the original Honda Sensing package, offering a more holistic view of the entire vehicle. The system entirely eliminates blind spots and can react to collision or safety threats that previously went undetected.
Both Honda Sensing and Toyota Safety Sense are outstanding systems that cover the fundamentals needed to keep drivers safe. However, Honda Sensing goes above and beyond Toyota Safety Sense both in terms of the depth of its features, including unique offerings like the Road Departure Mitigation System, as well as the ability to customize them.