Chicago Auto Show Expands Test Drive Event to Include All Powertrain Types
Event summary
- Chicago Auto Show's fall test drive event rebranded as 'Behind the Wheel', expanding beyond EVs to include hybrids, plug-ins, and gas-powered vehicles.
- Event scheduled for October 1-4, 2026, at ComEd Building in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
- Participating brands include BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Toyota, and VinFast.
- Tickets priced at $10 per driving participant, with free admission for non-driving guests.
- 2027 Chicago Auto Show scheduled for February 13-21 at McCormick Place.
The big picture
The rebranding and expansion of the Chicago Auto Show's test drive event reflects the industry's shift towards a more diverse powertrain marketplace. As automakers navigate the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, this event provides a unique platform for consumers to compare technologies side-by-side. The inclusion of traditional gas-powered vehicles alongside EVs and hybrids underscores the ongoing complexity of the automotive transition, where consumer preferences and infrastructure readiness remain key variables.
What we're watching
- Consumer Adoption Trends
- How the expanded powertrain options will affect consumer test drive preferences and purchase decisions.
- Manufacturer Participation
- Whether the inclusion of traditional gas-powered vehicles will attract more manufacturers to future events.
- Event Scaling
- The pace at which this expanded format could be adopted by other major auto shows.
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