In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for executing a lane change for a host vehicle. In various embodiments, one or more sensors obtain sensor data pertaining to target vehicles in proximity to the host vehicle; and a processor at least facilitates: obtaining, using the sensor data, predictions as to future positions and movement of the target vehicle; identifying a plurality of gaps through which the host vehicle may accomplish the lane change, based on the predictions; calculating a cost for each of the plurality of gaps; selecting, a selected gap of the plurality of gaps, having a minimized cost; and executing the lane change for the host vehicle via the selected gap.