Rivian has announced a series of advanced software upgrades for its R1S SUV and R1T pickup during the company’s first-ever AI and Autonomy Day. These new features will be delivered through over-the-air (OTA) updates, enhancing driving convenience and in-car intelligence without any hardware changes.
Expanded Universal Hands-Free Driving Coverage
Second-generation Rivian R1 models will soon support Universal Hands-Free Driving across a dramatically larger road network. With the latest update, compatible roads will increase from around 150,000 miles to nearly 3.5 million miles.
Unlike traditional systems limited to highways, Rivian’s hands-free mode can operate on any road with clearly marked lane lines, making it useful on city streets and rural routes as well.
Driver Attention Still Required
Despite the impressive expansion, this system remains an SAE Level 2 driver-assistance feature. Drivers must stay alert at all times and be prepared to take control whenever required.
The hands-free feature will be free until March 2026. After that, users will need to subscribe to Rivian’s Autonomy+ package, priced at:
- $49.99 per month, or
- $2,500 one-time payment
Rivian has confirmed that future OTA updates will further enhance Autonomy+, including advanced point-to-point navigation capabilities.
AI-Powered Rivian Assistant Coming in 2026
In the first half of 2026, Rivian will introduce an AI-based Rivian Assistant to all existing and future vehicles. This next-generation voice assistant is designed to understand natural language, context, and casual speech, making vehicle control more intuitive than ever.
For example, a command like:
“Make everyone’s seat warm except mine”
will be accurately interpreted, with the system identifying the driver through directional microphones and adjusting seat heaters accordingly.
Smart Task Integration Through Voice Commands
One of the most advanced features of the Rivian Assistant is its ability to combine multiple tasks across apps. Drivers will be able to:
- Plan routes
- Request coffee stops along the way
- Share ETA with colleagues
- Update navigation based on their responses
All of this can be done seamlessly using voice commands, reducing the need to interact with screens while driving.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Intelligent Driving
Rivian believes these upgrades will eliminate the frustration of searching for specific buttons or menus inside the vehicle. Early demonstrations showed the AI assistant performing reliably and naturally, though real-world driving impressions will be the ultimate test.
Overall, these updates signal Rivian’s strong focus on transforming its vehicles into highly intelligent, software-driven electric machines, setting a new benchmark for connected and autonomous-ready EVs.
ALSO READ : 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Review : A Luxurious Three-Row Electric SUV with Comfort and Power
