Methods and systems for a vehicle cognitive radar are provided. The system includes a transmitter is configured to transmit a first plurality of transmittal signals for a cognitive radar system of a vehicle, the cognitive radar system having at least a first modality. An interface is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors having a second modality that is different from the first modality. A processor is coupled to the interface, and is configured to select an adjusted waveform for a second plurality of transmittal signals for the cognitive radar system using the sensor data.