The 118th Chicago Auto Show returns to McCormick Place this winter with one of the most anticipated automotive events in North America. Running for 10 full days starting February 7 through February 16, the show brings together manufacturers from around the globe under one massive roof.
McCormick Place will transform into a showcase featuring nearly 1,000 vehicles from more than 20 automakers. The event has grown significantly since its first staging in 1901. It now stands as the longest-running auto exposition in the country.
Chicago’s winter show offers something Detroit and Los Angeles can’t match. The timing positions it perfectly for first-quarter product launches when buyers are actively shopping. The Midwest location draws serious purchasers from a 300-mile radius representing billions in purchasing power.
Chicago Auto Show 2026: Dates, Schedule, and Essential Event Details
Official Chicago Auto Show 2026 Dates and Event Timeline
The Public Show takes place from Saturday, February 7th to Monday, February 16th, 2026. Members of the media are invited to a consolidated one-day Press Preview event that takes place on Friday, February 6th.
The preview for the media will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 6th. This is an adjustment in response to feedback from car makers wanting a more streamlined program. The one-day program will allow media to preview exhibitors and test the latest news in the automotive world before opening to the public.
The same evening leads into the prestigious First Look for Charity event. This black-tie gala has raised over $65 million for local charities since its inception. Guests indulge in gourmet cuisine and music entertainment while taking the first peek at the show floor.
Complete Daily Schedule: Public Days, Media Days, and Special Events
The event features a consistent schedule for most of the 10-day duration of the event. General admission ticket holders are able to gain entry at 10 a.m. every day.
Closing hours differ depending on the dates. February 7 and February 9 through 15 close at 9 p.m. Sunday, February 8 closes earlier at 6 p.m. The last day of February 16 closes at 8 p.m.
Special events add to the fun beyond merely admiring cars. Miles Per Hour Run happens on Sunday, February 8th. Runners get to complete a 2.4-mile course in McCormick Place before opening to the public.
Career Day for Autos on Tuesday, February 10. The students get to experience different careers available in the automotive field. Advanced ticket sales have a discounted rate of $10 for students.
First Responders and Military Appreciation Day takes place Wednesday, February 11. Police officers and firefighters can present their badge for free entry. EMTs and paramedics receive the same benefit. U.S. Military members show their military ID to enter without charge.
Chicago Auto Show 2026 Tickets: Pricing, Packages, and Where to Buy
General admission tickets cost $20 for adults. Senior citizens ages 62 and older pay $15. Children ages 4-12 also get tickets at $15. Kids 3 and younger enter free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Tickets are available online at ChicagoAutoShow.com or at the show box office. McCormick Place operates as a cashless facility. All ticket purchases must be made with credit or debit cards.
Discount opportunities exist throughout the show’s duration. Local new-car dealers provide $5 weekday discount coupons for adult admission. These apply February 9-13 and February 16.
The Food Drive Discount runs February 11-13. Attendees who donate three cans of food receive coupons for $5 off adult admission. Cans can be redeemed for coupons at the ticket box office.VIP Tours offer a premium experience Friday, February 6. These exclusive 60-minute guided tours are led by automotive industry experts. Tickets for VIP Tours require separate purchase through the official website.
McCormick Place Location Guide: Directions, Parking, and Transit Options
McCormick Place sits at 2301 S. King Drive in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. The venue ranks as the largest convention center in North America. It occupies more than 800,000 square feet in Hall A of the South Building.
Public transportation provides convenient access to the venue. The CTA Green Line stops at Cermak-McCormick Place. This station sits approximately half a mile from the venue entrance.
CTA bus routes offer direct service to McCormick Place. The #3 King Drive and #21 Cermak routes operate during all show hours. These buses run frequently throughout the day.
Metra Electric Line will make extra stops at McCormick Place Station throughout the show. The South Shore Line offers additional stops at McCormick Place for the duration.
Auto Show shuttles run from Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station. These dedicated shuttles transport attendees directly to McCormick Place. More information about shuttle schedules is available on the official website.
Parking is available at McCormick Place. The facility offers multiple parking lots and garages. Rates vary depending on the lot selected. Detailed parking information can be found at chicagoautoshow.com/parking.
Security screening applies to all attendees entering the show. Clear tote bags measuring 12″x12″x6″ or smaller are permitted. Clutch purses under 9″ x 5″ x 2″ are also allowed. Diaper bags and strollers are permitted when an infant is present.
