Rivian updates software to make its EVs smarter and more personal

Rivian just released a new software update called version 2025.46, bringing several big changes to the R1S and R1T models. The most exciting news is a feature called Universal Hands-Free driving. This allows the vehicle to steer itself on many more roads than before. Drivers used to be limited to about 135,000 miles of specific highways, but now they can use it on over 3.5 million miles of roads across the United States and neighboring Canada.

If you own a second-generation Rivian, this update means your car can now help you drive on almost any road with clear lane lines. It is important to remember that these EVs are not fully self-driving yet. The car cannot stop at red lights or stop signs on its own. Drivers must still pay attention and be ready to take over. To make the experience better, Rivian added "Drive Styles." This lets you choose how the car behaves when it is helping you. You can pick "Mild" for a relaxed ride with plenty of space, "Medium" for a balanced feel, or "Spicy" if you want the car to follow closer and change lanes more quickly.

Another big change turns the lost car keys into a non-issue. Rivian is introducing a Digital Key for second-generation owners. Now, you can keep your car key inside your digital wallet on an iPhone, Apple Watch, or a Samsung or Google Pixel phone. This makes it very easy to get into your vehicle without carrying a physical key fob. You can even send a digital key to a friend or family member if they need to borrow your car. This feature makes owning these electric cars much more convenient for busy families.

For those who like to see exactly what is happening around them, the update changes the screen behind the steering wheel. Drivers can now switch between different views easily. If you have a newer Rivian, you can look at a map for directions or a special "Autonomy" view. This view shows all the other cars and lanes around you in 3D. If you have an older model, you can still switch between a navigation map and a view that shows objects directly in front of you. You just have to click a small wheel on the right side of the steering wheel to swap them.

Rivian also included some fun features for people who like to drive off-road. Owners of the powerful Quad-Motor models can now use something called "Kick Turn." This feature is meant for tight spots in the dirt or mud. When you drive slower than 15 mph, the car can spin its wheels in opposite directions to help the vehicle turn on a dime. It works by slowing down or reversing the wheels on the inside of the turn.

Finally, the update includes a new tool called the RAD Tuner. This is a special screen that lets drivers change how their R1T or R1S feels. You can use sliders on the touch screen to adjust how fast the car accelerates or how much power goes to the front or back wheels. You can even save these settings for different types of ground, like sand or snow.

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