Super Cruise costs $25 per month after a free trial period
Super Cruise is General Motors' hands-free driving system available on select Cadillac, GMC, and Chevrolet models. The subscription runs $25 monthly once your trial ends. The length of that trial — typically three years on new vehicles — depends on when you bought the car and which model you own. After the trial expires, you pay month-to-month unless you cancel.
The $25 monthly fee is separate from your vehicle payment, insurance, and maintenance. It's a recurring charge that appears on your bill each month you keep the subscription active. You can pause or cancel at any time without penalty, though you lose access to the hands-free driving features when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Super Cruise costs $25 per month after your trial period ends, with no long-term contract required.
- New vehicle purchases typically include a three-year trial, though some models offer shorter or longer periods depending on the model year and trim level.
- The subscription covers hands-free driving on compatible highways only — it does not work on city streets or local roads.
- You can cancel anytime, but the system becomes unavailable when ready once your subscription lapses.
What the three-year trial actually covers
When you buy a new Cadillac, GMC, or Chevrolet with Super Cruise, the manufacturer includes a trial subscription at no extra cost. For most recent model years, this trial lasts three years from the vehicle's in-service date — the date it was first delivered to you, not the date you signed the paperwork. After three years, the $25 monthly charge begins.
Some older model years or specific trims may have shorter trials (one or two years) or longer ones (up to five years on certain Cadillac models). Check your vehicle's paperwork or contact your dealer to confirm your trial end date. GM also occasionally extends trials for existing owners, so it's worth checking your account on the Super Cruise app or website before assuming you owe money.
How Super Cruise works and what highways it covers
Super Cruise is a hands-free driving system that steers, accelerates, and brakes on compatible highways without you touching the wheel. It uses a combination of GPS mapping, radar, and camera technology to stay in lane and maintain distance from other vehicles. The system requires you to keep your eyes on the road — it includes an interior camera that monitors your attention and disengages if you look away for too long.
The system works only on divided highways with a center barrier — roughly 200,000 miles of U.S. roads may have access to. It does not work on local roads, city streets, or highways without a median. You still need to take over in construction zones, heavy traffic, or when the system reaches the end of a compatible route. The subscription fee covers the software and map updates; it does not include roadside information or technical support beyond what comes with your vehicle warranty.
Comparing Super Cruise to Tesla Autopilot and Ford BlueCruise
Tesla's Autopilot costs $12,000 upfront as a one-time purchase or $199 monthly as a subscription, depending on the model and when you bought it. Ford's BlueCruise is included free on most new Ford and Lincoln vehicles for three years, then costs $110 annually (roughly $9 per month) after the trial ends. Super Cruise's $25 monthly rate falls between these options in terms of ongoing cost.
The real difference is coverage and capability. Super Cruise works on more highways than BlueCruise and requires less driver attention than Autopilot. Tesla charges significantly more upfront but offers the system on a wider range of vehicles. Ford's lower annual cost makes BlueCruise cheaper long-term, but it covers fewer roads. Your choice depends on which vehicles you're considering and which highways you drive most often.
| System | Monthly Cost (After Trial) | Trial Length | Compatible Roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Cruise | $25 | 3 years (typical) | ~200,000 miles of divided highways |
| BlueCruise | $9.17 (annual) | 3 years | ~100,000 miles of divided highways |
| Tesla Autopilot | $199 (or $12,000 one-time) | None | All roads (limited capability on local streets) |
What happens when your trial ends
GM sends email reminders as your trial approaches its end date. About 30 days before expiration, you'll receive a notice telling you the subscription will convert to paid unless you cancel. If you do nothing, the $25 monthly charge begins automatically on the first day after your trial ends.
You can cancel through the Super Cruise mobile app or by contacting GM customer service. Cancellation takes effect when ready — you lose access to hands-free driving right away. If you cancel and later want to reactivate, you can restart the subscription at any time and pay the $25 monthly rate going forward. There's no penalty for pausing or restarting, and no commitment to a minimum number of months.
Whether the $25 monthly cost makes sense for your driving
Super Cruise is worth the cost only if you regularly drive long stretches on divided highways where the system works. If you commute 30 miles on a four-lane highway with a median, or take frequent road trips, the hands-free capability reduces fatigue and attention demands. If you drive mostly in cities or on local roads, the system provides almost no benefit and the subscription is wasted money.
Consider also how long you plan to keep the vehicle. If you're trading it in within three years, you'll never pay the monthly fee. If you keep the car longer, the cumulative cost matters — five years of $25 monthly payments equals $1,500 out of pocket. Compare that against the value of reduced driver fatigue on your typical routes. For some owners, that trade-off is worth it; for others, it's not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel Super Cruise mid-month?
No. GM charges monthly in advance, and cancellation takes effect when ready without prorating. If you cancel on the 15th of the month, you've already paid for the full month and won't receive a partial refund. Plan your cancellation for the end of a billing cycle if you want to avoid overpaying.
Does Super Cruise cost extra if I buy a used car with it?
The cost depends on how much trial time remains on the vehicle. If the previous owner used three years of a three-year trial, you'll pay $25 monthly when ready. If the trial is still active, you inherit the remaining trial period at no cost. Always ask the dealer or seller how much trial time is left before you buy.
What if I don't want to pay for Super Cruise after my trial ends?
You can cancel anytime without penalty. The system straightforward becomes unavailable, and you'll drive normally using traditional steering and braking. Canceling doesn't affect any other vehicle features or your warranty. You can reactivate the subscription later if you change your mind.
Is Super Cruise included in my vehicle payment or insurance?
No. The subscription is a separate monthly charge from your loan or lease payment, insurance premium, and maintenance costs. It appears as its own line item on your bill, typically charged to the credit card or payment method you register with GM.