2026 Models Debuting at the Chicago Auto Show
Complete List of 2026 Cars Revealed at Chicago Auto Show
The 2025 show set records with vehicle debuts that attracted 217,000 visitors. That event produced over 100,000 in-vehicle ride experiences. The 2026 iteration promises similar excitement with an expanded lineup of new models.
Previous year highlights included the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid and 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited made its debut. Manufacturers including Polestar, Rivian and VinFast participated for the first time.
Notable vehicles from the 2025 show included the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Lamborghini Revuelto with 1,001 horsepower. The 2026 Honda Passport and 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 appeared. The Lucid Gravity electric SUV drew significant attention.
A complete list of vehicles on display for 2026 can be viewed at chicagoautoshow.com/vehicles-on-display. The website updates regularly as manufacturers confirm their participation. Early announcements suggest an even larger selection than previous years.
Chicago Auto Show – Brands on Display
| # | Brand | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alfa Romeo | Luxury / Performance |
| 2 | Aston Martin | Ultra-Luxury / Sports |
| 3 | Bentley | Ultra-Luxury |
| 4 | BMW | Luxury / Performance |
| 5 | Buick | Premium |
| 6 | Cadillac | Luxury |
| 7 | Chevrolet | Mainstream |
| 8 | Chrysler | Mainstream |
| 9 | Dodge | Performance |
| 10 | Fiat | Compact |
| 11 | Ford | Mainstream / Trucks |
| 12 | GMC | Trucks / SUVs |
| 13 | Honda | Mainstream |
| 14 | Hyundai | Mainstream / EV |
| 15 | Jeep | SUV / Off-Road |
| 16 | Kia | Mainstream / EV |
| 17 | Lamborghini | Supercar |
| 18 | Lotus | Performance |
| 19 | Lucid | Luxury EV |
| 20 | Maserati | Luxury / Performance |
| 21 | McLaren | Supercar |
| 22 | Nissan | Mainstream |
| 23 | Polestar | Electric Performance |
| 24 | RAM | Trucks |
| 25 | Rolls-Royce | Ultra-Luxury |
| 26 | Subaru | AWD / Utility |
| 27 | Tesla | Electric |
| 28 | Toyota | Mainstream / Hybrid |
| 29 | VinFast | Electric |
| 30 | Volkswagen | Mainstream |
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Debuts: What’s New in Electrification
The Chicago Drives Electric track returns for 2026. This indoor experience gives consumers the chance to ride in the newest all-electric vehicles. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models also feature on the track.
Electric vehicle adoption continues accelerating across the industry. Manufacturers are bringing their latest battery-powered models to Chicago because the show attracts serious buyers. The Midwest market has shown strong interest in electrification when combined with practical utility.
The 2025 Forester Hybrid demonstrated this trend at the previous show. It achieved 35 mpg combined fuel economy. The system improved city driving efficiency by up to 40% over non-hybrid models.
The hybrid powertrain in Subaru’s system combines a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with electric motors. Total output reaches 194 horsepower. The 16.6-gallon gas tank provides range of 581 miles.
Industry analysts predict hybrid technology will dominate the 2026 show. Buyers see hybrids as a practical stepping stone toward full electrification. The cost premium for hybrids has decreased significantly. Fuel economy benefits become more attractive as gas prices fluctuate.
Performance and Sports Car Reveals Expected in 2026
Performance enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate at the 2026 show. The sports car segment continues evolving with new powertrains and advanced technology. Track-focused models share floor space with daily-driver performance vehicles.
Ford is expected to showcase its performance lineup prominently. The brand recently renamed its performance division to Ford Racing in late 2025. This change signals a stronger connection between racing efforts and production vehicles.
The supercharged performance market remains strong despite industry shifts toward electrification. Manufacturers recognize that enthusiasts still want powerful gas engines. Many companies are developing vehicles that offer multiple powertrain choices.
Test tracks at the show allow attendees to experience performance capabilities firsthand. The Ford Built Wild track showcases Bronco family vehicles. Camp Jeep returns with its signature off-road course. These experiences demonstrate capabilities beyond what spec sheets reveal.
Featured Manufacturer Exhibits and Spotlight Vehicles
2026 Cadillac Vistiq at Chicago Auto Show: Specs, Features, and Display Details
The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq represents Cadillac’s push into the luxury electric SUV market. This three-row electric vehicle competes with the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE. The Vistiq slots between the LYRIQ and Escalade IQ in Cadillac’s lineup.
Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Total output reaches 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac estimates 300 miles of range on a full charge.Acceleration performance impresses for a three-row SUV. Testing shows 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Quarter-mile runs complete in 12.2 seconds at 113 mph.
Standard equipment includes Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. A 23-speaker AKG Studio sound system comes on all models. The 33-inch LED display screen combines driver information and infotainment functions.
Interior configurations offer six or seven passengers. Most buyers choose second-row captain’s chairs for six-passenger seating. The third row accommodates two with a 50/50 bench seat.
Pricing starts at $79,090 for the Luxury trim. The Sport trim adds just $500. Premium Luxury and Platinum trims approach six-figure territory. All prices exclude destination charges and dealer fees.
Available exterior colors include Celestial Metallic with unique Phantom Blue Nouveauluxe seats. Custom quilting and open-pore tan wood trim enhance the premium feel. Available 23-inch wheels create a commanding presence.
The Vistiq showcased impressive sales momentum before launch. Cadillac positioned itself as the number one luxury EV brand in the U.S. The three-row electric SUV segment has relatively few choices. This creates opportunity for the Vistiq to capture market share.
2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse: High-performance Sport Car
Ford recently revealed the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC as a performance model. The “SC” designation stands for supercharged. This vehicle fills the gap between the standard Dark Horse at $66,075 and the $328,000 GTD.
Under the hood sits a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine. The powerplant uses an Eaton TVS R2650 supercharger. This setup matches hardware from the previous Shelby GT500.Ford hasn’t disclosed final horsepower figures yet. The standard Dark Horse produces 500 hp. The Mustang GTD delivers 815 hp. The SC likely lands somewhere between these numbers.
The last GT500 generated 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. Many expect the Dark Horse SC to match or exceed these figures. Some analysts predict output could reach 700+ horsepower.
A Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch transmission handles power delivery. This gearbox is a modified version from the GT500. No manual transmission option exists for the SC.
Chassis upgrades include revised MagneRide dampers. New stabilizers and upgraded control arms strengthen the platform. Magnesium strut towers and forged suspension links reduce weight.
Braking comes from Brembo six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear units. The Track Pack upgrades to carbon-ceramic brakes from the GTD. Front discs measure 16.5 inches.
Standard wheels are 11 inches wide in aluminum. Track Pack models get 11.5-inch carbon-fiber wheels. Tire choices include Pirelli P Zero R as standard. Track Pack brings Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber.
Aerodynamic changes improve downforce and cooling. A larger front splitter directs air more effectively. The rear features a huge wing and ducktail spoiler. Track Pack generates 620 pounds of rear downforce at 180 mph.
The SC targets European premium sports cars directly. Ford Racing specifically mentioned competing with Porsche and Ferrari. Brand manager Ryan Shaughnessy stated Ford designed the SC to beat them.Orders open March 2026. Deliveries start summer 2026. Production takes place at Ford’s Flat Rock, Michigan assembly plant.
Asian and European Brands: What Premium Automakers Are Bringing
Asian manufacturers maintain a strong presence in Chicago despite industry consolidation. Japanese brands bring their latest hybrid technology and SUV offerings. Korean automakers showcase electric and performance models.
European luxury brands use Chicago to connect with Midwest buyers. The show’s demographics align well with premium vehicle purchasers. These buyers appreciate the ability to compare models side-by-side.
The show floor layout allows manufacturers to create immersive brand experiences. Large exhibits tell stories about heritage and future direction. Interactive displays let attendees explore features without sales pressure.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Information and Visitor Resources
Hotels Close To McCormick Place And Downtown Chicago Area
Many Chicago hotels are convenient to McCormick Place. The South Loop is a convenient location from which to take a short train ride to the convention. Alternatively, if you choose the hotels downtown, commuting is a little longer, but there are more restaurant options.
Booking in advance makes a difference in terms of rates and availability. The auto show is a popular event and can mean sold-out accommodations in a short while. The weekend is more expensive during the auto show events compared to weekdays.
There are convenient and readily available means of transport from the downtown hotels. Getting to McCormick Place is made easy through the CTA. Auto show packages are also available through many of the hotels.
Comparing Chicago Auto Show to Detroit NAIAS
The Detroit Auto Show runs January 17-25, 2026. Chicago follows approximately three weeks later. The two shows serve different but complementary purposes in the automotive calendar.
