Which U.S. cars have adaptive headlights

Many new cars sold in the United States—especially luxury models and upper trims of mainstream brands—offer adaptive headlights, typically either steering-responsive (swiveling) low beams or more advanced “adaptive driving beam” (matrix) high beams on 2023–2025 models. Availability varies by brand, model year, and trim package, so the best approach is to verify a specific vehicle’s window sticker or official spec sheet. Below is a clear guide to what counts as “adaptive,” how U.S. rules changed recently, and which cars commonly offer the feature.

What counts as “adaptive headlights” in the U.S.?

Automakers use several terms for technology that adjusts headlight aim or distribution to improve visibility without increasing glare. Understanding the terms helps you identify what a given car actually has.

• Steering‑responsive (curve‑adaptive) headlights: Low beams that swivel with the steering wheel to better illuminate curves and corners. Often paired with auto‑leveling and sometimes cornering lights.
• Cornering lights: Additional side‑aimed lamps (often LEDs) that switch on at low speed or with turn signals to light tight turns or driveways. These don’t swivel the main beam.
• Adaptive driving beam (ADB, “matrix” headlights): High‑beam systems that use arrays of LEDs/micromirrors to shape light and create a “glare‑free” high beam, maintaining high‑beam reach while shadowing other road users. The U.S. finalized rules allowing ADB in 2022, and availability has expanded on 2023–2025 models.
• Auto‑leveling: Adjusts vertical aim based on load/acceleration to keep beams correctly aimed; often bundled with the systems above.

In product pages, these may appear as Adaptive Front‑lighting System (AFS), Matrix LED, Pixel LED, Digital Light, BladeScan, PDLS/PDLS Plus, Dynamic Bending Light, or similar branding. Not every term guarantees ADB; many refer to swiveling low beams or cornering lights only.

Cars that commonly offer adaptive headlights (luxury brands)

The following brands and models frequently include steering‑responsive headlights and, on many 2023–2025 trims, matrix/ADB functions. Availability is often standard on higher trims and optional on lower ones; specifics vary by model year.

• Audi — Most A4/A5/A6/A7/A8 and Q5/Q7/Q8 lines, plus e‑tron/Q8 e‑tron, offer adaptive LEDs; “Matrix‑design” or “Digital Matrix” headlights with ADB appear on upper trims in recent model years.
• BMW — Adaptive LED headlights are common across 2/3/4/5/7 Series and X1–X7; many 2023–2025 models add matrix‑type high beams (often described as anti‑dazzle or glare‑free when enabled).
• Mercedes‑Benz — Active curve illumination is widespread; “Digital Light” with glare‑free high beam appears on S‑Class, E‑Class (2024+), EQS/EQE, and higher‑trim GLE/GLS.
• Porsche — PDLS/PDLS Plus on 911, Taycan, Panamera, Cayenne, and Macan; “Matrix Design” headlights feature on many 2020s models.
• Volvo — “Active Bending Lights” on XC40/XC60/XC90 and S60/S90/V60/V90; newer Pixel LED systems are offered where equipped (e.g., latest EVs).
• Lexus — Triple‑Beam LED headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting are available on IS/ES/LS, NX/RX/LX, LC/RC; “BladeScan” adaptive high‑beam appears on select 2024–2025 trims.
• Genesis — G70/G80/G90 and GV70/GV80 commonly offer Adaptive Front‑Lighting; some trims include matrix‑style high beams.
• Acura — Recent MDX, RDX, and TLX trims/packages offer Adaptive Front Lighting alongside Jewel Eye LEDs.
• Cadillac — CT4/CT5 and SUVs (XT5/XT6, Lyriq) offer advanced LED headlamps with cornering/adaptive features, especially on higher trims.
• Lincoln — Corsair, Nautilus, Aviator, Navigator feature Adaptive LED/Pixel headlamps with curve/cornering functions on upper trims.
• Jaguar Land Rover — Jaguar F‑PACE, I‑PACE, F‑TYPE and Land Rover Defender/Discovery/Range Rover lines offer Adaptive or Pixel LED headlamps, often with glare‑free high‑beam capability.

While these brands broadly support adaptive lighting, trims, packages, and software enablement for ADB can differ by dealer stock and build date. Always confirm the exact equipment on the specific vehicle.

Mainstream brands with adaptive headlights available

Beyond the luxury segment, many mainstream models offer steering‑responsive headlights (and, increasingly, ADB) on mid and upper trims for the 2021–2025 model years.

