The 2025 Chicago Auto Show marks the 117th year of the city's automotive showcase. Thirty-five automakers, including newcomers Polestar, Rivian, and VinFast, have their latest models meticulously laid out on the McCormick Place south hall. The show remains absent of occupying the north hall space, but automakers still find Chicago the place to be for a reveal. Subaru unveiled its all-new 2025 Forester Hybrid and refreshed 2026 Forester Wilderness to the media last Thursday. The show also adds space for Illinois' overlanding community, a family zone, EV experiences, outdoor street drive opportunities, simulators, and indoor test tracks at Jeep and Ford.
Polestar, Rivian, and VinFast make debut at 2025 Chicago Auto Show among classic OEMs
Swedish electric performance car brand, Polestar, made it on Chicago's automaker list this year among a growing list of EV brands including Tesla, Lucid, Rivian, and VinFast. Their displays aren't substantial, but with recent uncertainties within the EV industry, its nice to see newcomers lean into the classic first-hand engagement of an auto show.
At Toyota, the 2025 4Runner, with an optional hybrid powertrain, sits front and center among off-road concepts, efficient Camry and Prius, and sports cars like the Supra and GR Corolla. Subaru's debut of the all-new Forester Hybrid and refreshed Forester Wilderness was nestled in their own outdoor-themed space.
After skipping 2024, Stellantis returns to Chicago with Jeep, bringing its new and more affordable Wagoneer S Limited. RAM's large lineup of trucks sits beside Fiat's urban-friendly compacts, with Alfa Romeo, Dodge, and Chrysler mixed in, too. Ford and GM compete for attention with their trucks and SUVs.
Other 2025 Chicago Auto Show highlights
Camp Jeep missing from last year's show was very noticeable. It's a staple, an opportunity for people to experience a Jeep in a way they may never experience until attending an auto show. Ford offers a similar experience with its Bronco, showing off the vehicle's disconnecting front sway bar and locking differential features for off-roading.
There are two indoor EV tracks to experience cars like the VW ID.Buzz, VinFast VF8, Dodge Charger Daytona, among BMWs, Cadillacs, and Rivians. Speaking of Rivian, show organizers were able to land the upcoming 2026 R2 and 2026 R3X.
The Illinois overlanding community, Illinois Overlanders, gets the recognition it deserves with designated space to show off members' vehicles. Modded with the coolest gadgets from rooftop tents to food prep and storage, you'll find a healthy variety of base vehicles.
Activities for carbuyers, enthusiasts, and kids at 2025 Chicago Auto Show
Aside from mostly uninterrupted access to hundreds of cars in one place, the Chicago Auto Show offers a host of engaging activities, including a Family Zone with available kid-sized electric cars to drive. There are simulators, super and hypercar collections and galleries, exotic cars, a vendor Marketplace, as well as daily appearances, events, and giveaways. Opportunities for food and drink are limited, but local pizza from Connies Pizza and locally-sourced Goose Island are available.
Chicago is still a great place for a car show
The Chicago Auto Shows runs now through February 17.