Rivian Autonomy+ feels exactly like Tesla Autopilot from three years ago — and that’s the problem.
In my latest test, the system kept me glued to the road with zero confidence, even on simple highway runs. It’s a Rivian Autonomy Plus review that proves the gap to Tesla FSD is still massive.
Quick Verdict
Rivian Autonomy+ is fine for basic highway cruising but fails the “set it and forget it” test that Tesla FSD passes. If you’re coming from Hardware 4 Tesla vehicles, you’ll be disappointed. If you’ve never used full self-driving, it might feel like an upgrade from nothing.
Rivian Self Driving Comparison on the Highway
During the Rivian highway autonomy test, the system hesitated when traffic slowed ahead and wobbled inside the lane. It never attempted its own lane changes. You can trigger a lane change with the stalk, and it will re-engage Autonomy+ afterward — a small win — but the overall experience stays timid.
Compare that to Tesla FSD, which confidently handles lane changes, exits, and complex merges without constant supervision. The difference in trust level is night and day.
Tesla Autopilot vs Rivian: Side-by-Side Feel
Tesla Autopilot vs Rivian reveals how far behind Rivian still is. Rivian’s blue indicator bar and side-camera visuals look modern, yet the actual driving logic feels dated. It makes more chimes and alerts than current Tesla systems, and the scroll-wheel speed adjustments feel clunky by comparison.
Where Rivian Autonomy+ Actually Shines
It’s still better than most legacy brands with zero ADAS. For drivers who’ve never experienced Tesla FSD, the Rivian version reduces fatigue on long highway stretches. Rivian also promises major updates within the next year thanks to its Uber partnership, which could close the gap faster than expected.
Check my early look at Rivian’s point-to-point autonomy plans here: https://www.denniscw.com/blog/rivian-point-to-point-autonomy-early-access
Pros and Cons
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Highway centering | Smooth on clear roads | Wobbles and hesitates in traffic |
| Lane changes | Re-engages after manual change | No automatic lane changes |
| Driver confidence | Better than no system | Requires constant attention |
| Future potential | Uber partnership and updates | Currently years behind Tesla FSD |
Final Verdict
Rivian Autonomy+ vs Tesla FSD is not close today. The Rivian system is a decent starting point for the brand but lands closer to old Autopilot than modern FSD. I’m watching the promised 2025 improvements closely, especially on the R2 platform.
Watch the full test here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZbXPJLsED-A
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