From hybrids to pickups to crossovers to sports cars, a diverse array of vehicles fill the brightly lit floor of the McCormick Place Convention Center. Visitors weave through immersive displays showcasing the latest models, sliding into driver’s seats, chatting with manufacturers and perhaps even eyeing their next purchase. In the background, the sharp screech of tires echoes as cars carrying excited passengers zip around the test tracks.
The center is bustling with energy, excitement and innovation.
Since its debut in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show made its annual return to McCormick Place from Feb. 8-17, featuring over 30 manufacturers, the first appearance of all-electric manufacturer Rivian and two electrical vehicle tracks. With general admission of $17 per adult, the show offered more than just vehicle displays, providing attendees with various interactive experiences, activities and daily events.
On Feb. 7, the night before opening day, the “First Look for Charity” gala fundraiser for nonprofits took place at the auto show, where Mayor Brandon Johnson made a special appearance. In an interview with the U-High Midway, Mayor Johnson spoke on the significance of the auto show for the city of Chicago.
“It’s an exciting moment, you know, the auto show as an institution in Chicago,” Mayor Johnson said.
He said the auto show not only exhibited industry innovation but also reflected the core values of Chicago.
“As a pro-worker city, as a pro-industry city, the auto show in Chicago really brings together the best parts about who we are: pro-business and pro-worker,” Mayor Johnson said.
Some of Mayor Johnson’s favorite cars at the show were the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.
Sean Downey, the Ford floor manager, hoped the Ford display area, the largest at the show, exposed attendees to Ford’s extensive lineup.
“I hope that they buy a Ford,” Mr. Downey said, “but also just learn about all the new stuff that Ford is offering, if they haven’t been to a dealership recently or haven’t seen or followed Ford online or anything like that — just learn about the variety and the power of choice that Ford offers throughout our whole entire lineup.”
Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant on the South Side employs more than 4,000 workers assembling Ford Explorers and other vehicles.
Rivian made its first appearance at the auto show, as the brand is working to similarly market their all-electric vehicles to a broader audience. Scott Ragan, a team member of Rivian’s New Market Launch, believed that the auto show was a great way to increase exposure.
“I think it was a great decision because we wanted to get out into the market and especially show off the R2, which is our vehicle that’s coming in the first half of 2026 — and also just get people behind the wheel,” Mr. Ragan said. “These are ride-alongs as opposed to drives, but just getting people into our R1S and out R1T truck, just so they can experience it.”
The R2 is manufactured in downstate Normal at a factory with significant support from the State of Illinois.
In addition to the two interactive ride-along EV tracks, Jeep and Ford were the only manufacturers with an interactive display on their floor. Attendees waited in a long line to go on Jeep’s “Camp Jeep,” an almost roller-coaster-like experience similar to that of Ford’s “Bronco Built Wild” experience.
Sophomore Kai Long attended the auto show on Feb. 9, and in addition to taking photos of the vehicle, his favorite aspects were these interactive elements.
“I thought it was pretty cool to see the cars show off. It was weird seeing them drive up these massive ramps indoors,” Kai said. “The cars driving around super fast in a loop and destroying their tires was also pretty interesting.”
While most people purchase vehicles from dealerships, Mr. Downey noted that an auto show allows customers to have a less-stressful experience when determining their future car.
“We have a great team of people that we staff throughout the floor that will happily answer questions,” Mr. Downey said, “and you can get in and out of the vehicles without any pressure from a dealership here at the auto show.”
Beyond promoting manufacturers’ latest models, the Chicago Auto Show showed visitors the innovation and diversity of modern and future vehicles. Like others, Mayor Johnson enjoyed the personalized experience of viewing the types of vehicles he prefers the most.
“I’m more of an off-road kind of person, so big tires, the doors come open, they come off,” Mayor Johnson said. “That’s where you have fun.”
