Which car has the best self-parking?

For fully automated, leave-the-car-and-walk-away capability in real, certified garages, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS equipped with Automated Valet Parking (AVP) currently lead. For everyday, infrastructure-free parking in driveways, streets, and typical lots, BMW’s latest 7 Series/i7 (and iX) with Parking Assistant Professional are the most capable and consistent, while Hyundai/Genesis/Kia models with the latest Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) deliver the best value and reliability for mainstream buyers. The “best” choice depends on where you live and how you plan to use self-parking.

What “best self-parking” really means

Self-parking spans several tiers. Basic systems steer into parallel or perpendicular spaces while you manage gears and brakes. Advanced versions take full control and can even park from outside the car using a key fob or smartphone. The most cutting-edge, “valet” systems can drop you off at a designated zone and park themselves without a driver onboard—sometimes even navigating multi-level garages. Regulations, sensors, and infrastructure support all determine what’s possible in your region.

The top contenders now

The following models stand out for their breadth of features, performance in tight or complex spaces, and regional availability. Capabilities can vary by trim and market, so always verify local specifications and options.

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS with Automated Valet Parking (Germany and select markets): First certified Level 4 valet parking in specific, infrastructure-equipped garages, plus excellent conventional Park Pilot features. It’s the most advanced “hands-off” solution—where supported.
• BMW 7 Series/i7 and iX with Parking Assistant Professional: Robust everyday champion. Offers automated parallel/perpendicular parking, Reversing Assistant, Maneuver Assistant to “learn” up to around 200 meters of complex paths, and remote/smartphone-controlled parking in supported regions.
• Hyundai/Genesis/Kia (e.g., Hyundai Ioniq 5/6, Kia EV6/EV9, Genesis GV60/G80/GV80) with RSPA 2: Highly reliable, user-friendly remote in-and-out and full-space parking via key fob or app (availability varies). Exceptional value and consistency.
• Tesla (Model 3/Y/S/X) with Autopark and Smart Summon: Widely available and improving, but performance can be inconsistent—especially in tight, unmarked, or crowded lots. No garage infrastructure required; feature set varies by region and software version.
• Audi/VW with Park Assist Plus and Memory Parking (e.g., Audi Q8, VW ID.7 in some markets): Strong execution of automated parking with a memory function for repeat maneuvers; remote app control availability depends on market and model.
• Ford/Lincoln with Active Park Assist 2.0: Effective, easy-to-use hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking on many mainstream models; generally in-car rather than remote.
• China-market leaders (availability largely in China): Vehicles using Huawei ADS 2.0 (e.g., Aito/Wenjie M7/M9), Li Auto L-series, and Xpeng G9/P7i offer some of the most capable “memory” and unstructured-lot parking, often including cross-floor navigation. These systems are fast-moving but remain region-specific.

All of these systems can park themselves under the right conditions. The differences show up in how reliably they handle tight spaces, curbs, pedestrians, unmarked lots, and repeatable, complex maneuvers—plus whether they require garage infrastructure or can work anywhere.

How they compare in the real world

Speed and precision

Mercedes’ AVP is the gold standard when you have a compatible garage: you leave the car, and it parks itself without a driver onboard. In everyday, non-infrastructure situations, BMW’s latest system is notably precise—especially at repeating complex paths—while Hyundai/Genesis/Kia RSPA 2 is simple, deliberate, and confidence-inspiring. Tesla’s approach can be quick when conditions are ideal, but performance is more variable.

Complex lot handling

BMW’s Maneuver Assistant stands out for learning and repeating long, intricate paths (tight driveways, pillars, gates). China-market systems from Huawei/Li Auto/Xpeng are extremely strong in unstructured and multi-level parking lots—often best-in-class where available. Tesla, Audi/VW, and Ford handle typical marked spaces well, but may require more driver oversight in complex scenarios.

Remote and smartphone control

BMW and Hyundai/Genesis/Kia offer polished remote-parking options via key fob or app (market-dependent), letting you stand outside to guide the car into tight spots. VW/Audi provide similar features on select models. Tesla’s Smart Summon/Autopark offers remote-like convenience but can be inconsistent around pedestrians and irregular markings.

Reliability and safety behavior

The best systems err on the side of caution: they inch around obstacles, brake early, and sometimes refuse a spot that looks questionable. In independent tests and owner feedback, BMW and Hyundai/Genesis/Kia tend to be consistently conservative and successful. Tesla’s camera-only approach has improved but can still hesitate or time out in busy lots. Mercedes’ AVP, when available, is tightly controlled and infrastructure-supervised.

Regional availability and regulations

Some headline features are market-limited. Mercedes’ Level 4 AVP requires certified garages with dedicated infrastructure and is currently concentrated in Germany with gradual expansion. Remote app control can be restricted by local laws (e.g., phone-based remote parking isn’t permitted everywhere). China’s most advanced memory-parking features generally remain China-only.

