The 2025 Chicago Auto Show roared into McCormick Place with thrilling energy, celebrating its 117th year as North America’s largest and longest-running auto exposition. From February 8th to 17th, nearly 217,000 attendees explored the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, and cutting-edge automotive technology. This year’s show broke records with over 100,000 in-vehicle experiences, reinforcing its status as a must-see event for auto enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Highlights included the debut of models like the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, 2026 Subaru Wilderness, and 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited. Newcomers to the show, including Polestar, Rivian, and VinFast, impressed audiences with their forward-thinking designs.
Other notable vehicles on display ranged from the Cadillac Optiq and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to the Lamborghini Revuelto and Lucid Gravity. Concept cars like the Acura Performance EV and Chrysler Halcyon also drew plenty of attention, along with custom builds from brands like Kia, Jeep, and Toyota.
The interactive experiences took the excitement up a notch. Camp Jeep celebrated its 20th anniversary with thrilling off-road rides in models like the Cherokee and Wrangler, while Ford’s “Built Wild” track featured the dramatic “Bronco Mountain” indoor hill climb. Chicago Drives Electric also expanded its EV track, doubling brand participation and offering electric ride-alongs in 25 models.
Outdoor test drives from various manufacturers rounded out the hands-on experiences, bringing the total number of ride-alongs to a record-breaking 100,000.
Beyond the cars, the show featured exciting events like the Toyota Miles Per Hour run, where over 700 runners raced through the show floor, and the Chicago Friday Night Flights craft beer sampling event, which drew nearly 400 attendees. Family-friendly attractions like the Family Zone and Overlanding Chicago exhibits were also big hits.
Automotive Career Day offered students valuable networking opportunities, hands-on activities, and expert panels, thanks to major sponsors like Rivian and the U.S. Army.
Looking ahead, the Chicago Auto Show is already gearing up for its 2026 edition, with plans to return to McCormick Place in February. Whether you’re an auto aficionado, curious about the future of transportation, or looking for some indoor off roading away from the winter weather, this legendary event promises to deliver.
