Close What Is Hyundai SmartSense? Everything You Need to Know in Chicago, IL
One of the most common questions we at McGrath City Hyundai get from our customers is how the safety features included with Hyundai models work. At the heart of each vehicle is Hyundai SmartSense1, a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies designed to help you stay in control, avoid collisions, and reduce the mental load of everyday driving. We have prepared the following guide to help you understand this system and you can drop by our dealership in Chicago during our normal business hours for additional information!
What Is Hyundai SmartSense?
Hyundai SmartSense1 is the automaker's name for its collection of advanced driving assistance systems, which help you maintain control of your vehicle and avoid collisions when encountering potential threats. It utilizes a combination of camera, radar, and motion detection technologies to deliver an enhanced level of safety. Think of it as a co-pilot that never blinks, constantly scanning your surroundings and ready to warn you, intervene, or both.
How the Features Work
SmartSense1 is best understood as a layered system, with core safety features present on virtually every model and more advanced convenience technologies available on higher trims. The SmartSense1 package includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist2, which uses radar and camera sensors to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists ahead and automatically apply the brakes when necessary. Lane Keeping Assist3 and Lane Following Assist4 help maintain your position within road markings, providing gentle steering corrections if needed. Driver Attention Warning5 monitors steering patterns and suggests breaks when signs of drowsiness are detected. Safe Exit Warning6 prevents doors from opening when vehicles are approaching from behind, while Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist7 helps when backing out of parking spaces. Beyond collision avoidance, SmartSense1 includes tools designed to make driving less fatiguing. Smart Cruise Control8 automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead. Highway Driving Assist9 builds on this by adding Lane Following Assist⁴, managing both speed and lane position so you can focus more on monitoring traffic. Highway Driving Assist 210 goes further on certain models by enabling automatic lane changes when you activate the turn signal and adjusting speed based on navigation data, slowing automatically before curves or exits. Remote Smart Parking Assist11 lets you exit your vehicle and control parking maneuvers using your key fob, which is valuable when spaces are too narrow at Millennium Park for comfortable door opening. The system uses ultrasonic sensors to find spaces and obstacles, then automatically steers into the spot while you control forward and reverse from outside the car.
SmartSense in the 2026 Lineup
SmartSense¹ comes standard on most trims across the 2026 lineup, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist2, Lane Keeping Assist3, and Driver Attention Warning5. The full list of 2026 models equipped with SmartSense1 spans sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The VENUE leads as the entry-level crossover with core SmartSense1 features standard, while the ELANTRA and ELANTRA Hybrid compact sedans include standard safety tech across all trims. The KONA subcompact SUV comes with SmartSense1 standard plus an available Blind-Spot View Monitor12. The TUCSON, TUCSON Hybrid, and TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid compact SUV models add Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go8, and the SANTA FE, SANTA FE Hybrid, and SANTA FE Plug-in Hybrid midsize SUVs include Lane Following Assist4. The SANTA CRUZ compact pickup and the SONATA and SONATA Hybrid midsize sedans both come with standard SmartSense¹ features, with the Sonata models adding standard Smart Cruise Control8. At the top of the lineup, the PALISADE and PALISADE Hybrid flagship three-row SUVs offer the most comprehensive SmartSense1 package available, and the electric IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9 round out the lineup with standard SmartSense1 features. If you want to make one of these models yours, try out our Value Your Trade tool to put your current car toward the purchase price of a factory-fresh Hyundai.
The Bottom Line
Car safety shouldn't be something you aim toward — it should just be something that happens. That's the philosophy behind SmartSense1, and it's why Hyundai has made it a standard part of nearly every vehicle it sells. Whether you're navigating the crowded Tri-State Tollway or backing out of a tight parking spot, SmartSense1 is working in the background to keep you and your passengers protected. See how these features work for yourself when you schedule a test drive at our dealership!
