Tesla Brings Grok AI to Its Cars — Meet Your New Road Trip Companion

Tesla is taking the in-car experience to the next level with the launch of a new feature called Companion, which brings Grok,directly into Tesla vehicles.

This feature is part of Tesla’s latest software update (2025.26) and turns your car into a smart, talkative co-pilot—though it won’t actually drive or control any vehicle systems.

What is Grok?

Grok is an AI chatbot built using the Grok-4 model, designed to understand natural language and respond like a human.

Think of it like ChatGPT, but with a more fun, edgy personality and it lives inside your Tesla.

How It Works

To use Grok, just tap the App Launcher on your Tesla’s touchscreen or press and hold the steering wheel voice button.

You’ll then be able to chat with Grok hands-free, whether you’re driving or parked.

What Can Grok Do?

Talk Like a Human: Grok can answer your questions, tell stories, crack jokes, or explain things like why your battery might be draining faster than usual.

Suggest Places: Planning a trip? Grok can recommend scenic routes or cool stops nearby.

Custom Voices & Personality Modes: Choose from voices like Ara, Rex, or Gork, and even set the mood with modes like Storyteller or the playful (and slightly chaotic) Unhinged mode.

Safe & Controlled: Grok won’t control your climate, music, or navigation. Those features still rely on Tesla’s existing voice commands to keep things simple and safe.

Who Can Use It?

New Teslas (delivered after July 12, 2025) come with Grok pre-installed.

Older Teslas (from mid-2021 onward with an AMD Ryzen chip) can get Grok via an over-the-air update, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection or Premium Connectivity subscription.

Why This Matters

With the Companion update, Tesla becomes one of the first automakers to embed generative AI in its vehicles not just for utility, but for entertainment and real-time interaction.

While Grok has made headlines for its controversial tone on social platforms, Tesla’s in-car version is designed to keep things safe, helpful, and fun.

This move shows how AI is becoming part of everyday driving—not just helping you get from A to B, but also keeping you company along the way.

News Gist

Tesla’s new “Companion” feature adds Grok AI to its cars, enabling natural, voice-based conversations without controlling vehicle functions.

It offers personalized voices, storytelling, and suggestions, making drives more interactive.

Available via update on supported models with secure data handling.