You’ve probably seen the headlines about Rivian’s "Gen 2" R1 and the upcoming R2. They talk about megapixels, range, and those quirky headlights. But there is a massive shift happening right under your hands—literally. The way a Rivian communicates with the road is changing, and it isn't just about a softer leather wrap on the wheel.
Honestly, steering is one of those things we take for granted until it feels "off."
In the old days (like, three years ago), steering was mostly mechanical. You turned a wheel, a shaft turned, and your tires moved. Simple. But Rivian is moving toward a "software-defined" steering architecture that treats your input as data rather than just physical force. This isn't just geeky talk. It actually changes how the truck handles a rocky trail versus a 75-mph highway merge.
The Steer-By-Wire Rumors Are Real
Let's address the elephant in the room: Steer-by-wire (SBW). For months, the forums have been buzzing about job listings at Rivian for "Steering Actuator" leads. People got nervous. Removing the physical connection between the driver and the tires sounds like a recipe for a video game feel, right?
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Well, Rivian is actively developing this. While the current Gen 2 R1 still uses a traditional mechanical column with an electric power-assist motor, the groundwork for a full SBW system is being laid for the R2 and R3 platforms.
Why do it? Packaging.
When you get rid of that massive metal steering column, you suddenly have room for bigger frunks and better crash structures. More importantly, it allows for variable steering ratios. Ever tried to parallel park a massive SUV and had to spin the wheel three full times? With next-gen steering, the computer can make the tires turn fully with just a half-turn of the wheel at low speeds, then tighten everything up when you're flying down the interstate.
Digital Clicks and Haptic Dials
If you’ve peeked inside the R2 prototype, you noticed the steering wheel looks... different. It’s got these chunky, exposed scroll wheels.
These aren't just your standard volume knobs. Rivian is calling them "multi-modal control mechanisms." They use dynamic haptic feedback to change how they feel based on what you’re doing.
- Adjusting Volume? The wheel feels like a smooth, heavy dial with subtle "clicks" for each notch.
- Changing Speed? The resistance increases, giving you a tactile "thump" for every 5-mph increment.
- Navigating Menus? It can tilt left and right, acting more like a joystick than a wheel.
It’s a clever way to keep your eyes on the road. Instead of poking a 15-inch screen to change your following distance, your thumb tells you exactly what happened. This is a massive part of the Rivian next-gen EV steering experience—merging the physical and digital worlds so the car feels like an extension of your body, not a computer on wheels.
Software is the New Hardware
In late 2025, Rivian dropped the 2025.46 update. This was a turning point. It introduced something called "Autonomy Drive Styles."
You can now choose between Mild, Medium, and Spicy settings for how the car steers itself.
It sounds gimmicky, but it’s actually brilliant. In "Spicy" mode, the steering is quicker and more assertive during lane changes. It doesn't hesitate. If you're in "Mild," the car drifts over like a sleepy chauffeur. This level of customization is only possible because the steering rack is talking directly to the AI "Large Driving Model" that Rivian built in-house.
And for the Quad-Motor owners? You got the Kick Turn.
By using the steering sensors and the independent motors, the car can essentially pivot on its own axis. It's not a full tank turn—Rivian killed that for environmental reasons—but it’s a software-controlled steering maneuver that makes a 17-foot truck feel like a go-kart on a tight trail.
The 3.5 Million Mile "Hands-Free" Reality
We have to talk about Universal Hands-Free. This is Rivian's big play against Tesla’s FSD and Ford’s BlueCruise.
As of early 2026, Rivian has mapped or validated over 3.5 million miles of roads for hands-free driving. The steering system here is doing the heavy lifting. It uses a high-torque actuator to make micro-adjustments that feel natural to the human eye.
The most impressive part? Co-Steer.
In most EVs, if you're in Autopilot or Super Cruise and you try to nudge the car away from a semi-truck in the next lane, the system freaks out and disengages. It feels like you’re fighting the car. Rivian’s next-gen system allows you to "co-steer." You can nudge the wheel to reposition yourself within the lane without the car turning off the ADAS. It’s a subtle bit of programming, but it makes the tech feel way less bossy.
What’s the Catch?
Is it all perfect? No.
Software-defined steering means that if the 12V battery dies or the software glitches, you’re relying on redundant systems that haven't been "field tested" for decades like mechanical ones have. Rivian is combatting this by using independent power sources for the steering unit and dual-processing chips.
There’s also the "numbness" factor.
Enthusiasts often complain that electric steering feels like a Logitech G29 racing wheel. Rivian’s engineers, led by CEO RJ Scaringe (who is a total car nerd), have been obsessed with "tire feedback." In the latest "Sport" and "Rally" modes, they've actually programmed in more vibration and resistance from the road. They are literally using software to simulate the feeling of dirt under your tires. It's a bit ironic, right? We're using computers to fake the feeling of mechanical reality.
Actionable Insights for Future Owners
If you're looking at a 2025 or 2026 Rivian, here is how to actually use this new tech to your advantage:
- Calibrate Your Drive Style: Don't just leave the car in "All-Purpose." Go into the settings and try "Spicy" for highway commutes if you want faster, more confident lane changes. Switch to "Mild" for long road trips to reduce fatigue.
- Master the Haptics: The new scroll wheels on the R2/R3 are contextual. Learn the "long-press" versus the "tilt." It'll save you from looking at the center screen 80% of the time.
- Trust the Co-Steer: If you’re using Universal Hands-Free and a lane looks tight, don't disengage. Just nudge the wheel. The car will learn your preferred lane position and hold it there.
- Off-Road Feedback: If you find the steering wheel "kicking" too much on rocky trails, check your Off-Road mode settings. The newer software allows you to dampen that kickback electronically so you don't break a thumb when a tire hits a boulder.
The era of the "dumb" steering rack is over. Whether we’re ready for it or not, our cars are starting to feel less like machines and more like partners. Rivian's bet is that as long as it feels like a truck, we won't mind that a line of code is doing the heavy lifting.