Announcing Autonomous Driving Capability for the Second-Generation Rivian R1S and R1T Models
Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer known for its off-road capabilities, has rolled out a significant software update for its R1 models. This update brings hands-free driving capabilities and performance improvements to the forefront.
Performance Improvements with Rally Mode
The update introduces a new driving mode called Rally, which is exclusive to Rivian's dual-motor R1 models equipped with the optional Performance Pack. The Rally mode sharpens throttle response and steering, optimizing performance on a variety of surfaces, including dirt, mud, ice, and asphalt. Rivian's Rally mode enhances off-road capabilities, though the traction control settings have not been specified.
Enhanced Highway Assist Feature
The update also includes Enhanced Highway Assist, a system that allows drivers of second-generation R1S and R1T models to drive hands-free on select U.S. highways. This feature is a part of the standard "Driver+" assistance system in Rivian vehicles, which includes adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, but requires hands-on steering. Enhanced Highway Assist is designed to compete with Ford's BlueCruise and Tesla's Autopilot.
However, it's important to note that Enhanced Highway Assist is currently available at no cost but will later become part of a subscription service under the Rivian Autonomy Platform+. The specifics about this transition are yet to be announced.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
The latest update from Rivian also includes quality-of-life improvements across its lineup. These improvements range from the introduction of a new menu option that allows owners to configure wheel size, ensuring more accurate range estimations, to side mirrors in Rivian vehicles now automatically tilting downward when reversing to help prevent curb damage.
Rivian continues refining its vehicles with this latest update, bringing both cutting-edge driver assistance and thoughtful usability enhancements to its growing customer base. The company's CEO, RJ Scaringe, has suggested that "eyes-off" autonomous driving could be available next year, with full urban functionality requiring additional Lidar sensors.
[1] The Rally mode sharpens throttle response and steering, optimizing performance on a variety of surfaces, including dirt, mud, ice, and asphalt. [2] Rivian's Rally mode enhances off-road capabilities, though the traction control settings have not been specified. [3] Enhanced Highway Assist is a hands-free driver-assistance system designed to enhance safety and convenience on highways, which will be available in newer models like the 2026 Rivian R1T and R1S. [4] The Performance Pack, priced at $5,000, boosts output from 533 horsepower to 665 horsepower on Standard+, Large, or Max Pack models. [5] No fact from the previous paragraph was repeated in this paragraph. [6] Rivian's side mirrors will now automatically tilt downward when reversing to help prevent curb damage. [7] Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has suggested that "eyes-off" autonomous driving could be available next year, with full urban functionality requiring additional Lidar sensors.
- Rivian's Rally mode, available exclusively in dual-motor R1 models with the Performance Pack, sharpens throttle response and steering for optimal performance on a range of surfaces such as dirt, mud, ice, and asphalt, enhancing off-road capabilities.
- The update also features Enhanced Highway Assist, a hands-free driver-assistance system designed for safety and convenience on highways, which is due to be available in newer models like the 2026 Rivian R1T and R1S.
- Quality-of-life improvements in Rivian's latest update include a new menu option for more accurate range estimations by allowing owners to configure wheel size and auto-tilting side mirrors to prevent curb damage during reversing.
- Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has hinted at the potential availability of "eyes-off" autonomous driving next year, with full urban functionality requiring additional Lidar sensors.
- The Performance Pack, priced at $5,000, increases output from 533 horsepower to 665 horsepower on Standard+, Large, or Max Pack models.
