Rivian adds a new onboard AI assistant to its latest software update

Rivian has quickly built a reputation as one of the auto industry’s leaders when it comes to vehicle software. Its clean-sheet approach to an electric vehicle’s electronic architecture earned it a $5 billion investment from Volkswagen Group, and its in-house infotainment system is beloved by owners despite no plans inside the company to support phone mirroring through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

In the absence of phone mirroring—and the way it lets you easily use Siri or Google Assistant hands-free while driving—Rivian has now added a new AI digital helper in its latest software update, compatible with both older Gen1 Rivians (model-year 2024 and older) as well as the more recent Gen2 models.

The Rivian Assistant rolled out in its latest software update, 2026.15, to all owners with a subscription or trial for Connect+, Rivian’s connectivity services. You activate it like most digital assistants, either with a button on the steering wheel, an icon on the infotainment display, or with a trigger phrase—in this case, “Hey Rivian” or “OK, Rivian.”

Because the assistant runs within Rivian’s private cloud, it has a deep integration into the EV’s subsystems similar to BMW’s and Mercedes-Benz’s offerings, rather than the more pared-back abilities of the in-car AI assistant provided by Google to OEMs that use Android Automotive and Google Automotive Services. Rivian says that the AI can “control vehicle settings, climate control, navigation, media, messaging, and calling.” It can also reference the owner’s manual, will reply to questions, search for information, and even explain in-car alerts and help you troubleshoot problems.