Rivian is rolling out its AI-powered in-vehicle voice assistant with its latest software update. The assistant will be accessible to all Rivian Gen 1 and Gen 2 owners with a Connect+ cellular subscription, priced at $15 monthly or $150 annually, or those in an active trial. Additionally, the assistant will be featured in Rivian’s upcoming R2 mid-size electric SUV, which has recently begun production.
Rivian expects to deliver the first units of the R2 EV’s priciest variant later this spring, with a base model anticipated in 2027 at a price of $45,000. The company initially unveiled the Rivian Assistant during its Autonomy and AI Day in December 2025, outlining the assistant’s capability to “orchestrate different models and choose the best one for the task.”
The foundation of the assistant, named “Rivian Unified Intelligence,” is designed to learn from users, creating a personalized driving experience. It saves individual context tied to specific driver profiles to prevent confusion among multiple users in one household.
Users can activate the assistant by saying “Hey, Rivian” or by pressing a button located on the left side of the steering wheel. Rivian claims the assistant, integrated into its system, enables direct hardware control unlike other phone-mirrored assistants. Its natural language processing capabilities mean drivers do not need to memorize specific commands.
For example, if a user requests to make all passengers’ seats “toasty” except their own, the assistant can adjust the seat heating accordingly. The assistant can also change drive modes, modify ride height, open the front trunk, manage climate settings, and more, all hands-free.
Beyond basic controls, the assistant can provide directions, identify media, read and draft texts, summarize local news, and deliver weather updates. It also offers troubleshooting assistance, including guidance on changing vehicle tires.
Rivian Assistant will connect with third-party applications, starting with Google Calendar, enabling users to manage appointments directly via the assistant. However, it is important to note that the assistant can only understand and respond in English.
