The Chicago Auto Show, the nation’s longest-running event of its kind, returns Saturday to McCormick Place, blending new hands-on experiences with longtime crowd favorites in a sprawling showcase of car culture, performance and innovation.

Running through Feb. 16, the show features a wide range of vehicles—from sculpted sports cars and hybrid daily drivers to full-size trucks and reimagined family vehicles—while doubling down on interactive experiences that let visitors get behind the wheel.

Multiple indoor test tracks anchor this year’s lineup. The Ford “Built Wild” track brings the Bronco family indoors for an off-road-style experience, while Camp Jeep and the Chicago Drives Electric test tracks return, continuing to draw long lines from attendees eager to drive rather than just look.

New this year is a gas-powered indoor test track, offering visitors a chance to experience the handling and responsiveness of the latest gas and hybrid models in a controlled, dynamic environment. The addition broadens the show’s hands-on appeal beyond electric vehicles, reflecting continued interest in hybrid and traditional powertrains.

Accessories and automotive tech also have a stronger presence. Britax is debuting its Galaxy360 rotating car seat, a premium model that highlights how innovation has reshaped even the most familiar car essentials, emphasizing convenience, safety and everyday usability.

Local car culture steps into the spotlight with the debut of Chi-Town Alley, a new exhibit showcasing restored and modified vehicles sourced not from dealership floors, but from garages across the region. The space celebrates customization, craftsmanship and personality, offering a contrast to factory-fresh models elsewhere on the show floor.

Visitors can also stop by the Illinois Secretary of State’s pop-up for Real ID assistance or explore the supercar gallery, which leans into a sleek, international aesthetic inspired by the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Getting to the show is easier this year, with expanded transit options. CTA shuttles are running from downtown Metra stations and the CTA Green Line, while the Metra Electric Line delivers riders directly inside McCormick Place for the fastest access. The South Shore Line is also adding weekday stops to accommodate showgoers.

With its mix of performance, technology, customization and hands-on driving, this year’s Chicago Auto Show delivers more than a static display—it offers a fully immersive look at how cars fit into everyday life, culture and the road ahead.