🕰️ 2 years ago
Rivian has introduced a new comfort-focused feature to its R1T and R1S electric vehicles (EVs) through a recent over-the-air (OTA) software update. Dubbed “Roomy Entry and Exit,” the function allows drivers to automatically adjust the seat and steering column for easier ingress and egress. Rolled out in June 2025, the feature reflects Rivian’s growing emphasis on enhancing user experience through intelligent software-based personalization.
Streamlining Entry and Exit with Smart Adjustments
The new “Roomy Entry and Exit” feature mimics—and in some ways improves upon—similar systems previously seen in luxury vehicles. Once activated, the driver’s seat and steering column automatically retract upon vehicle shutdown, and return to the saved driving position once the car is ready to go.
How the Feature Works
The system is accessed via the central infotainment screen:
- Navigate to Vehicle > Access to find the new feature.
- Users are prompted with a safety message, advising them to ensure the path is clear and noting that any manual intervention (such as pressing a button) will stop movement immediately.
- Drivers then adjust their preferred entry/exit positions using steering wheel controls (for column reach and height) and seat-side buttons (for distance and backrest recline).
- Once configured, pressing “Remember Position” stores the settings to the driver’s profile.
The system activates when the seatbelt is unbuckled after parking, repositioning the seat and steering column for easier exit. It restores the saved driving position upon brake pedal input or gear engagement.
An OTA Strategy Focused on User Experience
This update is part of Rivian’s broader strategy to enrich the in-vehicle experience using over-the-air technology—an area where EVs are quickly setting new industry standards.
“Software-driven updates are redefining how automakers deliver value to owners,” said Marta Jensen, a connected mobility expert. “What once required a model-year refresh can now be added with a simple update. Rivian’s new feature is a good example of that flexibility.”
With no physical buttons or dials required for activation, the system fits naturally into Rivian’s minimalist and tech-forward interior design ethos.
Addressing Safety and Potential Quirks
While the feature adds convenience, its reliance on automation also raises usability questions in specific scenarios. For example, if the vehicle adjusts positions upon unbuckling but the driver remains seated (e.g., while waiting for a passenger), it could lead to unintended seat movements.
A recent report from Edmunds also highlighted a neutral gear incident involving the R1T, where the truck shifted into neutral without driver confirmation, causing confusion during a freeway stop. Although unrelated to this new update, such quirks underscore the importance of refining software behavior to ensure intuitive driver interaction.
“These vehicles are essentially rolling computers,” said Nate Collins, an EV product tester. “With every new feature, the challenge is balancing automation with driver expectations. Misalignment can lead to strange or even risky situations.”
EV Comfort Features on the Rise
Historically, memory-based comfort systems were reserved for premium ICE (internal combustion engine) models. With software-defined vehicles (SDVs) like those from Rivian, such features are now accessible to a wider audience. OTA capabilities allow for rapid deployment and refinement based on real-world driver feedback—something that wasn’t feasible in traditional vehicles.
- Rivian has over 75,000 vehicles on U.S. roads as of Q2 2025.
- Surveys show 62% of EV owners now expect personalized comfort features as standard.
- In 2024, 83% of OTA-enabled vehicle owners reported increased satisfaction due to continuous feature additions.
Conclusion
Rivian’s latest OTA release demonstrates the company’s commitment to user-centric innovation, using software to improve everyday vehicle interactions. As EVs continue to evolve into software-first platforms, features like “Roomy Entry and Exit” highlight how automakers can blend convenience, technology, and personalization in ways that enhance the ownership experience.
With future updates likely to expand personalization and automation further, Rivian’s OTA ecosystem is shaping up to be one of its strongest value propositions.
Would you use Rivian’s new Roomy Entry feature? Share your thoughts in the comments!