Chicago Auto Show offers families hands-on time with electric vehicles, SUVs and muscle cars

On Saturday at the Chicago Auto Show, the Kneeland family took turns hopping into the cargo area of a black 2025 Buick Encore GX.

“My first car was a Buick,” said Rusty Kneeland, 35, of Lake in the Hills, who has attended the event regularly with her husband, Andrew. “Oh my God, they’ve come such a long way!”

Their 5-year-old daughter also enjoyed checking out the luxury crossover utility vehicle that retails for about $28,000.

“I actually think it’s a good event for kids,” Rusty Kneeland said. “You wouldn’t think that until you have a kid. We didn’t realize it. This is something she looks forward to every year, just jumping in all of them and pretending to drive them.”

Now in its 117th year, the show, running through Feb. 17, is expected to draw nearly 300,000 people of all ages to McCormick Place.

The event features hundreds of the newest vehicles, from electric and economy to concept cars and convertibles. But there’s plenty to do besides kicking tires. Attractions include indoor and outdoor test tracks, the popular “Camp Jeep” ride, a Family Zone of kid-friendly activities and even “Wheel of Fortune” auditions, which will continue Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.

“It’s a staple,” Chicago Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand said of the event. “There’s just a lot of interactive fun for families. But also the innovation, and just seeing the latest vehicles and technology, because it’s constantly evolving. So I think that’s what keeps people coming back. Even if you’re not in the market for a new car, you’re just always looking to see what that next purchase could be down the road.”

The growing popularity of electric vehicles could not be ignored. This year, the event expanded its Chicago Drives Electric testing area to two tracks, featuring nearly 25 models from 12 brands.

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona emerged as a fan-favorite. Among those standing in the long line to try out the car was 65-year-old Fred Arias, of Texas, a self-proclaimed “car person.”

“From the old V8 engines all the way up to the new technology, I’m just interested in everything,” said Arias, who attended the event with his 30-year-old son, Mike. “It’s amazing what they do now: the horsepower, the speeds, all the amenities in the cars.”

The Dodge Charger Daytona was just one of several cars manufactured by Stellantis, which made its return this year after pulling out of multiple car shows in 2024 in a cost-cutting move.

“It was a huge void for us,” Morand said. “Their business was struggling, and they were trying to figure out how to re-imagine their brands. They have a really great brand story to tell now that they’re climbing back out of it. But the fact that they’re back at an auto show does show that these shows do work.”

The Owens family of Chicago admired another electric vehicle from Stellantis: the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S.

“I like sleek-looking, unique cars,” said Shareka Owens, 50, who attended the event with her husband, Andre, and their 18-year-old daughter, Klarissa. “I don’t want a car that looks like everybody else’s.”

To that end, Owens challenged Klarissa, who mentioned that her dream car was the gas-powered, gray 2025 Kia K5 sedan.

“Give me some vibrancy,” Owens said. “I like unique colors. Gray, white, black and red is average.”

Stellantis also brought back its “Camp Jeep” obstacle course, including a 28-foot “mountain” with a 45-degree approach.

“It’s funny, when the doors open, you see people running back to get in line for Camp Jeep,” Morand said.

Other attractions include “Overlanding Chicago,” which promotes outdoor activities. The area features specialty vehicles and accessories for off-roading, or driving on unpaved surfaces.

The new Family Zone allows children to make bracelets, play games and even test drive Power Wheels and mini-Teslas.

But, all extra fun aside, more than 90% of attendees are there to shop, said Morand, who also acknowledged uncertainty about the market amid President Donald Trump’s plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on auto imports from other countries.

“I know it’s a fear,” Morand said. “It seems like it’s a little bit of a moving target right now in terms of the negotiations that are going on. I hope it wouldn’t deter somebody from making a purchase right now. You have to consider it varies based on make and model and where the parts are sourced from. It’s still really early.”

Those concerns aside, there was still plenty of excitement among consumers at the show.

“I didn’t think it’d be like this,” Mike Arias said. “I’ve only heard about it. I didn’t know they had all the Jeep tracks and this amount of cars. I didn’t know you get to sit in them and play around with them. So, it’s pretty cool.”