Hyundai Suvs: Blind Spot Monitors And Driver Safety

Blind spots are a common issue for drivers, and while a quick glance over the shoulder can help, it's not always enough. This is where technology like the Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) comes in, and several car brands, including Hyundai, offer this feature. The BVM is an advanced safety system that uses cameras and sensors to provide a live feed of a driver's blind spots, enhancing visibility and safety for everyone on the road. So, do Hyundai SUVs have blind spot monitors?

Hyundai Blind-Spot View Monitor: How does it work?

The Hyundai Blind-Spot View Monitor is a safety system that uses a network of cameras and sensors to provide real-time footage of your blind spots. This system is included in Hyundai SmartSense and can enhance your vehicle's safety capacity.

Once activated, the system works in unison with your driver commands. When you signal left, the rear view of the left side of your Hyundai will be displayed on your instrument cluster. Conversely, when you signal right, the rear view of the right side of your vehicle will be displayed. This feature is extremely useful when changing lanes and making turns in urban environments packed with pedestrians and cyclists.

The Hyundai Blind-Spot View Monitor is easy to activate. Simply press the "Setup" button, followed by "Driver assistance", then "Driving safety", and finally toggle the tab next to "Blindspot view monitor". Once activated, you can use your turn signals to place the live blind-spot footage on your digital gauge cluster screen.

The Hyundai Blind-Spot View Monitor is available on the new Hyundai Santa Fe as standard. However, it can be added to other models for an additional charge.

Hyundai SUVs with Blind-Spot Monitors

Blind spots can be extremely dangerous, and changing lanes without proper visibility can result in severe accidents. To help prevent these types of crashes, Hyundai offers a Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) system in some of its SUVs. This system is designed to enhance driver visibility and improve overall safety by providing additional situational awareness.

The Hyundai BVM uses a network of cameras and sensors to provide real-time footage of your blind spots. When you signal left, the system displays the rear view of the left side of your Hyundai on your instrument cluster. Similarly, when you signal right, the rear view of the right side is shown. This increases safety during lane changes and provides a broader view of your surroundings when parking, especially in tight spaces.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the Hyundai SUV models that come with the BVM system as a standard feature. However, if the BVM system is not available as standard equipment on your chosen model, it can often be added for an additional charge.

It's important to note that while the BVM system enhances safety, it should not replace traditional safe driving habits. Drivers should still physically check their blind spots and practice safe lane-changing techniques.

In addition to Hyundai, other automakers such as Genesis and Kia, which are part of the Hyundai Motor Group, also offer the BVM system in some of their vehicles.

Blind-Spot Monitors vs. Blind-Spot Cameras

Blind-spot monitoring is a safety feature that uses sensors and cameras to detect vehicles, objects, or pedestrians in a car's adjacent lanes or blind spots. This feature is particularly useful when changing lanes or reversing out of parking spots. While some vehicles use only sensors, others use a combination of sensors and cameras.

Blind-Spot Monitors:

Blind-spot monitors use sensors and sometimes cameras to detect objects in a vehicle's blind spots. When the system detects an object, it alerts the driver through visual and/or audible warnings. These alerts are typically displayed on the side mirrors or the A-pillar (the pillar between the windshield and the front door). Some systems also provide steering assistance by nudging the driver away from the lane marker or even steering the vehicle back to the centre of the lane. Blind-spot monitoring is now widely available across different vehicle segments and price ranges, from subcompact cars to large SUVs and trucks.

Blind-Spot Cameras:

Blind-spot cameras, such as the Blind-Spot View Monitor found on some Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles, provide a live feed of the vehicle's blind spot when the turn signal is activated. This feature enhances the driver's visibility and safety when changing lanes or making turns. The live feed is displayed on the digital gauge cluster, providing a clear view of the vehicle's blind spots without the driver having to turn their head.

Both blind-spot monitors and blind-spot cameras offer increased safety and peace of mind while driving. While blind-spot monitors provide alerts and, in some cases, steering assistance, blind-spot cameras offer a more direct view of the vehicle's surroundings. Blind-spot cameras can be particularly useful in larger vehicles, where blind spots tend to be bigger. However, it is important to note that these systems should not replace the driver's responsibility to physically check their blind spots and use their mirrors properly.

