The race toward true autonomous driving is intensifying, and Rivian is emerging as one of the boldest challengers in the field. Known for their rugged electric adventure vehicles like the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, Rivian has now set its sights on redefining the driving experience—this time by taking the driver out of the equation entirely.
In 2025, Rivian will roll out its long-promised hands-free “eyes-off” driver-assistance system, marking a significant evolution in the company’s tech stack. Unlike current “hands-free” systems that still require your eyes on the road, Rivian’s system aims for a Level 3+ experience—one where drivers can legally and safely disengage their attention on approved routes.
So, what does this mean for Rivian owners and the broader EV landscape? Let’s explore the details behind this upcoming leap in autonomous driving and what sets Rivian apart in this competitive space.
Understanding the Leap: From ADAS to “Eyes-Off” Driving
To appreciate Rivian’s move, it’s important to distinguish between different levels of autonomy:
| Autonomy Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | No automation—human controls everything |
| Level 1 | Basic assistance (e.g., adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist) |
| Level 2 | Partial automation, hands off temporarily, but eyes must remain on the road |
| Level 3 | Conditional automation: Hands and eyes off, but driver must be available |
| Level 4/5 | Full autonomy (no driver attention needed or no driver at all) |
Currently, most systems from Tesla (FSD), Ford (BlueCruise), and GM (Super Cruise) operate at Level 2, with some venturing into Level 3.
Rivian is aiming straight for Level 3 “eyes-off” capability—a category that very few automakers have successfully deployed in consumer vehicles.
Rivian’s Tech Stack: Built for Autonomy
Unlike retrofitted systems, Rivian has designed its driver-assist hardware from the ground up to support autonomy.
🚘 Hardware Highlights:
- 11 cameras for 360° visibility
- 5 radar sensors, including long-range forward radar
- Ultrasonic sensors for parking and object detection
- High-performance NVIDIA Orin processor—handling 254 trillion operations per second (TOPS)
- Redundant braking and steering systems for safety assurance
This robust sensor suite enables precise object recognition, lane-level localization, and predictive motion planning—key requirements for hands-free driving at highway speeds.
🧠 Software Backed by AI and Real-World Data
Rivian’s software stack continuously processes data from its entire fleet to improve performance over time. Their machine-learning models adapt to real-world driving behavior, weather patterns, and even rare edge cases like construction zones or unexpected obstacles.
The company is building its own maps, navigation algorithms, and route verification layers—rather than outsourcing core autonomy components to third parties.
How Rivian’s “Eyes-Off” Driving Will Work
Here’s how Rivian’s system is expected to function by late 2025:
✅ Hands-Free AND Eyes-Off
Drivers can completely take their hands off the wheel and divert their eyes from the road while the vehicle navigates highways.
✅ Highway-Only Operation (at Launch)
Initial deployment will be limited to mapped and validated highways—think of interstates and major state routes. City and rural road support will come later.
✅ Driver Re-engagement Alerts
If the vehicle encounters a situation it can’t handle (e.g., unexpected debris, inclement weather), it will prompt the driver to take over. Failure to respond will result in a controlled, safe stop.
✅ OTA (Over-the-Air) Updates
As with other Rivian features, this tech will be software-upgradable, meaning your R1T or R1S will get smarter over time.
Target Rollout: What We Know So Far
Rivian has confirmed that “eyes-off” hands-free driving will be available for:
- New R1T and R1S models shipping in 2025
- Select older models (2022–2024) equipped with the new “Gen 2” hardware suite
- Vehicles on pre-qualified routes, initially across the U.S. and Canada
No official pricing has been announced yet, but the feature may be bundled as part of a premium driver-assist package or as a subscription similar to Tesla’s FSD model.
Comparing Rivian to the Competition
| Brand | System Name | Hands-Free? | Eyes-Off? | Highway Use | Subscription? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivian | TBD (2025) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Likely |
| Tesla | Full Self-Driving | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Yes ($99/mo) |
| Ford | BlueCruise 1.3 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Optional |
| Mercedes-Benz | Drive Pilot | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (in NV/CA) | Included |
| GM | Super Cruise | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Optional |
Only Mercedes-Benz has achieved legal Level 3 in select U.S. states. Rivian will be among the first American EV startups to bring a similar capability to market.
Safety and Legal Compliance
Launching an “eyes-off” system is as much about regulatory approval as it is about technology. Rivian has confirmed that:
- The feature will comply with DOT and NHTSA guidance
- It will be restricted to legally permitted zones (initially interstates)
- State-by-state rollout is likely based on local laws
To further ensure safety, Rivian is partnering with state governments and using anonymized real-world fleet data to validate its driving models.
Why It Matters: EVs and the Future of Mobility
This upcoming feature isn’t just about convenience—it signals Rivian’s vision of the EV as a digital mobility platform.
Imagine:
- Commuting 2 hours without ever touching the wheel
- Conducting video calls or watching movies on the road
- Vehicles driving themselves for service, charging, or valet parking
Autonomy will soon become a core differentiator in the EV space—alongside battery range, performance, and software ecosystems. Rivian knows this and is betting big on being a first mover.
Customer Expectations & Concerns
👁️ Privacy
Rivian has promised that in-cabin cameras used for driver monitoring will not store or transmit footage without consent.
🛡️ Reliability
Customers expect “eyes-off” systems to be bulletproof, especially at highway speeds. Rivian’s multi-redundant fail-safe design is critical to trust-building.
🔄 Upgrade Path
Older Rivian owners with Gen 1 hardware may need to upgrade their vehicle or miss out on the feature altogether—this could influence resale value and buying decisions.
FAQs: Rivian’s Hands-Free “Eyes-Off” Driving
When will Rivian’s hands-free system launch?
Rivian plans to launch its eyes-off hands-free driving feature in late 2025, starting with highway use.
Will it work in all Rivian models?
Only models with the second-generation hardware suite, available starting in 2025, will fully support the feature. Some 2023–2024 vehicles may be partially compatible.
Is the feature included in the vehicle price?
Rivian hasn’t confirmed pricing, but it’s expected to be a premium feature, either as an upfront package or a monthly subscription.
What happens if the driver doesn’t respond?
If re-engagement prompts are ignored, the vehicle will initiate a controlled stop in a safe location with hazard lights.
Will this work off highways?
Not at launch. The feature is initially limited to mapped highways, with city and rural expansion coming in future software updates.
Final Thoughts: Rivian’s Big Bet on Autonomy
Rivian’s upcoming hands-free “eyes-off” driving system is more than just a tech upgrade—it’s a statement of intent. By pushing the envelope on autonomy, Rivian isn’t just catching up to Tesla or GM—it’s aiming to leapfrog them in meaningful ways.
For customers, this means a radically new kind of driving experience. For the industry, it’s another sign that the future of EVs isn’t just electric—it’s intelligent, autonomous, and increasingly personalized.
If Rivian succeeds, 2025 could be the year we stop “driving” altogether.