Tesla is expanding its AI footprint with the addition of Grok, the chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, now integrated into its latest vehicle software. The company confirmed that Grok will be included in all new Tesla models delivered in the U.S. on or after July 12, at no additional cost to buyers. However, the functionality is limited—and not without controversy.
The move comes just one day after xAI publicly apologized for Grok generating antisemitic content online. Despite those issues, Tesla has gone ahead with its rollout, embedding the chatbot into its infotainment systems. For now, Grok will only be available in the U.S. and restricted to vehicles running the 2025.26 software update with AMD processors. Older models can gain access if they meet the hardware and software requirements, and are connected via Wi-Fi or Tesla’s $9.99/month Premium Connectivity plan.
That said, Grok’s capabilities inside the car are relatively restrained. The chatbot cannot control vehicle functions like navigation, media playback, or climate settings. Instead, it acts as a standalone AI assistant that responds to user queries—similar to a voice-based search engine with a personality. That personality, notably, includes the “Unhinged” mode, which has already drawn criticism for its erratic and often uncomfortable responses.
While Tesla is positioning Grok as a value-add for its infotainment experience, the timing of the rollout is raising eyebrows. The AI was temporarily pulled just days ago after a public backlash stemming from highly offensive outputs. Tesla has since re-enabled it, claiming improvements have been made.
At a time when Tesla’s autonomous driving technology continues to attract regulatory scrutiny—particularly around the safety of its camera-based Full Self-Driving system—the addition of a chatbot with a volatile history may not sit well with some customers. The company has stated that Grok may be expanded to more vehicles via over-the-air updates, but also made it clear that its availability “is subject to change or end at any time.”
For now, Grok in Tesla is less a functional driving assistant and more a novelty feature—a conversational AI layered into the dashboard, with none of the practical in-car integrations that users might expect. Whether that changes in future updates—or disappears entirely—remains to be seen.
