Rivian Expands Hands-Free Driving to 3.5 Million Miles and Introduces a Powerful New AI Assistant

Rivian is preparing to deliver some of its most significant software upgrades yet to the R1S and R1T, dramatically expanding hands-free driving capabilities while rolling out a next-generation AI voice assistant. Announced during the company’s first-ever AI and Autonomy Day, these updates highlight Rivian’s long-term plan to enhance its vehicles through continuous over-the-air improvements.

Universal Hands Free Expands from 150,000 to 3.5 Million Miles

Beginning this month, all second-generation R1 models (introduced mid-2024 and later) will receive a major OTA update that transforms Rivian’s hands-free system into one of the most expansive in the industry.

Key upgrade:

• Hands-free driving expands from 150,000 miles → 3.5 million miles

• Works on any road with clearly painted lines, not just freeways

• Compatible with both R1S and R1T

This huge leap is branded Universal Hands Free, and it moves Rivian much closer to Tesla Autopilot–style availability—though with the same Level 2 limitations. Drivers must remain engaged and ready to intervene at all times.

There’s one catch:
Rivian will offer Universal Hands Free free until the end of March. After that, the upgraded Autonomy+ package will cost:

• $49.99 per month, or

• $2,500 one-time purchase

Future OTA updates will add features such as point-to-point autonomous navigation.

Rivian’s New AI Assistant Arrives in 2026 With Advanced Voice Intelligence

In the first half of 2026, Rivian will begin rolling out a sophisticated AI-powered voice assistant designed to control nearly everything inside the vehicle—and integrate with apps and services outside of it.

Capabilities include:

• Natural language understanding (slang, conversational phrasing, directional context)

• Ability to interpret commands like:
  “Make everyone’s seat toasty except mine.”

• Automatically detecting who is speaking based on microphone directionality

• Integrating apps to create smart workflows (route planning + coffee stop + ETA text message)

The assistant can:

• Plan routes

• Modify stops on the fly

• Communicate with contacts

• Control cabin comfort systems

• Interpret complicated, multi-layered commands

The rollout will be phased, but Rivian says every Rivian ever sold will eventually receive the new assistant.

Rivian claims this is the first voice system that truly eliminates the question:
“Why isn’t there a button for this?”

What This Means for Rivian Owners

These two upgrades represent Rivian’s most ambitious push into software since launch:

• Hands-free capability becomes nearly nationwide

• Voice control becomes far more intuitive, powerful, and personal

• OTA updates continue to add long-term value to vehicles already on the road

While Rivian’s demo of the AI assistant appeared flawless, real-world usage will determine whether this next-gen interface can outperform the competition.

SEO Summary (Google Discover & GPT Optimized)

Rivian is expanding hands-free driving for the R1S and R1T to 3.5 million miles through a new Universal Hands Free OTA update available to all second-generation R1 models. The feature is free until March before transitioning to the $49.99/month Autonomy+ plan. In early 2026, Rivian will roll out an advanced AI voice assistant capable of natural conversational understanding, app integration, and smart in-vehicle controls. Both features will be released via phased OTA updates.