Sonic the Hedgehog Speeds Into Waze as Your New Driving Companion

Waze has added Sonic the Hedgehog as a new navigation sidekick, letting drivers swap the default voice for Sega’s iconic blue mascot. The update arrives as part of Sega’s global Racing Around the World campaign, celebrating Sonic’s 35th anniversary.

Users can find Sonic in Waze’s sidekick settings and enable him to give directions. Once activated, Sonic provides navigation instructions with a mix of humor and nostalgia. Some of his voice lines include, “Alright, let’s roll, keep your eyes on the road, never know when a loop-de-loop or spike trap will be in the way,” and “Turn right, excellent handling, no notes from me whatsoever.”

Beyond the voice feature, the update adds new customization options. Drivers can replace their in-app vehicle with the Speedster Lightning car from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and change their avatar to a Sonic-themed face visible to other Waze users.

“Get ready to feel unstoppable because Sonic the Hedgehog is taking you on the drive of a lifetime with Waze,” a statement from Waze reads. “Starting today, you can select Sega’s iconic character, Sonic the Hedgehog, as your personal hype man on the road.” — Waze

The Sonic collaboration continues Sega’s Racing Around the World campaign, which has included several partnerships and events leading into the franchise’s anniversary year. Earlier this year, Sega announced a multi-year partnership with McLaren Racing, designed to connect “two globally recognized icons of speed” through “creative integrations and experiences that fuse the worlds of motorsport and gaming and engage audiences of all ages both on the grid and screen.”

The partnership references McLaren’s past connection to Sonic, dating back more than three decades to Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna’s famous Sonic trophy win. This collaboration builds on that legacy by linking Sonic’s racing identity with real-world motorsport culture.

Through Waze, Sonic extends his racing legacy into an interactive, everyday experience. Drivers can now hear Sonic’s signature enthusiasm while navigating real roads, turning commutes into themed adventures. The Sonic sidekick, car icon, and avatar are available globally starting today, with all features accessible through the app’s latest update.