Overall, the decision between blind-spot monitors and blind-spot cameras depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the driver. Both systems provide valuable assistance in enhancing safety and reducing accidents.

Activating the Hyundai Blind-Spot View Monitor

The Hyundai Blind-Spot View Monitor is a safety system that uses a network of cameras and sensors to provide real-time footage of your blind spots, increasing visibility and safety for you, your passengers, and other motorists. This system is included in Hyundai SmartSense and can be easily activated by following these steps:

• Press the "Setup" button: Located on your vehicle's control panel or touchscreen, press the "Setup" button to access the settings menu. This button may also be labelled as "Menu" or "Options" depending on your Hyundai model.
• Select "Driver assistance": Within the settings menu, look for an option labelled "Driver assistance," "Driver Assist," or similar. This option may be found under a "Safety" or "Driving Assistance" category. Select this option to access the driver assistance settings.
• Choose "Driving safety": In the driver assistance settings, look for an option related to driving safety. This may be labelled as "Driving safety," "Safety Features," or "Driver Safety Assist." This menu will allow you to customise the safety features available in your Hyundai.
• Toggle on "Blind-Spot View Monitor": In the driving safety settings, locate the option for the Blind-Spot View Monitor. This option may be labelled as "Blind-Spot View Monitor" or BVM. Toggle this setting to the "On" position to activate the feature.

Once activated, the Blind-Spot View Monitor will work seamlessly with your driving commands. When you signal left, the system will display the rear view of the left side of your Hyundai on your instrument cluster. Similarly, signalling right will display the rear view of the right side. This live footage of your blind spots enhances your visibility and safety while changing lanes or making turns.

It is important to note that the Blind-Spot View Monitor is not available on all Hyundai models. While it is standard on certain models like the new Hyundai Santa Fe, it may be offered as an optional feature or upgrade on others. Additionally, it is not available on performance trim vehicles, such as the Veloster N or the Elantra GT N Line. Be sure to check the specific features and availability for your chosen Hyundai model.

Other Cars with Blind-Spot Cameras

Blind-spot cameras are an increasingly popular feature in modern cars. While some car companies, like Honda, are phasing out the use of blind-spot cameras, others, like Hyundai, are introducing them to their newer models.

Genesis G70, G80, and G90

The Genesis G70, G80, and G90 sedans all offer blind-spot view monitors (BVM) as an available feature. The G70 is the smallest sedan in the Genesis lineup, while the G80 is a mid-size luxury sedan with two powerful engine options and a spacious interior. The G90 is the largest sedan in the Genesis lineup. All three models will display a live feed of the blind spot on either side of the car when the turn signal is activated. The G80 and G90 models also include a blind-spot collision-avoidance system that applies the brakes to prevent an unsafe lane change.

2021 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid and Fuel Cell

The Honda Clarity is available as a plug-in hybrid or a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Both versions include Honda LaneWatch as a standard feature. LaneWatch activates when using the right turn signal and displays a live feed on the infotainment screen. However, Honda is slowly phasing out this feature, so it may not be available in newer models.

2022 Hyundai Sonata Limited

The Hyundai Sonata Limited is the only sedan in the Hyundai lineup to offer a blind-spot view monitor. This feature is only available on the top Limited trim, where it is offered as standard. When the turn signal is activated, the system displays a live feed in the instrument cluster on either side of the vehicle. The Sonata Hybrid Limited also includes this feature.

2022 Kia Stinger GT2

The Kia Stinger is a sporty performance sedan available in three trims. Only the top GT2 trim includes a blind-spot view monitor as standard. This system displays a live feed from a side-view mirror camera on the dashboard.

Tesla Models

Tesla offers blind-spot cameras as standard equipment in their vehicles. The camera view pops up on the central screen when the turn signal is activated. However, it is important to note that the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck lack a driver-facing display.

Subaru

Some Subaru models, such as the 2024 Crosstrek Premium, offer blind-spot cameras depending on the trim and package. The feature is available starting with the Premium Trim and may also be included in the Sport, Limited, or Wilderness trims.

Mazda

Mazda includes blind-spot cameras as a standard feature across most of their models due to their styling choices, which create massive blind spots, especially in the 3 hatchback and CX-30 models.

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