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Testimonials
I recently purchased a new vehicle, and I couldn't be
“ I recently purchased a new vehicle, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. The gentleman Juwan, who assisted us was incredibly helpful, professional, and attentive throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand our needs, answered all of our questions, and made us feel like more than just customers. What stood out most was the personal touch he brought to the experience. We never felt pressured, and he genuinely seemed committed to helping us find the right vehicle. Thanks to his dedication and excellent customer service, all of our needs were met, and we drove away feeling confident and happy with our purchase. I highly recommend working with him if you're looking for a smooth, enjoyable car-buying experience. Thank you for making such an important purchase a positive one! ”
I had such a great experience working with Juwuan!
“ I had such a great experience working with Juwuan! From the moment my mom and I walked in, he made us feel comfortable and welcomed. Buying a car can be stressful, but he made the entire process enjoyable. We spent a lot of time talking, laughing, and getting to know each other, which made it feel like we were working with a friend rather than just a salesperson. Juwuan was patient, honest, and took the time to answer all of my questions. He never made me feel pressured and genuinely wanted to help me find the right vehicle and the best deal possible. He worked hard for us and kept a positive attitude the entire time. I drove away in my new Hyundai Kona and couldn’t be happier. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, personable, and truly cares about his customers, ask for Juwuan. Thank you for making such a big purchase feel exciting and memorable! ”
Robert was an amazing person he help me to make deal
“ Robert was an amazing person he help me to make deal possible so I can get the car that day ”
Great friendly service.
“ Great friendly service. Diego and Gary made sure I got the car I wanted. My daughter will be excited for her graduation gift ”
It was a good experience and very good communication and
“ It was a good experience and very good communication and good prices to match what i was aiming for. ”
Everyone was friendly, kind, professional and extremely
“ Everyone was friendly, kind, professional and extremely polite. My overall experience was extremely exceptional from beginning to end. ”
I had a great experience at this dealership!
“ I had a great experience at this dealership! A special thanks to David Chervinko for being friendly, helpful, and making the process so easy. I love my new vehicle and highly recommend this dealership! ”
We were greeted immediately upon coming to the dealer,
“ We were greeted immediately upon coming to the dealer, and able to test drive even without an appointment. Isaiah showed great patience with us (including two kids) as we asked a lot of questions and did a lot of debating and comparing during our initial visit. When we came back the next day he had a model that was a better fit for us ready to go and test drive. He was straight forward with what they had available and the dealer's enthusiasm for us to buy the car there. ”
“ Great experience working with Diego to purchase my Ioniq 5. He answered all my questions, explained various features to me during our test drive, and worked with me on pricing options. Thanks! ”
“ I recently purchased a '26 Hyundai Tucson SEL and had a great experience from start to finish. Mitch, Leslie, and David were all extremely helpful, professional, and made the entire process smooth and hassle-free. They answered all my questions, kept everything straightforward, and made buying the car enjoyable. Highly recommend working with this team! ”
“ This was our first visit to McGrath City Hyundai. We brought our 2013 Santa Fe Sport there for an oil change, tire rotation and to have new brake light bulbs installed. Our experience from start to finish was outstanding!!! I cannot say enough good things about our Service Advisor Christine Tonelli, and Sergio Vazquez, who also assisted us. They are extremely professional, friendly and patient. All around great ambassadors of McGrath. They are also outstanding communicators. Christine kept us well informed, including recommending a coolant flush, which we appreciated. We have a complete history of past maintenance, and our car was due for this service. It is obvious that McGrath City Hyundai has created a comprehensive customer focused system to ensure that vehicles receive close inspection and proper care, which is a huge benefit since we try to be proactive with all maintenance needs. Thank you Christine and Sergio. And thank you to the expert technicians who serviced our vehicle!!! We are glad that we found McGrath! ”
“ Couldn’t have asked for a more knowledgeable and honest person to have answered all my questions, David went up and beyond and made sure that any questions or concerns I had were answered. Thank you David! ”
“ Bought my car here recently and had a really good experience! David was super helpful and easy to work with. He made the whole process smooth and wasn’t pushy at all. Answered all my questions and made everything simple. Definitely recommend working with him if you stop by the dealership! ”
Great and awesome experience reconnected with his sales
“ Great and awesome experience reconnected with his sales person from 10 years ago Give me a great deal and awesome as before. ”
“ The wife and i bought two cars in a matter of two months from David, not too much to say other than the 2 times were very enjoyable, from the music playing in the show room to David’s customer service, Thanks for the fun ride. ”
“ I went to McGrath Hyndai, and was lucky enough to have ROBERT GIL as my sales rep/consultant. I say consultant because he had a wealth of information about the cars. He was helpful and patient. He made what is usually a stressful situation, very comfortable. And the time he spent after the sale to explain the car was unrushed. Highly recommended!!! If you go there, tell him Debra said hi! :) ”
“ Had a great experience at this dealership. David was very helpful throughout the process, answered all of my questions, and made everything easy and stress-free. I really appreciated his professionalism and would definitely recommend working with him. ”
“ David is the best. He was so easy to work with and made the process of buying my car so easy I would come again just for his service ”
Robert Gil was my sales/consultant.
