Rivian rolls out Universal Hands-Free driving across 3.5 million miles of US and Canadian roads

Rivian expands hands-free driving capability with major software update

Rivian has begun rolling out software update 2025.46 to second-generation R1S and R1T drivers, delivering Universal Hands-Free as its most advanced driver-assistance feature to date1

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. The over-the-air update marks a significant expansion of the EV maker's autonomous driving capabilities, following announcements made at the company's inaugural Autonomy & AI Day event last week2

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Universal Hands-Free transforms driver assistance across millions of roads

The new feature dramatically extends Rivian's existing Enhanced Highway Assist from 135,000 miles of approved freeways in North America to over 3.5 million miles of roads across the United States and Canada3

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. According to Rivian, if lane lines are clearly marked, drivers can engage the system on highways, rural roads, city streets and virtually any other road type1

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. This capability significantly surpasses competitors like General Motors Super Cruise, which operates on 750,000 miles of divided highways, and Ford BlueCruise, limited to 130,000 miles1

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To achieve this expansion, Rivian stopped depending on high-definition maps for its automated features, instead relying more heavily on what the car actually senses about its environment1

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. However, the system requires continuous driver supervision and does not stop or slow for traffic lights or stop signs, nor does it make turns or follow navigation instructions3

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. When drivers activate turn signals to manage turns manually, the software re-engages afterward3

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Autonomy+ subscription and new drive styles arrive

Second-generation R1 vehicles receive a 60-day free trial of Universal Hands-Free, after which drivers must pay $49 per month or $2,500 upfront for continued access through Rivian's new Autonomy+ offering1

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. Software update 2025.46 also introduces Autonomy Drive Styles across driver-assistance features, similar to what Tesla offers for Full Self-Driving (Supervised)1

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. The three options allow drivers to choose their preferred level of autonomous function behavior across Universal Hands-Free, Highway Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Change on Command2

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Rivian Digital Key enables seamless access across devices

The update replaces the Bluetooth-based phone key with a new digital key system for second-generation R1 vehicles1

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. Owners can now add their Rivian Digital Key to digital wallets on compatible Apple, Google, and Samsung phones, enabling vehicle access via Ultra-Wideband for passive entry or Near-Field Communication for tapping1

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. Drivers can share up to eight digital keys with friends or family members, and can lock and unlock their vehicles using smartwatches1

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Quad-motor enhancements bring off-road maneuverability and customization

Quad-motor R1 vehicles gain access to Kick Turn and RAD Tuner features1

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. Kick Turn sweeps out the rear end to assist with sharp turns when off-roading at speeds under 15 mph by controlling power and tire grip, allowing the vehicle to spin about its center2

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. The RAD Tuner, developed by Rivian's Adventure Department team and initially used at Rebelle Rally and Pikes Peak, provides an interface for drivers to customize acceleration, stability, and torque balance beyond factory presets2

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This deployment arrives as CEO RJ Scaringe outlined plans at Autonomy & AI Day to achieve point-to-point autonomous driving, scheduled for release no earlier than 20263

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. The upcoming R2 SUV will feature new autonomy hardware with custom silicon and roof-mounted lidar sensors designed to support full autonomy capabilities3

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