Waymo has unveiled its newest robotaxi called the Ojai (pronounced Oh hi). The vehicle is a modified Zeekr EV from Chinese company Zeekr. It is boxier and more spacious than the Jaguar I Pace that Waymo has been using for years. The Ojai has a flat floor, more legroom, higher ceilings and dual sliding doors. It is equipped with the sixth generation Waymo Driver, designed to handle harsher weather conditions including snow. The Ojai can seat up to four passengers. In the future, the steering wheel can be removed to allow someone to sit in the driver‘s seat. The vehicle includes Braille on some buttons for blind passengers, a wiper on the sensor suite to clear rain and snow, and a large trunk for groceries or strollers. Fully autonomous rides are opening in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix first, expanding to more cities later in summer 2026. Riders can express interest in the Waymo app. This review covers the design, interior, technology, accessibility features and expansion plans.

Design And Exterior

The Waymo Ojai is a modified Zeekr vehicle. It is boxier and more spacious than the Jaguar I Pace. The design more closely resembles a van.

• Dual sliding doors (more room when entering and exiting).
• Sensor suite on the roof includes a small wiper to clear rain and snow.
• Trunk is large enough for groceries or bulkier items like a stroller.
• In the future, the steering wheel can be removed to seat another passenger.

Interior And Comfort

The Ojai interior is roomy and designed for passenger comfort.

• Flat floor (easier to stretch legs).
• More legroom than the I Pace.
• Higher ceilings.
• Seats up to four passengers.
• Touchscreen for playing music, adjusting temperature or contacting customer support.
• Braille buttons on some controls for blind passengers.

Technology: 6th Generation Waymo Driver

The Ojai is equipped with the sixth generation Waymo Driver. This self driving tech can detect more details and gauge objects in a variety of lighting and weather conditions.

• Designed to handle harsher weather including snow.
• Will make it easier for Waymo to expand to more cities.
• Sensor suite includes a wiper to keep cameras clear in rain and snow.

Availability And Expansion

Fully autonomous rides in the Ojai are opening in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix first. Expansion to more cities will happen later in summer 2026. Riders can express interest in trying the new vehicle through the Waymo app. The app will notify them when the opportunity becomes available.

Pros And Cons Of The Waymo Ojai

Pros

• More spacious than Jaguar I Pace (flat floor, more legroom, higher ceilings).
• Dual sliding doors for easier entry and exit.
• 6th generation Waymo Driver handles snow and harsh weather.
• Braille buttons for blind passengers.
• Wiper on sensor suite keeps cameras clear in rain and snow.
• Large trunk for groceries or strollers.
• Touchscreen for music, temperature and customer support.
• Future removable steering wheel for additional passenger seat.
• Expanding to more cities summer 2026.

Cons

• Limited availability (SF, LA, Phoenix initially).
• Must express interest via Waymo app (not available to all riders immediately).
• Modified Zeekr vehicle (brand unfamiliar to US passengers).
• No mention of pricing or ride costs.
• Autonomous driving may still have limitations in extreme weather.
• No mention of charging time or battery range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Waymo Ojai?
The Ojai is Waymo‘s newest robotaxi, a modified Zeekr EV with more space, sliding doors and the 6th generation Waymo Driver.

When will the Waymo Ojai be available?
Fully autonomous rides are opening in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix first, expanding to more cities later in summer 2026.