“ Robert Gil was my sales/consultant. I say consultant because he was thorough and informative. We talked about all the aspects of the car I was interested in, and after the sale, he patiently went over what i needed to know about the car, and helped to program it for me. I highly recommend Robert for a stressless, friendly experience! ”
Without complications Fast Advisor Robert Gil explained
“ Without complications Fast Advisor Robert Gil explained the car's features to us very well, and it was a very moving experience. ”
“ I highly recommend buying a car here! I absolutely love my Tucson Hybrid. George is an industry pro who knows everything there is to know about cars, and David is the guy you go to for the fine details to pick your perfect vehicle. 10/10 ”
Juan Ochoa was a great salesperson.
“ Juan Ochoa was a great salesperson. As a female, my car buying experience has not always been positive. Juan was professional and respectful and spent time answering my questions and making sure all my needs were met. ”
Great experience.
“ Great experience. Diego was helpful and showed me several options, answered all my questions, and took me for a test drive. So glad we worked together to find the right car. ”
Robert was my salesperson.
“ Robert was my salesperson. He listened to what I said. He also went above and beyond when I told him I was a visual person and could not decide on a color unless I physically saw it. ”
“ Service was awesome, but the parking sucks ”
“ May the 4th be with YOU! Came in just for some recall issues which needed to be addressed. Asked some staff about how high mileage burns more oil. Considered buying a preowned car if trade value for my old Sta.Fe warrants. Ended up buying a brand new Tucson Hybrid. Great UPSALE! Sales and staff were friendly, professional and candid. Epitome of customer service! ”
“ Thanks to Diego, Leslie, and Matt for being so helpful when buying our Ioniq 5. They made sure everything went smoothly even though we came from out of state. We love the car! ”
Our salesman David gave us a great experience throughout
“ Our salesman David gave us a great experience throughout the whole process. He was able to answer our questions and show us what we wanted to see in order to make an informed purchase, despite challenges with vehicles in transit etc. He was also very friendly and gave us some good food recommendations! Was not pushy during the sales process and respected our thought process. Would love buying from him again. ”
“ I recently had my car in for service and had a great experience from start to finish. I previously had my vehicle serviced at a local auto shop and was told because there were no service lights showing on my vehicle they could not detect nor fix my vehicle problem. After several times of taking my truck to the mechanic I decided to take it into the dealership afraid of being told the same thing. I scheduled the appointment, dropped my car off to be serviced in fear that I was wasting my money and time on the diagnostic test. When recieving a call from the dealership I was advised that no service lights were showing. However they would have the advanced technician check further into the problem. This was a sign of relief because I felt heard and not just brushed off as a woman. I was advised that they would need to keep my car for approximately 24 to 48 hours. After 24 hours as promised I was contacted to discuss the findings. Which meant alot because communication is everythig to me. My vehicle is my life line for me and my family. They were able to fix my vehicle and I have not had any issues moving forward. I would definetly recommend getting your car serviced here not because of the name but because of the quality of service provided. ”
Juwaun, our sales agent, was really great.
