Level 2 cars currently on the market only have driver-assisting functions, with human drivers monitoring the environment and taking control of the car as needed. However, Level 3 vehicles can drive autonomously by detecting the environment around them. Under certain conditions like running at relatively low speeds on congested expressways, such cars can autonomously operate the steering wheel and brake on automatic mode.

As the automobile’s system is in control of the driving, the driver can watch movies or TV on the car’s monitor. But the driver needs to be prepared to take over to avert dangerous situations. Honda says Level 3 autonomous functions will first be installed on the Legend.

Automated machines are ranked from Level 1 to 5 based on the degree of their autonomy.