Rivian Automotive, Inc. (RIVN) is rolling out a software update that dramatically expands where drivers can use hands-free assisted driving, while adding new features that give owners more control and convenience across both Gen 1 and Gen 2 vehicles.
The electric vehicle maker launched Enhanced Highway Assist earlier this year, but with software update 2025.46, it's taking things to an entirely different scale. The company is introducing Universal Hands-Free, which expands hands-free assisted driving from roughly 135,000 miles to more than 3.5 million miles of roads throughout the United States and Canada.
That's not just a minor bump. Universal Hands-Free now works on highways and clearly marked roads beyond them, meaning drivers can engage hands-free assistance in far more everyday driving situations than before.
Customization and Control Take Center Stage
Rivian isn't stopping at expanded coverage. The company is giving customers more say in how their vehicles behave when driver assistance features are active.
The new Autonomy Drive Styles let drivers choose how the vehicle responds while using Universal Hands-Free, Highway Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, or Lane Change on Command. Think of it as personalizing your car's driving personality.
The update also improves Rivian's Autonomy View by zooming out to show more of the area behind the vehicle, giving drivers better context during lane changes and turns. On top of that, Rivian simplified speed control by letting drivers adjust their set speed by rolling the right thumbwheel on the steering wheel while assisted driving features are engaged.
Digital Keys Enter the Picture
Rivian is also rolling out its new Digital Key, which allows Gen 2 owners to add their vehicle key to digital wallets on iPhone, Apple Watch, Google Pixel, Samsung devices, and compatible smartwatches.
Built on the Car Connectivity Consortium standard, the Digital Key supports passive locking and unlocking, key sharing with family and friends, and smartwatch-only access. The feature will also serve as the foundation for future vehicles, including the R2 and R3.
Wall Street Backs R2 and AI Strategy
Rivian stock has gained over 42% year-to-date, and analysts are taking notice.
Baird upgraded the stock to Outperform from Neutral and lifted its price forecast to $25 from $14, citing stronger long-term prospects. Analyst Ben Kallo said Rivian's upcoming R2 platform could help counter softer electric vehicle demand while strengthening the brand and driving product interest, according to Barron's.
He called 2026 "the year of R2," with sales expected to begin in mid-2026.
Kallo also highlighted Rivian's advances in autonomous driving, including its use of custom-designed chips, as a key advantage that could bolster the company's long-term competitiveness.
RIVN Price Action: Rivian Automotive shares were up 6.86% at $18.85 at last check Thursday.