Verdict

If you want the most advanced, drop-and-go self-parking where it’s supported, Mercedes-Benz S-Class/EQS with Automated Valet Parking is unmatched. For the best everyday, infrastructure-free self-parking you can use almost anywhere, BMW’s 7 Series/i7 (and iX) with Parking Assistant Professional is the top all-rounder. For mainstream value and reliability, Hyundai/Genesis/Kia models with RSPA 2 are the sweet spot. In China, vehicles equipped with Huawei ADS 2.0, Li Auto’s Parking AD, and Xpeng’s VPA stand at the cutting edge.

What to check before you buy

Self-parking is often bundled in option packs and its capabilities vary by year, trim, and market. Use this checklist to make sure you’re getting the features you expect.

• Feature scope: Does it handle parallel and perpendicular spaces? Can it park in angled or unmarked spots? Does it recognize curbs and tight gaps?
• Remote control: Is key fob or smartphone remote parking available and legal in your region?
• Memory maneuvers: Can it learn and repeat custom routes (driveway, garage, gate) and how long/far can it store?
• Garage infrastructure support: If you want valet-style Level 4 parking, are there certified garages near you?
• Sensor suite: Cameras only, or cameras plus radar/ultrasonic? More sensors generally mean more robust performance in tight spaces.
• Software updates: Does the automaker provide frequent over-the-air improvements, and are new features unlocked in your area?
• Regional restrictions: Confirm local regulations affecting remote/app control and automated features.
• Pricing and trims: Check option packages; some brands tie advanced parking to high trims or tech bundles.
• Warranty and support: Understand coverage for sensors and ADAS components; repairs can be costly.

A careful feature and trim review prevents surprises and ensures the system you test is the system you own.

The near future

Expect rapid software-led gains. Mercedes is gradually expanding AVP-compatible sites. BMW, Hyundai/Genesis/Kia, Audi/VW, and Tesla continue refining detection and decision-making via over-the-air updates. In China, cross-floor, unstructured-lot parking is advancing quickly and may foreshadow features that reach global markets as regulations evolve.

Summary

There’s no single universal winner, but clear leaders emerge by use case. Mercedes-Benz S-Class/EQS with AVP is the pinnacle—if you have a compatible garage. For daily, infrastructure-free parking, BMW’s latest 7 Series/i7 (and iX) is the most capable and consistent all-rounder. For affordable, dependable convenience, Hyundai/Genesis/Kia with RSPA 2 shines. Match the system to your region and routine, and verify features on the exact model and trim before you buy.

Are there cars that can park themselves?

Best Self-Parking Cars to Buy Used in 2024

• BMW 7 Series.
• Toyota Prius.
• Ford Focus.
• Skoda Superb.
• Volvo XC90.
• Volkswagen Golf.
• Lincoln MKS.

Are self-parking cars reliable?

Self-parking does have its faults, though.
While this didn’t fail any tests, it does mean that the risk of scratching wheels and bumpers is increased dramatically. Ultimately, whether you think this feature is worthwhile depends on how far you trust your own ability to parallel park.

What car is the easiest to park?

The easiest cars to park are typically compact vehicles like the Smart Fortwo, Fiat 500, or MINI Hardtop due to their small size and good visibility, but cars with advanced parking assistance features, such as the Tesla Model 3 (with Summon) or a BMW or Mercedes with a self-parking system, are the easiest to park overall.
 
Easiest to Park Manually
These cars are naturally easy to park because of their small size and excellent visibility. 

• Smart Fortwo: Opens in new tabThe smallest car available, with an incredibly tight turning radius, making it ideal for dense urban areas. 
• MINI Hardtop: Opens in new tabIts compact dimensions and good driver visibility make it easy to maneuver into tight spaces. 
• Fiat 500: Opens in new tabA small car with short overhangs and good visibility, which helps in parking in tight spots. 
• Mazda MX-5 Miata: Opens in new tabA small, responsive sports car that fits like a glove and offers excellent visibility, especially with the top down. 

Easiest to Park with Assistance
These vehicles feature sophisticated driver-assistance systems that can guide the car into parking spaces. 

• Tesla Model 3: Opens in new tabUtilizes “Summon” technology, allowing you to park the car using a smartphone app, even from outside the vehicle. 
• Cars with Automatic Parking Systems: Opens in new tabMany modern cars, like the Volkswagen Golf, offer features that scan for parking spots and automatically handle the steering while you control the pedals. 
• Cars with Remote Parking: Opens in new tabSome luxury and electric vehicles, such as a Lincoln Corsair or a Genesis model, can be parked remotely using a phone app. 

Does Toyota have a car that parks itself?

Advanced Park is a hands-free parking feature that automatically steers your Toyota into a parking spot. All you need to do is monitor the process, manage the brakes, and shift gears when prompted.