Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) package is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) found in modern Kia vehicles. The system includes a number of features designed to make things much easier for the driver, including lane-change assistance, adaptive cruise control, and more. Join us as we take a look at this fascinating feature, and find out if it’s worth all the hype.
What Is Kia Highway Driving Assist 2?
Some of HDA2’s most notable features include the following:
The HDA2 system was designed to improve the safety and convenience of Kia owners. Using its Lane Following Assist (LFA) technology, the system is able to center the vehicle in its lane while also maintaining a set speed and distance from any vehicle in front of it. If you compare Kia Highway Driving Assist 1 vs. 2, the lane-centering feature is the main difference.
HDA2 also helps reduce stress while driving on highways by making use of Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control (NSCC-C). This system automatically slows the vehicle down as it goes through curves on the road, then speeds it back up after. HDA2 also has some machine-learning capabilities, which allows the system to adjust to the driver’s habits on the road.
Kia’s HDA2 also has helpful features connected to its Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) systems. The BVM displays the vehicle’s blind spots on the instrument cluster for easy reference. Meanwhile, the BCA system warns the driver of approaching vehicles. When changing lanes, HDA2 is even able to detect oncoming vehicles and calculate the risk of collisions. The system will automatically engage the brakes if it predicts an imminent collision.
If adjacent vehicles start to drive too close to an HDA2-equipped vehicle, the system will adjust accordingly, moving the vehicle away to reduce the risk of collisions. HDA2 can also help a driver automatically switch lanes with a flick of the indicator stalk if they’re driving over a certain speed limit and have both hands on the wheel.
How Does Kia Highway Driving Assist 2 Work?
HDA2 utilizes a radar unit, a camera, GPS technology, and a navigation system to assist drivers while they drive. The radar unit in particular works in tandem with the ACC to automatically change the vehicle’s speed according to the driver’s setup. It’ll automatically change the speed if it notices a change in the specified speed limit, and it’ll adjust the vehicle’s speed accordingly if it notices a change in the traffic pattern while on the road.
HDA2 uses both cameras and a radar system to detect other vehicles. The sensors can be found at the front and back ends of the vehicle, and you’ll typically find the radar system on the front. This might vary depending on the Kia model though. Kia claims that the HDA2 system will only work if the vehicle is going under 95 miles per hour.
The cameras identify road markings, which is how the lane centering feature works. The system also makes tiny adjustments to the steering, moving the vehicle left or right to keep it centered on the road. This system can also identify on/off ramps, interchanges, and curves and navigate through them.
What Are the Limitations of Kia Highway Driving Assist 2?
The HDA2 system still has a few limitations. Keep in mind that HDA2 only works on a list of approved roadways because it relies on its navigation system’s map database. The list of supported areas is growing, but it’s always best to check if the road being traversed is on the approved list.
In addition, HDA2 isn’t meant to be a hands-free driving system. It’s there to assist, not completely control the vehicle. If the driver removes their hands from the steering wheel while HDA2 is active, the system will warn the driver after several seconds using the instrument cluster. If this continues and the driver’s hands remain off the steering wheel, an audible warning will accompany the message. A different warning message appears if the driver still doesn’t take hold of the wheel afterwards, and the system deactivates automatically soon after.
HDA2 might also have difficulty operating under low-visibility road conditions or during inclement weather. Fog, snow, and rain can impede its effectiveness. In addition, precipitation and loose or broken terrain can lead to low-traction road surfaces, which can also prevent HDA2 from operating normally.
While it does have its limitations, Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2 is no doubt an excellent help for drivers looking to relax a bit on the highways. It helps keep both the driver and passengers safe on the road. The system is definitely worth a look if you drive around a lot and are looking to take a bit of the load off your mind as you do.
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