Detroit focuses heavily on domestic manufacturers and industry insiders. The show takes place in the heart of America’s auto manufacturing region. Media coverage tends toward technical announcements and industry analysis.
Chicago emphasizes consumer engagement over industry networking. The 10-day public show exceeds Detroit’s consumer days. This extended timeline allows more families and serious shoppers to attend.
Post-show surveys reveal Chicago’s influence on buying decisions. More than one-third of 2025 attendees purchased or leased vehicles within months. Among those buyers, 84% indicated the show influenced their decision.
Detroit raised over $100 million for Southeastern Michigan charities through its preview event. Chicago’s First Look for Charity has generated more than $65 million since inception. Both shows demonstrate commitment to their communities.
Industry observers note changes affecting major auto shows. The Geneva International Motor Show was cancelled indefinitely after a disappointing 2024 event. Lack of manufacturer interest contributed to the decision.
Chicago and Detroit continue attracting strong manufacturer participation. Their winter timing gives people indoor activities during cold months. Shows provide low-cost entertainment for families while serving serious car shoppers.
Research firm Clarify Group surveyed nearly 9,000 visitors across multiple auto shows. Their study found 40% of attendees plan to buy or lease within 12 months. Show visitors prove 2.9 times more likely than average consumers to make purchases.
Detroit’s media days have evolved significantly. The show now operates more as a regional event than an international spectacle. Consumer days remain strong with families seeking winter activities.
Chicago avoided some challenges facing other shows. Press days consolidated but manufacturer participation stayed solid. The show’s Midwest location serves markets underserved by coastal events.
See Also: Detroit Auto Show 2026
New Attractions for 2026
The debut of Chi-Town Alley marks a significant addition for 2026. This immersive exhibit celebrates Chicago’s vibrant car culture. The space showcases custom builds and street-inspired rides.
Performance cars share the spotlight with exotic vehicles. Local enthusiasts demonstrate their creativity and passion. The exhibit reimagines the former marketplace as a dynamic showcase area.
Overlanding Chicago returns with expanded programming. Specialty vehicles and gear attract adventure seekers. Expert workshops teach skills for exploring beyond city limits.
The Family Zone provides kid-friendly activities throughout the show. A Power Wheels track lets children experience driving. Tesla mini-test drives introduce young people to electric vehicles. Safety clinics teach important lessons.
Indoor test tracks expand beyond previous years. Multiple experiences run simultaneously throughout the day. These hands-on opportunities let attendees compare vehicles directly.
Outdoor test drives supplement indoor experiences. Participants need valid driver’s licenses to participate. Sign-ups happen at manufacturer booths on the show floor.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Weekday mornings see the smallest crowds. Serious shoppers arrive early to avoid congestion. Late evenings after 6 p.m. also offer calmer browsing.
Buying tickets online eliminates entrance lines. Sales opened in November 2025 through the official website. Advanced purchase saves time on arrival day.
The show floor covers massive territory within McCormick Place. Comfortable walking shoes prove essential for the experience. Many attendees spend 4-6 hours exploring exhibits.
Gates 3 and 4 provide the most direct entry to the main floor. Floor maps are available online and at information booths. Studying the layout beforehand helps plan an efficient route.
Scooter and wheelchair rentals are available through Scootaround. Scooters cost $70 per day. Wheelchairs rent for $25 daily. All major credit cards are accepted.
Final Conclusion
The 2026 Chicago Auto Show will be a century-plus milestone and a cumulation of 118 years of automotive tradition. It is the most frequent auto exposition in North America, a distinction that sticks as the event keeps evolving while staying true to its core mission.
Car manufacturers know Chicago is a prime place to meet buyers. The show puts decision-makers with real purchasing power right in front of them. Midwest families come specifically to compare options and research their next car, truck, or SUV.
What makes Chicago unique is the blend of new vehicle introductions combined with interactive driving. Test tracks and ride-along give a sense of the vehicles that one cannot get from a brochure. Comparing models side by side makes for smarter buyers.
For details on tickets and more, refer to the official website. The show runs from February 7 to February 16, 2026, at McCormick Place.
If you’re on the market for a new ride or just plain wonder about the latest in automotive innovation, the Chicago Auto Show doesn’t disappoint. Indeed, it’s where makers and consumers connect meaningfully. The Chicago gathering continues to shape the future of mobility during the winter.
