Trust in Level 3 Automated Vehicles: A Systematic Literature Review

The increasing integration of automation into transportation systems has raised critical questions about how humans interact with and rely on advanced vehicle technologies. SAE Level 3 (L3) automated vehicles represent a transitional stage, where control alternates between the driver and the system depending on operational boundaries. This dynamic introduces distinct trust-related challenges, as drivers must transition between passive monitoring and active control. To clarify how trust is formed, measured, and influenced in L3 driving, this systematic literature review synthesizes 80 empirical studies identified through a PRISMA-guided search. The analysis reveals six key categories shaping trust: automation features, environmental context, driver characteristics, communication and HMI design, non-driving task engagement, and training or familiarization. Most studies rely on simulator environments and self-report measures, limiting ecological validity and comparability. Few explore how trust evolves over time or across contexts. The review underscores the need for standardized, multimodal trust measurement approaches and more longitudinal, real-world research.