1Traffic Jam Assist: The Commuter's Best Friend
We have all been there: stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-80, inching forward, stopping, and inching forward again. It is mentally exhausting.
What it does: Expanded for 2026, Traffic Jam Assist works with the Lane Keeping Assist System to provide natural steering capability at speeds below 45 mph. It helps keep your vehicle centered in the lane and maintains a set interval behind the car in front of you, even in stop-and-go traffic.
Real-world benefit: It significantly reduces the stress of rush hour. Instead of constantly micro-adjusting the steering wheel and jumping between gas and brake, the system handles the tedious parts of the jam, leaving you fresher when you arrive at your destination.
2Blind Spot Information (BSI): Now Standard on More Models
Changing lanes is one of the most common causes of collisions.
What's New for 2026: Previously, blind-spot monitoring was often reserved for mid-tier trims. For the 2026 Honda Civic, Blind Spot Information is now standard on every single trim, including the base LX.
Real-world benefit: Visual indicators on your side mirrors light up when a vehicle is hiding in your blind spot. If you turn on your blinker while a car is there, an audible beep warns you before you make a mistake. It acts as a second set of eyes, which is invaluable during dark, rainy Illinois nights.
3Collision Mitigation Braking Systemâ„¢ (CMBSâ„¢)
Distractions happen. Whether it's a sudden stop ahead or a pedestrian stepping out from between parked cars, split-second reactions matter.
What it does: CMBSâ„¢ uses a radar transmitter and a forward-facing camera to determine the distance and closing speed of objects ahead. If it determines a collision is unavoidable, it automatically applies strong braking pressure to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Real-world benefit: It's the difference between a near-miss and a fender bender—or worse. It provides a safety net that is always active, scanning the road for hazards you might not see until it's too late.
4Cross Traffic Monitor
Parking lots at Orland Square Mall can be chaotic. Backing out of a spot when two giant SUVs flank you makes visibility nearly impossible.
What it does: When you are in reverse, radar sensors at the rear corners of the vehicle detect approaching vehicles from the side.
Real-world benefit: Before you can even see the car coming down the aisle on your backup camera, the system beeps and displays arrows on the screen indicating which direction the vehicle is approaching. It allows you to back out with confidence, knowing the coast is actually clear.
5ACEâ„¢ Body Structure: The Passive Hero
While sensors and cameras get all the attention, the physical structure of the car is your last line of defense.
What it does: Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineeringâ„¢ (ACEâ„¢) body structure is designed to distribute crash energy evenly throughout the front of the vehicle.
Real-world benefit: In the event of a collision, this design reduces the force transferred to the passenger cabin. It also helps disperse energy when you collide with a vehicle of a different size (like a large truck vs. a compact sedan), helping protect everyone inside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honda Safety Features
Yes. While we recommend keeping them active for maximum protection, Honda understands that different drivers have different preferences. You can customize or disable specific features, such as Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) or Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), through the vehicle settings menu on the touchscreen or via dedicated buttons on the dashboard. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the warnings to be less intrusive.
Yes. To help prevent leaving children, pets, or groceries behind, the Rear Seat Reminder is standard on most 2026 models. If you opened a rear door before starting your drive, the system will chime and display a dashboard visual alert when you turn the car off, reminding you to check the back seat.
Low-Speed Braking Control is designed to help prevent those annoying low-speed fender benders in parking lots. It uses sonar sensors to detect obstacles (such as a bollard or a parked car) while you are moving at slow speeds (typically 1-6 mph). If it detects an imminent collision, it can automatically apply the brakes. This feature is usually available on the top-tier trims, such as the Pilot Elite and Accord Touring.
No. Unlike some other manufacturers that are moving toward subscription-based features, the core safety technology in the Honda Sensing® suite (including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist) is standard. It does not require a monthly fee to operate.
Safety Comes Standard
At Community Honda of Orland Park, we believe safety should be a right, not an option. Whether you choose the agile 2026 Civic or the family-hauling 2026 Pilot, you are getting a vehicle equipped with the latest "eyes and ears" to keep your family safe.
See these features in action. Ask our team to demonstrate how Traffic Jam Assist works during your next visit.
Schedule Your Test Drive Online TodayDrive with confidence.
