We tried out Waymo's spacious new robotaxi Ojai. It glitched, but we had way more space and could fit in 6 suitcases.

Waymo's latest innovation, the Ojai robotaxi, is poised to transform urban transportation, particularly for those who tend to overpack. The company, a subsidiary of Alphabet, announced its plans to introduce the spacious, baby-blue Ojai in select cities including San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles in the coming weeks. Designed to accommodate the same number of passengers as Waymo's existing four-seater Jaguar, the Ojai boasts a significantly roomier interior. This electric minivan is set to be the first addition to Waymo's fleet since the Jaguar I-PACE SUVs. Last Friday, Business Insider reporters Lloyd Lee and Rya Jetha had the chance to ride in the Ojai, accompanied by a Waymo representative. Despite experiencing minor glitches during the trip, including two pauses to connect with rider support, the overall spaciousness of the vehicle impressed. To test the Ojai's luggage capacity, the team brought along six suitcases, which included two standard checked bags and four carry-ons. Surprisingly, the minivan had ample room to accommodate the luggage, with enough space left over for comfort. Waymo plans to expand the Ojai's availability to additional cities like San Diego, Las Vegas, and Denver later this summer, initially launching with a fleet of 100 vehicles. Manufactured by Chinese EV company Geely, the Ojai stands out on U.S. roads and is equipped with Waymo's advanced technology, including its sixth-generation AI driver. This upgrade allows for fully autonomous driving even in snowy conditions and features a more compact sensor suite compared to previous models. With four lidars, six radars, and 13 cameras, the Ojai is designed to operate effectively in various lighting conditions. Despite reducing sensor costs, Waymo has enhanced the Ojai's capabilities, creating a vehicle that offers a unique driving experience. Although the specific price of the Ojai remains undisclosed, it is expected to be more affordable than the Jaguar, which had a starting price of around $72,000. As the Ojai rolls out, riders will have the option to choose between the Ojai and the Jaguar based on their trip needs. During the test ride, the cabin's flat floor allowed for additional luggage space, accommodating the team comfortably. Waymo's spokesperson noted that while the Ojai offers similar trunk space to the Jaguar, it provides better legroom and overall passenger comfort. Despite a minor setback due to a navigation error, the ride showcased the Ojai's potential for spacious and convenient travel. While it remains limited to four passengers, there is speculation about future designs that may eliminate the steering wheel to allow for an additional seat. For now, the Ojai serves as an excellent choice for families or frequent travelers with luggage. Overall, the test drive was enjoyable, highlighting the Ojai’s spaciousness and comfort, making it a promising option for urban transport as Waymo continues to innovate in the field of autonomous vehicles.