Rivian is rolling out its AI-powered in-vehicle voice assistant with the latest software update. This assistant will be available to all Rivian Gen 1 and Gen 2 owners who subscribe to the Connect+ cellular service for $15 per month or $150 annually, or to those currently undergoing an active trial. The assistant will also be featured in the upcoming R2 mid-size electric SUV, which has recently begun production.
The first deliveries of the R2 EV’s higher-end variant are expected later this spring, while the base model, which is priced at $45,000, is planned for release in 2027. Rivian Assistant was initially announced during the company’s Autonomy and AI Day in December 2025, where the automaker described it as a system that will “orchestrate different models and choose the best one for the task.” The underlying technology, named “Rivian Unified Intelligence,” is designed to integrate various functionalities and learn from user interactions to enhance the driving experience.
Users can activate the assistant by saying “Hey, Rivian” or pressing a button on the left steering wheel. The assistant can control vehicle hardware, allowing for hands-free adjustments such as seat heating, changing drive modes, adjusting ride height, opening the front trunk, and managing climate controls. The assistant understands natural language commands, eliminating the need for users to memorize specific phrases.
In addition to controlling vehicle functions, the assistant can provide directions, identify songs, and read texts to drivers. Users can also request summaries of local news or ask for weather updates. Furthermore, it can assist in troubleshooting, including providing instructions for changing vehicle tires.
The Rivian Assistant will integrate with third-party applications, with Google Calendar being the first integration. This feature enables users to check and manage appointments directly through the assistant without navigating to the app. Currently, the assistant only understands commands in English and will respond solely in that language.
