Universal Hands-Free

Rivian Puts Hands-Free Driving Behind a Paywall, Offers Free Trial Through April

Rivian is officially putting hands-free driving behind a paywall. Universal Hands-Free is now part of the paid Autonomy+ package, with existing owners getting a limited free trial through April before subscriptions kick in. After that, drivers can choose between a $49.99 monthly fee or a $2,500 one-time purchase tied to the vehicle’s VIN, signaling a clear shift toward paid software features.

Rivian R2 Silver Prototype

Why Rivian R2’s Success Matters to Every R1 Owner

Rivian’s upcoming R2 has a lot of R1 owners wondering what it means for them. From software and support to resale value and long term brand health, R2 is less about replacing R1 and more about strengthening the entire Rivian ecosystem.

Rivian Snow

Rivian’s Young Driver Assist Stack Impresses in Winter Conditions

A short clip shared by Scot from Out of Spec shows a Rivian confidently handling lane centering and a lane change in snowy conditions. While Tesla has spent years refining its system with millions of vehicles on the road, Rivian has only been at this for months, making the steady, composed behavior especially notable.

Rivian R2 MVB

Don’t Expect Leasing When Rivian R2 Launches

Rivian may not offer leasing when the R2 launches, and history suggests that should not come as a surprise. Leasing was not available at R1 launch and still is not offered in every state or in Canada today.

R1S Driving

Tesla Just Gave Up on Drivers and Handed Rivian an Opening

Tesla’s decision to walk away from the Model S and Model X is more than a product shuffle, it is a clear signal of where the company is headed. As Tesla doubles down on autonomy, Robotaxi, and AI, it is leaving behind a segment of drivers who still value the act of driving itself. That shift creates an opening for brands like Rivian and others to step in, building vehicles for people who want control, engagement, and choice, not just a ride from point A to point B.