Rivian Unveils Hands-Free Highway Driving to Revolutionize Road Trips

Rivian Joins the Hands-Free Highway Driving Party

In a move that cements its position in the competitive electric vehicle market, Rivian has announced a significant software update for its lineup. The update, which began rolling out on March 11th, 2025, introduces Enhanced Highway Assist—a feature that allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel on compatible highways. This advancement places Rivian squarely in the race alongside industry giants like General Motors and Ford, who have already made similar systems available to their customers.

Enhanced Highway Assist is designed for Rivian’s second-generation R1S and R1T vehicles. The system uses an infrared camera located in the rearview mirror to monitor the driver’s attention, ensuring they remain alert even when their hands are not on the wheel. While this technology represents a leap forward in autonomous driving, it’s important to note that the feature is currently exclusive to Generation 2 models. Rivian has not yet indicated whether Enhanced Highway Assist will be available for Generation 1 vehicles, leaving early adopters wondering if they’ll miss out on the latest advancements.

Beyond hands-free driving, the update introduces a new “Rally” mode for Performance Dual-Motor vehicles. This mode, part of the Off-Road Mode selections, enhances the vehicle’s responsiveness to steering and throttle inputs across various terrains, including dirt, mud, and ice. For Dual-Motor Rivian owners without the Performance Pack, the company is now offering it as an over-the-air upgrade for $5,000. This upgrade not only boosts power to 665 horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque but also unlocks three new driving modes: Rally, Sport, and Soft Sand.

Other notable features included in this update are automatic tilting of side mirrors when reversing, aiding in parallel parking, a charge door control in the mobile app, a new tire puncture detection system to alert drivers of slow leaks, and the ability to change wheel types in the mobile app’s settings menu for more accurate driving range predictions. These updates underscore Rivian’s commitment to improving its vehicles through software, delivering new features directly to owners’ driveways long after purchase.

Despite these advancements, some Generation 1 owners have expressed concerns about the reliability of the existing Driver+ system, citing issues with lane centering and erratic behavior near overpasses. As Rivian continues to refine its autonomous driving technology, CEO RJ Scaringe has announced even more ambitious plans for the future. The company aims to introduce an “eyes-off” version of its driver assistance system by 2026, a move that could position Rivian at the forefront of autonomous driving technology in the electric vehicle market.

Enhanced Features and Future Ambitions

The Enhanced Highway Assist system utilizes an infrared camera located in the rearview mirror to monitor the driver’s attention levels. This technology ensures that even when hands are off the wheel, the driver remains engaged and alert, maintaining a safe driving environment. While this feature is currently exclusive to Rivian’s second-generation R1S and R1T vehicles, it signifies a strategic step toward more advanced autonomous driving capabilities.

Rivian has also introduced a new level of customization and control through its mobile app. Owners can now adjust settings such as charge door control and wheel type preferences, allowing for more personalized and efficient vehicle management. These updates reflect Rivian’s focus on enhancing user experience through seamless integration of software and hardware.

The tire puncture detection system is another notable addition, designed to alert drivers of slow leaks before they become critical issues. This feature, combined with the existing Driver+ system, underscores Rivian’s commitment to safety and reliability, even as some Generation 1 owners report occasional inconsistencies with lane centering and behavior near overpasses.

Looking ahead, Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe has outlined ambitious plans for the future of autonomous driving. The company aims to introduce an “eyes-off” version of its driver assistance system by 2026, which could revolutionize the electric vehicle market. This upcoming feature would allow drivers to completely remove their attention from the road, further advancing Rivian’s position as a leader in autonomous technology.

These continuous software updates and feature enhancements demonstrate Rivian’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. By delivering new capabilities directly to existing vehicles, Rivian is setting a high standard for the automotive industry, ensuring that its vehicles remain at the cutting edge of technology long after they leave the factory.

Conclusion

Rivian’s latest software update marks a significant leap forward in autonomous driving technology, positioning the company as a strong contender in the competitive electric vehicle market. The introduction of Enhanced Highway Assist, exclusive to second-generation R1S and R1T models, showcases Rivian’s commitment to innovation and safety. While Generation 1 owners may feel left out of this latest advancement, Rivian’s continuous updates and feature enhancements demonstrate a dedication to keeping its vehicles at the forefront of technology.

The addition of Rally mode, tire puncture detection, and improved mobile app customization further highlights Rivian’s focus on delivering a seamless and personalized driving experience. With ambitious plans for an “eyes-off” driver assistance system by 2026, Rivian is setting its sights on leading the autonomous driving revolution in the EV sector. These updates not only enhance current vehicles but also build anticipation for what the future holds for Rivian and its customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Rivian models are eligible for Enhanced Highway Assist?

Enhanced Highway Assist is currently available for second-generation R1S and R1T vehicles. Rivian has not yet announced plans to extend this feature to Generation 1 models.

2. How does Enhanced Highway Assist monitor driver attention?

The system uses an infrared camera located in the rearview mirror to ensure the driver remains alert and engaged, even when hands are off the wheel.

3. What is the “Rally” mode, and how does it improve driving performance?

Rally mode enhances steering and throttle responsiveness for Performance Dual-Motor vehicles, optimizing performance across various terrains such as dirt, mud, and ice.

4. Can Generation 1 owners upgrade to Dual-Motor performance?

Yes, Rivian offers a $5,000 over-the-air upgrade for Dual-Motor vehicles without the Performance Pack, unlocking additional power and driving modes like Rally, Sport, and Soft Sand.

5. When will Rivian introduce the “eyes-off” driver assistance system?

Rivian aims to launch an “eyes-off” version of its driver assistance system by 2026, allowing drivers to fully disengage from monitoring the road while the vehicle operates autonomously.

6. How can Rivian owners report issues with the Driver+ system?

Generation 1 owners experiencing issues with lane centering or erratic behavior near overpasses can contact Rivian support or visit a service center for assistance.