How to Use Volvo Park Assist
Volvo’s Park Assist Pilot can help maneuver your car into a tight parking space, but it’s not a true self-parking function—and it’s not available on all Volvos.
Written by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Volvo’s Park Assist is standard on all genuine Volvo cars and includes basic parking sensors and emergency braking—but Park Assist Pilot, an option activated on select models by choosing “Park In” on the functions menu, can actually help you get in and out of a space by moving the steering wheel.
Known for its sleek Swedish design sensibilities, Volvo stands up with luxury manufacturers like Audi and BMW—but its lineup of executive sedans and SUVs also sports the practical tech you’d find in a Toyota or Volkswagen. Among those technological highlights is Volvo’s Park Assist technology, which includes standard front and rear park assist sensors and an optional feature called Park Assist Pilot.
Not sure which version of Park Assist your Volvo has—or how to activate the Park Assist Pilot function? We’ve got you covered.
How to activate Volvo Park Assist Pilot
Volvo’s Park Assist Pilot is an advanced package option that can search for available parking spaces, provide guidance via the center display, and even turn the steering wheel to help you maneuver into a parking space. Park Assist Pilot works for both parallel parking and perpendicular (or bay) parking, and it’s activated by clicking “Park In” on the Car Functions menu or backup camera screen.
Want to use Park Assist Pilot in your Volvo? Follow these detailed steps:
- Activate the park assist system by pressing “Park In” on the Car Functions screen or in camera view.
- As you continue to drive past the cars you’d like to park among, keep your speed under 20 mph for parallel parking and 12 mph for perpendicular parking. Stay no more than 5 feet from the parked cars.
- The Park Assist Pilot system will scan for spaces big enough to park in. When it finds one, the “Slot Found” message will pop up on your screen, followed by a prompt to select parallel or perpendicular parking.
- To park, put the vehicle in Reverse, make sure that the steering wheel can turn smoothly, and follow the instructions on the screen. Be prepared to brake at the correct time—Park Assist Pilot will not brake for you.
With PAP guiding your wheels while you shift gears and brake, you should be able to glide easily into your parking spot. To get out of parallel parking using PAP, you can select “Park Out” and follow the instructions on the screen.
Keep two things in mind when using Park Assist Pilot:
- First, PAP is not a fully autonomous self-parking system. You’re still responsible for monitoring your surroundings, evaluating the safety of the parking space, shifting gears, braking, and assisting with steering.
- Second, PAP isn’t infallible. The system can be thrown off by things like protruding curbs or pillars in parking garages, as well as curved roadways. When in doubt, defer to your instincts as a driver when deciding whether or not to park in a space selected by PAP.
If you’re experiencing any issues with your Park Assist system, check your owner’s manual for more details.
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Do all Volvos have Park Assist?
Volvo vehicles have two different versions of parking assistance. Park Assist Pilot, which is standard equipment on all new Volvos and many older models, refers to front and rear parking sensors, which will beep as your car gets close to other vehicles while you’re parking. If you get too close to an obstacle, Park Assist can even activate the brakes to prevent a fender bender.
But Park Assist Pilot, a more advanced parking technology, is an option only on select Volvo models. Unlike standard Park Assist, which is limited to alerts and emergency braking, Park Assist Pilot will actually find a parking space for you and maneuver the steering wheel to guide your car smoothly into the spot.
Which Volvos have Park Assist Pilot?
All Volvos have Park Assist sensors, but not all Volvos have Park Assist Pilot, which is available as an option on the following models:
- Volvo XC60, XC60 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid, V90 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid and S90 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid: model year 2018 to 2021
- Volvo V60, V60 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid and V60 Cross Country: model year 2019 to 2022
- Volvo XC40 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid: model year 2020 onwards
To get the Park Assist Pilot option, you’ll need to select a higher trim, such as R-Design, Inscription, or Polestar Engineered. If you’re in the market for a brand-new Volvo, check at the dealership to see if PAP is an option on the model you’re considering.
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