Self-Parking Systems Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published November 24, 2010

1:53 min

Technology Editor Doug Newcomb compares two self-parking systems currenty offered as options - Toyota's Intelligent Parking Assist and Ford's Park Assist.

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published November 24, 2010

1:53 min

Do you panic at the thought of parallel parking? Or stress on having to squeeze into a spot in a packed lot? As with many aspects of automotive these days, technology rides to the rescue for the parking challenged. Toyota and Ford offer self-parking systems, and though each has it differences and similarities to the other, the end result is that both systems automatically ease a car into the space for you. We tested the systems in a Toyota Prius and Lincoln MKT to find out how well they work and whether they're worth adding as an option. Both systems automatically detect a parallel spot using cameras and sensors, and will alert you when you slowly drive past an open spot. The Toyota system is a bit more complicated and asks you to confirm the spot and allows adjusting the targeted spot if needed by using the car's touch screen.  The Ford system is fully automatic and gives instructions in the instrument-panel display. With both systems, once a spot is detected and confirmed, it's just a matter of removing your hands from the wheel and controlling the accelerator and brake. Once you're safely parked the system will let you know. The Toyota system also does head-in parking in addition to parallel parking. Or we should say back-in parking, since the system will back between two parked cars. While both systems worked well and as advertised, we have to wonder whether self-parking systems just another unnecessary automotive gadget or an essential technology? The answer depends on how comfortable -- or uncomfortable -- you are parking.