• Mazda — Mazda3, CX‑30, CX‑5, CX‑50, CX‑70/CX‑90 widely offer an Adaptive Front‑Lighting System (swiveling) and auto‑leveling on mid/high trims.
• Subaru — Steering Responsive Headlights are standard or widely available on 2021–2025 Forester, Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, and Ascent; typically paired with High Beam Assist.
• Volkswagen — Golf GTI/R, Jetta GLI, Arteon, and upper‑trim Tiguan and Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport offer Adaptive Front‑lighting on many recent models.
• Toyota — Select trims of Prius, Camry, Corolla, Crown, Highlander, RAV4, Venza, Tundra, and Sequoia offer curve‑adaptive or auto‑leveling LEDs; adaptive high‑beam systems appear on some 2024–2025 trims.
• Hyundai — Sonata, Elantra N, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade have offered Dynamic Bending/curve‑adaptive or cornering functions in recent years, usually on upper trims.
• Kia — K5, EV6, Sorento, Sportage, and Telluride provide available adaptive or auto‑leveling LED headlights on higher trims/packages.
• Honda — Recent CR‑V, Pilot, Passport, and some Accord/Integra trims include auto‑leveling and cornering‑light functions; full swivel systems are limited and package‑dependent.
• Nissan/Infiniti — Infiniti models (Q50, QX50, QX60, QX80) commonly offer Adaptive Front Lighting; select Nissan trims add curve‑adaptive or auto‑leveling LEDs.
• Ford — Mustang, Explorer, and Expedition, plus some high‑trim F‑150 configurations, offer advanced LED headlights with curve/cornering capability.
• Chevrolet/GMC/Buick — Higher trims of Traverse, Blazer, Tahoe/Suburban; GMC Acadia/Yukon; and Buick Envision/Enclave offer advanced adaptive or cornering LED systems.
• EV newcomers (Rivian, Lucid, Tesla) — Offer sophisticated LED arrays and auto high‑beams; availability of steering‑responsive beams and full ADB functions varies by model year and software.

This list is representative rather than exhaustive. Features can change within a model year due to supply or regulatory timing, and some vehicles offer only partial functionality (e.g., cornering lights but no swivel, or matrix hardware pending software enablement).

Adaptive driving beam (matrix) is now legal—and spreading

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized rules in 2022 that allow adaptive driving beam systems meeting a specific U.S. performance standard. Since then, several brands have begun enabling glare‑free high beams on 2023–2025 models, particularly on premium trims. Because ADB requires precise control and calibration, availability often depends on specific headlamp options, cameras/radar, and software. If you see terms like “Matrix,” “Pixel,” “Digital Light,” or “BladeScan,” you’re likely looking at an ADB‑capable system—verify its U.S. functionality on the specific vehicle.

How to confirm whether a specific car has adaptive headlights

Because equipment varies by trim and package, a quick check can save you guesswork. Use the steps below before you buy or when comparing inventory.

1. Check the window sticker (Monroney) or build sheet for terms such as Adaptive Front‑Lighting System (AFS), Active Bending Lights, Matrix/Pixel/Digital Light, or Adaptive Driving Beam.
2. Look for headlight option codes or package names (e.g., “Tech,” “Premium,” “Lighting Package,” “Driver Assistance”) on the manufacturer’s configurator.
3. Search the owner’s manual or online PDF for “adaptive headlights,” “curve lighting,” “matrix,” or “glare‑free.”
4. Use the IIHS vehicle ratings site and open the detailed “Headlights” notes; they often list hardware types and performance by trim.
5. Inspect the headlamps: matrix/pixel units often have segmented LED arrays or micromirror modules; swiveling systems may note AFS on the housing.
6. Test at night if possible: on a dark road, steering‑responsive lamps visibly pivot; ADB will keep high beams on while dimming segments around oncoming traffic (where enabled).

If the feature is critical, verify by VIN through a dealer or manufacturer support channel and ensure any needed software activation is present on the specific car you’re considering.

Why you might want adaptive headlights

Adaptive systems aim to improve visibility while limiting glare for others. Benefits vary by implementation, but commonly include the following.

• Better illumination on curves and hills, helping you see lane edges, pedestrians, and animals sooner.
• Reduced glare risk to oncoming traffic compared with manually leaving high beams on.
• Less driver workload at night thanks to automation and stable beam aim under load changes.
• Often contributes to stronger headlight scores in safety evaluations and can improve overall crash‑avoidance performance at night.

For frequent night driving—especially on rural or unlit roads—steering‑responsive and ADB systems can materially improve comfort and safety.

Summary

In the U.S., adaptive headlights are widely available: they’re common across luxury brands and increasingly offered on upper trims of mainstream cars and SUVs. Steering‑responsive systems have been widespread for years, and since 2022’s regulatory change, matrix/ADB high beams are appearing on more 2023–2025 models. Because equipment varies by trim and software, always confirm a specific vehicle’s headlight spec via its window sticker, official configurator, or IIHS notes before you buy.

How do I know if my car has adaptive headlights?

So if this is what your headlight. Looks like then you won’t be able to use the adaptive headlight feature. And that’s going to wrap up this video.

Who has the best adaptive headlights?

These systems provide better visibility and safety when driving at night.

• BMW 5 Series. The 2024 BMW 5 Series features standard adaptive headlights in all models.
• Audi A6.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
• Tesla Model 3.
• Lexus LS.
• Mazda CX-5.
• Toyota Camry.
• Subaru Outback.

Which car has adaptive headlights?

Curve-adaptive headlights pivot in the direction the car travels to provide illumination on dark, winding roads. This feature is available in cars from luxury brands like Tesla and BMW, as well as mainstream brands like Mazda and Subaru.

Why doesn’t the US allow adaptive headlights?

Matrix (adaptive/dynamic) LED is not permitted in the US because of a regulation stipulating that the headlights have to be capable of only switching from high and low beam.