Rivian is closing out 2025 with one of its most significant software updates of the year, if not ever, rolling out Universal Hands-Free autonomy, launching Digital Key across major mobile wallets, and introducing Kick Turn and RAD Tuner.
While the update is packed with headline features, not all of those features will be available across both Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 vehicles.
Digital Key
Rivian’s Digital Key is finally available to owners of Gen 2 R1T and R1S owners, allowing them to store their vehicle key directly in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet. Once added, drivers can unlock, lock, and start their vehicle using a compatible smartphone or smartwatch, without opening the Rivian app or carrying a physical key.
Digital Key uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for precise passive entry, automatically unlocking as the driver approaches and locking as they walk away. Near-Field Communication (NFC) provides a reliable backup, allowing drivers to tap their device on the driver-side door handle if UWB isn’t available or the phone battery is low. On supported devices, Power Reserve keeps NFC access working even after the phone powers down.
Rivian Expands Its Autonomy Capabilities
Perhaps the biggest feature of the update, Rivian is rolling out Universal Hands-Free, first announced at the company’s AI day last week, increasing hands-free assisted driving coverage from roughly 135,000 miles of highways to more than 3.5 million miles of roads across the U.S. and Canada.
Unlike Rivian’s earlier system, Universal Hands-Free can operate on both highways and non-highway roads, as long as lane markings are clearly visible.
Universal Hands Free from Rivian! It works in 3.5 million miles of roads. pic.twitter.com/WfHTkYwqpm
— Chris Hilbert (@Hilbe) December 18, 2025
The update also introduces Autonomy Drive Styles, allowing drivers to choose how assertively the vehicle behaves while assisted driving features are active. The three presets—Mild, Medium, and Spicy—adjust following distance, acceleration, and lane-change behavior, giving drivers more control over how the system feels in real-world driving.
Improved Displays and Controls
Rivian has also refreshed the Autonomy View, zooming out the visualization to provide more context around the vehicle, particularly during lane changes and turns. Speed adjustments while using assisted driving are now simpler as well, with drivers able to increase or decrease set speed using the right thumbwheel on the steering wheel.
Drivers of both Gen 1 and Gen 2 vehicles now have more flexibility in choosing what appears on the Driver Display, switching between navigation, assistance visuals, and autonomy views with a single press.
Kick Turn and RAD Tuner
Rivian is also rolling out Kick Turn exclusively for Gen 2 Quad-Motor vehicles, adding a new layer of low-speed off-road agility through software. Designed for tight trails, dirt roads, and technical terrain, Kick Turn works at speeds under 15 mph (24 km/h) and allows the vehicle to pivot more sharply than traditional steering alone would allow.
When engaged, the system dynamically manages power and grip at each wheel—slowing or even reversing the inside wheels—to help the vehicle rotate around its center. The result is a noticeably tighter turning radius, making multi-point turns on narrow trails far easier.
Or, you can just use it for some fun.
Kick Turn!
— Wassym Bensaid (@WassymBensaid) December 15, 2025
Available this week with the .46 OTA update on @Rivian Gen 2 #Quad pic.twitter.com/6LGiFBl1X7
Alongside Kick Turn, Rivian is introducing RAD Tuner, a new advanced drive-mode customization tool developed by the company’s Rivian Adventure Department (RAD). RAD Tuner gives Quad-Motor owners direct control over key dynamic parameters, including acceleration response, torque distribution, stability behavior, and overall vehicle balance.
Instead of relying solely on factory presets, drivers can now fine-tune and save custom profiles tailored to specific terrain or driving preferences.
Rivian says the technology is derived from the same tools used during competitive events like the Rebelle Rally and Pikes Peak, underscoring how the company continues to translate motorsport-grade software into consumer vehicles.