“ Juwaun, our sales agent, was really great. Knowledgable, straightforward, and personable. I enjoyed working with him and he seemed very trustworthy. I would work with him again. ”
Juan.
“ Juan.ismthe greatest salesman he was so down to.earth he answers all of our questions and gave us a great deal on my new Hyundai venue 2026 and was very attentive the managers and the guy that does the contract was amazing and polite I recommend every one to co.e to gra.d ave to buy a c a r ”
I went in looking for a used car and juwaun helped me
“ I went in looking for a used car and juwaun helped me find the best car for me! Super friendly and willing to make tweaks in order to fit my budget:) ”
The experience was really good.
“ The experience was really good. The salesman was quite helpful. The buying experience was easy. The wait time did not take too long. They are aware of your time and work with you to get the deal done in a decent amount of time. ”
“ I had an amazing experience. Josh was very nice and knowledgeable. Overall great customer service ”
We really liked our sale person.
“ We really liked our sale person. Even with another guest he was working with, we never felt ignored. ”
1. Hyundai SmartSense features are supplemental features and not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Feature availability varies by trim. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
2. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped) is intended to be a supplement to safe driving practices. The system is not designed to detect certain stationary objects such as trees or poles, and may not detect all vehicles or pedestrians under certain conditions. The system is a driver assistance system and is not a substitute for safe driving. The driver is responsible for being attentive and maintaining control of the vehicle, and should not wait for the system's alerts before braking as there may not be sufficient time to brake safely. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
3. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) will not work under all circumstances. It operates above 40 mph and only when it is able to detect painted lane markings. It cannot function if the lane markings cannot be seen clearly. If the lines cannot be seen clearly due to poor road conditions, weather, or lighting conditions, it may not function. It also may not function on very rough roads, when walls, curbs or concrete barriers are close by, or if following another car too closely. Since it "sees" the lane markings using a camera in the upper windshield area, it is imperative this area be clear and free of blockage such as stickers, dirt, snow, tinting material, markings and labels. Lane Keeping Assist is not a substitute for safe driving practices, but is a supplemental assist only. The driver is responsible for always maintaining command and control of the vehicle and must keep hands on the wheel at all times. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
4. Lane Following Assist (LFA) helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road. Lane Following Assist will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Lane Following Assist is a supplemental assist, and does not replace the need for extreme care and attention by the driver. See Owner's Manual for feature details and limitations.
5. Driver Attention Warning (DAW) is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect and provide an alert in every situation. It is the driver's responsibility to remain alert at all times. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
6. When the vehicle is parked, Safe Exit Warning (SEW) can alert the driver when a vehicle is approaching from behind. SEW does not work in all situations and is not a substitute for driver or passenger attentiveness. Always be aware of your surroundings and attentive of approaching vehicles. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
7. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) can alert the driver of a potential hazard by providing an audible warning and applying light braking. RCCA is active when the vehicle is in reverse and operating at low speeds. Never rely exclusively on RCCA. RCCA cannot prevent all collisions and may not provide alerts or braking in all conditions. Always look over your shoulder and use your mirrors to confirm rear clearance. There are limitations to the function, detection, range and clarity of the system. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
8. Smart Cruise Control (SCC) is not a collision avoidance or warning device. SCC is for highway use only and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
9. Highway Driving Assist (HDA), when used in conjunction with Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control, is for highway use only and can help keep the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. HDA will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
10. Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA), when used in conjunction with Lane Following Assist, Lane Change Assist, Cut-in Assist, and Smart Cruise Control, is for highway use only and can help keep the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. HDA will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
11. Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) can remotely help park the vehicle. However, several factors can impact RSPA performance. RSPA may not function correctly if one or more of the parking sensors is damaged, dirty or covered or if weather conditions (heavy rain, snow or fog) interfere with sensor operation. Always inspect the parking area with your own eyes. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
12. Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) assists driver in changing lanes by providing a live view of the blind spots on either side of the vehicle and an audible alert if another vehicle is detected. Turn signal must be activated and other system limitations apply. Do not rely exclusively on BVM. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
“ Diego’s treatment is amazing ”