While it’s increasingly common for manufacturers to bundle in lane keep assist as standard across their full range of vehicles, some popular models may have the feature reserved for middle to upper-level variants.
Let’s map out 10 of our favourite vehicles fitted with lane keep assist here in Australia to help you with your search, then let's take a quick look at how lane keep assist works.
Toyota Corolla (all variants)
Toyota’s latest Corolla range comes generously equipped with active safety gear, with lane keep assist joined by a new emergency steering system, lane-departure alerts, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist and junction assist.
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Request a quoteHyundai Tucson (all variants)
The Hyundai Tucson is another heavy-hitter when it comes to active safety equipment, with lane keep assist fitted to the range as standard, atop a long list of advanced driver assistance systems.
Every member of the Tucson range, from the base model to the range-topping Tucson Highlander receives LKA, as well as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Isuzu D-Max (automatic variants)
Isuzu has given the D-Max ute some major upgrades in the world of active safety gear, with automatic variants of the D-Max receiving a long list of active safety gear.
So long as you’re opting for an automatic transmission, the D-Max range picks up lane-keep assist as well as AEB, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention alerts, lane-departure alerts, turn assist and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Kia Sorento (all variants)
For those looking for a seven-seat SUV with lane-keep assist thrown in as standard, the Kia Sorento range is a great option.
The Sorento picks up AEB with pedestrian, junction and cyclist assist, lane-keep assist with lane centring, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, driver attention alerts and multi-collision braking.
Ford Ranger (all variants)
Ford’s high-flying workhorse comes fitted with lane keep assist as standard across the range, which is a particularly nice touch considering the feature can require you to step up to higher variants in rivals.
The Ranger lineup receives AEB, lane-keep assist with lane departure alerts, road edge detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and a rear-view camera with parking sensors as standard.
Mazda CX-5 (all variants)
Mazda’s midsize SUV hero, the CX-5 offers buyers a generous list of clever safety features - even in the base model.
The entry-level CX-5 picks up everything from lane-keep assist to forward and reverse AEB, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and driver attention alerts while higher-ranking members receive Cruising and Traffic Support.
Mitsubishi Outlander (all variants)
Mitsubishi continues its impressive value propositions with the latest Outlander SUV which offers lane-keep assist as well as a long list of safety equipment across every member of the Outlander range.
The base model picks up forward and reverse AEB with pedestrian and junction detection, lane-keep assist, emergency lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts and driver attention monitoring.
GWM Haval Jolion (all variants)
The Haval Jolion is one of the most compelling bargains in the compact to midsize SUV segment, with the Jolion made even more appealing by its long list of safety features as standard.
The entry-level Jolion picks up everything from adaptive cruise control, AEB, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, safe exit warnings, traffic jam assist and traffic sign recognition, which is remarkable for its price point.
Honda CR-V (all variants)
Honda’s all-new CR-V not only looks fantastic, it comes jam-packed with the company’s latest safety equipment suite which combines lane keep assistance with other ADAS systems to form the ‘Honda Sensing’ safety suite.
The Honda Sensing system combines forward-collision warnings with lane keep assist and departure alerts, the AEB system, road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control to help take the stress out of long journeys.
Lexus UX (all variants)
Clever safety equipment has always been a strong selling point of the Lexus brand and the latest UX compact SUV is a great example of the company maintaining this reputation.
As standard, all members of the Lexus UX range pick up lane departure warnings and a lane tracing assist system, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control and a parking assist monitor.
What is Lane Keep Assist?
Lane keep assist systems (LKA) are part of a vehicle’s advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that effectively keeps your vehicle safe and sound in the middle of the lane.
Lane keep assist is made possible by an array of sensors and cameras installed on the vehicle, with the data crunched by an onboard computer that can make corrective inputs to the steering wheel, brakes and throttle pedal.
For example, if you’re on the highway with the lane keep assist feature engaged and you begin to drift out of the lane, the LKA will make subtle steering inputs to position you back in the centre of the lane and if you’re going too fast to manoeuvre safely, it can lift off the throttle and move accordingly.
What are Lane Departure Warnings?
Lane departure warnings, otherwise known as lane departure alerts use the same onboard sensors to map out your position inside of a lane.
If the system detects that you’re on a trajectory moving outside of the lane, the system will alert the driver with audible warnings played inside the cabin, while some systems even offer up haptic feedback through the steering wheel.
Why is Lane Keep Assist Important?
Lane keep assist systems are a crucial piece of active safety equipment that helps to keep your vehicle in a safe position on the road.
This is a particularly important feature for drivers who might be experiencing symptoms of fatigue on a long holiday road trip, and can even intervene when a driver is distracted and not paying attention to the road ahead of them.
The Australian government estimates that 55% of road fatalities are caused by an “unintentional lane departure” which is exactly what an LKA system is designed to address.
The lane keep assist (LKA) system is an important way to avoid accidents on the road that stem from a vehicle leaving their lane and drifting into traffic and is one of the most valuable pieces of kit in the arena of active safety features.
FAQ: Is Lane Keep Assist Mandatory in Australia?
Australian lawmakers have made moves to make lane keep assist systems a mandatory safety feature fitted to all passenger vehicles within the next few years.
This is part of a revision for the Australian Design Rule (ADR) 107/00 which is based on European regulation for emergency lane-keeping systems that require all new light vehicles sold to be equipped with an LKA system.
The government forecasts that the updated ADR 107/00 would result in a reduction of 6,989 road fatalities.
FAQ: How Do I Know If My Car Has Lane Keep Assist?
The best way to know if your car has lane keep assist is to consult the operating handbook’s safety equipment section or look up your specific model and trim level on the manufacturer’s spec sheet.
Lane keep assist systems are typically signified by a button either on the steering wheel or to the side of the steering column that depicts a vehicle or steering wheel inside a set of parallel lines.
Some LKA systems don’t have a physical button to be activated, instead, their operation is controlled via the infotainment display within a vehicle settings or safety settings menu.
You should know if your vehicle has activated the LKA system with the help of an illuminated icon on the dashboard that shows a vehicle or steering wheel inside a set of vertical lines.
FAQ: Do All New Cars Come With Lane Assist?
While the majority of new passenger vehicles sold here in Australia do indeed come fitted with lane keep assist, it’s important to note that not all new vehicles will come packaged with LKA.
Specifically, some models might have an entry-level variant that misses out on some key active safety features while a mid-spec or range-topping variant receives the lion’s share.
Be sure to ask the dealership or your vehicle broker about the active safety features specifically for the variant that you’re looking at.
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If you’re on the hunt for a new car that is packed to the brim with active safety gear like LKA, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best price.
Get in touch with one of our Car Buying Specialists today.
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