12 Reasons You Need to See the Chicago Auto Show This Year
A playground for cars? Yes, please
There’s no better distraction from the bitter cold wind off Lake Michigan this time of year than an indoor playground. And that’s what the Chicago Auto Show has become. Covering acres and acres of convention center space, there’s room to roam, run, drive, sit, snack and even, yes, play with puppies.
The Chicago Auto Show, which takes over McCormick Place until February 16, 2026, is an ideal place to shop for a car, especially in the middle of winter. In addition to full lineups from most major automakers, from Toyota to Hyundai to Jeep and GMC, every day the show offers special events, ride-along test tracks, test drives, activities for kids, exotic and luxury cars, vintage collections and more.
Watch our tour of the Chicago Auto Show here.
After walking literally 15 miles around the auto show over the last few days (you don’t have to walk that far, I promise), here are the highlights that make going to this show, or most any auto show, a great excursion.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Play With Puppies
The sign says “Subaru Loves Pets” and that’s not just a claim, it’s a mission. The company hosts puppy adoption clinics at more than 40 auto shows around the country. Working with local shelters and volunteers, guests are drawn to the Subaru exhibit for the puppies but they stay for the newly redesigned Outback, the Forester and the National Parks-inspired exhibit. It’s pretty incredible, and literally, a breath of fresh air in the middle of winter.
Try Out The Newest Child Car Seat
This year the Chicago Auto Show hosted a first: The introduction of a brand new child passenger car seat made by Britax. The company, which is known in the child care industry as one of the pinnacle brands for safety, revealed its Galaxy 360 rotating car seat. We love rotating seats because they make it easier to get babies in and out of the car, allow passengers to more easily reach the 3rd row and easily allow the transition from rear-facing to forward facing when its time without having to do any heavy lifting. Britax innovated the idea and well, you’ll have to see it for yourself. It’s pretty stunning.
Check out the Award—Winning Hyundai Palisade
When we first drove the 2026 Hyundai Palisade we knew this more powerful, now hybrid, elegant an spacious SUV would win favor. It also won a slew of awards, including the MAMA Favorite Car of 2026 and the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year award. We’re sure there’ll be more, so get in and see this one while you can. It’s a hot property.
The 2027 Kia Telluride Is Requesting Your Attention
Everyone who looks at this car, even non-car-aficionados, say the same thing: It looks like a Range Rover. And that’s the charm of the 2027 Kia Telluride. It’s bold, modern and muscular and it’ll charm you. We can’t wait to drive this one— which we will do in a matter of weeks.
Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Edition
I could not love this version more of the Chrysler more. The company took the all-wheel-drive model and added all terrain tires, took out the third row seats for added under-floor cargo space filled it with coolers, gear and more. They added a water tank, an on-board air compressor and a roof rack for even more accessories. Then, they added Katzkin custom seats in cream and orange, orange seatbelts and outside, lower cladding to protect the beautiful matte gray paint. The Grizzly Peak edition looks right at home on any landscape. This is just a concept and Chrysler isn’t building it right now, but if enough people express interest they may. Stay tuned.
The VW GTI Just Hands Accessible Race Car
Last year, VW partnered with performance driver Torsten Gross to prove that you don’t need to be the perfectly sized or able F1 driver to compete on a track. Torsten is a quadriplegic, but a spirited adventurer who took on performance driving a few years ago. He loved it so much that he created the Just Hands foundation to inspire others to learn adaptive driving, too. Volkswagen signed him on as an ambassador and equipped a VW GTI with hand controls for him to compete in. The coolest part of this, though, is that anyone can have a Volkswagen equipped with hand controls for just $1,000. You can get a close up look not only at the performance modifications of Torsten’s GTI, but also the controls he uses to drive it. Isn’t it nice that VW wants everyone to be able to drive their cars, not just perfectly sized, able-bodied race car drivers?
See Jeep’s Most Luxe Off-Roader Yet: Jeep Recon
Visitors to the Chicago Auto Show can get a really good look at the newest SUV from Jeep, the Recon, through its missing doors and windows. And that’s the idea; open it up and really soak in the sun, the air and the fun of off-load. This all-electric SUV is a fully capable off-roader but also, a really luxe SUV. Inside it features all of Jeep’s top-of-the line technology and design appointments, a larger rear cargo area and a sizable back seat. All of the capability that you find in the Wrangler and the luxury of the Wagoneer S? Yes, please.
Check the Toyota of the Future: the RAV4
We got our first look at the fully-redesigned Toyota RAV4 last year and drove it just a few months ago and have to say, it is a winner. The thing we liked most? No boring options in this SUV: its design is sharp and modern, its all hybrid and there are options for everyone: Premium, adventure or sport. There’s even a GR performance edition that delivers on a fun and powerful drive experience.
The Corvette CX Concept Is Designed to Wow
This one got quite a lot of attention that the Chicago Auto Show, and it’s one of the few concepts on the floor. But looking at this car’s beautiful design and incredible innovation—the entire front end of the car opens up for the driver passenger to climb in to—is what stops show goers in their tracks. Corvette continues to take performance driving to a whole new level and the CX concept shows just how much.
Cadillac’s EVs Take Luxury Over the Top
Cadillac takes up some of the most important space in the show—right next to the EV track. You’ll be able to climb in and see what Cadillac’s EVs are all about and then pop over to the test track and take one for a ride Cadillac is luxury to a new level with it EV you have to see it for
Try Out an EV On the Test Track
When your legs are tired from walking the show it’s time to get in line for the EV Test Track. You can sign up with individual brands or you can hop on the main track and ride along in a variety of different cars. The track will give you a feel for the power and torque of an electric car, but also the comfort, sustainable materials, and luxuries that car makers include in most EVs.
Let Your Kids Have Fun in the Family Zone
The Chicago Auto Show recognizes that families love to go to the auto show, but kids need their playtime too. Much of the west wall of the South Hall is dedicated to kids with activities, electric ride-on cars and other fun stuff. Take a break during your day and let your kids play, or lure them through your day with a promise of their own time at the end of the day.
If the Chicago Auto Show isn’t close enough for you to visit or just isn’t in the cards, there are more than 40 auto shows around the US. This is a great place to shop for a car no matter the season, let your kids play and brush up on new cars and their features so when you head to the dealer to buy a new car you are sure to get just the right car for you.
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