Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has finally joined the ranks of companies offering hands-free highway driving features, with the rollout of its Enhanced Highway Assist system. This update, available on its second-generation vehicles, enables drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel on compatible highways, covering 135,000 miles of road in the US and Canada.

The company's move is notable, given its lag behind competitors like Tesla and General Motors in introducing partially automated driving features. Rivian's Enhanced Highway Assist feature controls steering, acceleration, and braking to make driving a less stressful and more comfortable experience. However, drivers will still need to keep their eyes on the road, as an infrared camera embedded in the rearview mirror tracks eye movements and monitors driver attention. If the driver's gaze strays from the road for too long, the system will issue a series of warnings before disengaging.

Rivian plans to further upgrade its driver-assist system next year with the addition of a hands-off, eyes-off feature, known as Level 3 automation. This type of driving, still rare in the auto world, would allow drivers to not need to pay attention to the road in certain situations, such as low-speed stop-and-go traffic. However, experts have raised concerns about the safety of Level 3 systems, citing the need for drivers to stay attentive despite the vehicle performing most of the driving tasks.

Like other automakers, Rivian views partial automation more as a convenience feature than a safety feature. A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that drivers are adept at skirting the rules that govern driver-assist systems, and that even a split second of distraction can lead to accidents when a car is traveling at high speeds.

In addition to the Enhanced Highway Assist feature, Rivian also announced a new Rally drive mode for dual-motor vehicles, which delivers heightened throttle response and crisper steering on various terrains. The company is also offering an over-the-air performance update for a one-time fee of $5,000, unlocking 665 horsepower and 829 lb.-ft. of torque, and introducing three new drive modes.

The software update also includes several lifestyle fixes, such as making it easier to swap wheel sizes, sideview mirrors that automatically tilt down when parallel parking, and the ability to close the charge port door from the mobile app.

Rivian's entry into the hands-free highway driving market marks a significant step forward for the company, and its plans for expansion and Level 3 automation in 2026 will be closely watched by the industry. As the autonomous driving landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Rivian's Enhanced Highway Assist feature will stack up against its competitors.