Some can. Airplane autopilots are tremendously varied. Some are as simple as a gyroscope hooked up to the ailerons to keep the wings level. I’m always baffled as to why people think “autopilot” implies any sort of autonomy.
It is literally in the name.
in physics acceleration is used when things slow down too, but at least in my language this is weird and in day to day use acceleration means increase in speed, you want to understand how/why most people define autopilot as more then dr5iver assist then just ask them and stop telling them they are wrong because in domain X the word is used different.
As in, it pilots itself. Which would indeed imply that no driver was needed.
The reviews and videos may not contain all the details you will get in the technical manual that you don't have before you get the car.
then again I'm one of those weird people who actually takes the recommended safety precautions when I do dangerous things. I also do crazy stuff like checking my tire pressure.