Technology 1. Tension 0.

The Outer Banks in North Carolina have 100-plus miles of wide-open shoreline and charming seaside villages – the ideal getaway for Nissan engineers Brittany and Jeff Tessmer and their three young children. For the 14-hour trip from Michigan to North Carolina, the couple had a choice of vehicles: a large SUV with loads of space for juice boxes and stuffed animals, or a smaller 2022 Nissan Rogue equipped with ProPILOT Assist¹.

"You know that tension in your shoulders when driving – in traffic, for hours at night with small kids – and you just want to get to where you're going?" said Brittany. "We wanted a vehicle with ProPILOT Assist that would make the drive more comfortable."

What is ProPILOT Assist? Why did Brittany want it and, more importantly, how could it help improve your trip?

Nissan ProPILOT Assist is technology that helps the driver. The industry term for this type of technology is ADAS, for Advanced Driver Assist System. There are three levels to Nissan's version:

ProPILOT Assist

ProPILOT Assist helps navigate highway traffic two ways. When traffic slows down, ProPILOT Assist reacts, even helping to bring you to a complete stop. When traffic starts up again, it can get you back up to speed. Secondly, using cameras, ProPILOT Assist recognizes highway lane markers and helps keeps the vehicle centered in the lane.

Nissan LEAF with ProPILOT Assist

ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link²

ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link takes things a step further by using data from the vehicle's Door-to-Door Navigation System. It proactively adjusts the vehicle's speed ahead of curves and freeway exits, based on data about the route entered into the vehicle's navigation system.

ProPILOT Assist and ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link require drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel.

ProPILOT Assist 2.0³

The most advanced version is ProPILOT Assist 2.0, which is available on the all-electric 2023 Nissan Ariya.

With it, drivers can remove their hands from the steering wheel under certain conditions. The system can also assist with steering during a lane change on the highway.

Nissan ProPILOT Assist 2.0 is for long freeway driving and bumper-to-bumper freeway traffic. There are three different modes depending on conditions. Each mode is identified by a color – white, green or blue – on the instrument cluster:

An array of cameras, radars and sensors act as "eyes" for the system⁴. Here is where each one is located and what they do on the Ariya:

The driver gets information from two displays. A Head-Up Display (HUD)⁵ is projected on the front windshield, and the instrument panel has a meter display. They look like this:

One more feature is ProPILOT Park⁶. It gives the driver assistance for steering, applying throttle and selecting gears when parallel parking or backing into a parking space.

All versions of ProPILOT Assist are designed to lessen the burden of driving and help the driver feel empowered.

Are ADAS effective in helping add peace of mind to your commute? In November 2022, the Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS) released results from the largest government-automaker study to date about the real-world effectiveness of ADAS in passenger vehicles. The results show that "vehicles equipped with active intervention technologies that help drivers stay in their lane, such as lane keeping assistance and lane centering assistance, are effective in reducing single-vehicle crashes that lead to serious injury." (Nissan is among the companies that participated in the study.)

Brittany agrees.

"It's a really neat feeling the first time you take your hands off the wheel, your foot off the pedal, with cars surrounding you on the highway, and you feel your car stay in the lane around a corner while keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you," said Brittany. "As a busy engineer – and more importantly, a mom – I know we can all use a little help managing work and home life. Whether it's a new type of sippy cup, a quick recipe that everyone likes, or a technology that helps you enjoy a family vacation, it's much appreciated when someone – or your car! – offers you a helping hand."

ProPILOT Assist is available on the following models:

• 2023 Nissan Altima
• 2023 Nissan LEAF
• 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
• 2023 Nissan Rogue
• 2023 INFINITI QX50
• 2023 INFINITI QX55

ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link is available on the following models:

• 2023 Nissan Ariya
• 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
• 2023 Nissan Rogue
• 2023 INFINITI QX60

ProPILOT Assist 2.0 is available on the 2023 Nissan Ariya.

Learn more about ProPILOT Assist 2.0 on NissanUSA.com.

Read more stories on USA.NissanStories.com.

1- ProPILOT Assist
ProPILOT Assist cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle at all times. Always monitor traffic conditions and keep both hands on the steering wheel. System operates only when lane markings are detected. Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions. System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety. See Owner's Manual for safety information.

2- ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link
ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle at all times. Always monitor traffic conditions and keep both hands on the steering wheel. System operates only when lane markings are detected. Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions. System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety. See Owner's Manual for safety information.

3- ProPILOT Assist 2.0
Consumer activation of NissanConnect Services ProPILOT Assist 2.0 package (""Package"") required for ProPILOT Assist 2.0 functionality. Package trial period included with new vehicle purchase.  Trial period may be subject to change or termination at any time and without notice.  After trial period ends, monthly subscription fee required. See www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal for more subscription information.  ProPILOT Assist 2.0 cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle and monitor traffic conditions at all times. Hands-off freeway driving is possible when driving in a single lane, on the condition that the driver remains attentive on the road ahead and is prepared to immediately take manual control of the steering wheel when conditions of the road, traffic, and vehicle require it.  System operates only when lane markings are detected.  Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions.  System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety.  See Owner's Manual for safety information. 

4- Around View Monitor
Around View Monitor cannot eliminate blind spots and may not detect every object. Driver should always turn and check surroundings before driving. See Owner's Manual for safety information.

5- Head-Up Display
Do not use for extended periods of time. See Owner's Manual for important safety information. Information displayed in image of Head-Up Display is dependent on how vehicle is equipped.

6- ProPILOT Park
ProPILOT Park is not a substitute for the driver's attention to the immediate surroundings. When using this feature, exercise extreme caution at all times so full attention may be given to vehicle operation.  ProPILOT Park cannot prevent collisions.  It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle and monitor traffic conditions at all times. Does not function in all weather and road conditions. See Owner's Manual for safety information.