Back to the Future at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show
- Marielle Bokor
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Listen. We're from Chicago. And, in Chicago, tradition is king. Sure, it might now be called the Willis Tower, but you won't catch us saying anything but Sears. It's Comiskey. It's Field's. We go to Jewel. We're a city that works, and a city that loves to be recognized for the things we've done that have left a lasting impact on the country and the world.
That's why every single year, we're proud to hit the floor at the Chicago Auto Show. It's a tradition that's been around for a full 118 editions as of this year, with the first show all the way back in 1901.
Most of the crew here at Culture Combine have been attending for years, first as kids pulling our parents hands towards the coolest sports cars, trucks and of course, the "rides." But we'll get to that later.
While some would say it's not quite the same post-COVID, not sprawling over several halls the way it used to, this show maintains its title as the largest auto show in North America while also being one of the most important, oftentimes being THE place that the newest innovations in automotive technology are revealed.
The show has always featured impressive indoor tracks, and as far back as its inception electric, steam and gas powered cars on the same floor. In the 60s, supercars and exotics were introduced, and every single show there's something brand new and amazing to fawn over.
While the last years have heavily focused on the many advances in hybrid and electric tech and have seen all the major automobile manufacturers turning classics like the Corolla, Escalade, and Jeep Wrangler fully plug-in, this year saw a lot of retro style coming back in.
This year's Chicago Auto Show put a heavy focus on Chi-Town Alley, which isn't dedicated to the new models, or any manufacturer, but instead focuses on car culture, especially that here in Chicago. This showcase is all about Chicagoland car enthusiasts, and owners auditioned via video to get their ride a spot on the floor. And it's here where we found, at least in our opinion, the stars of the show.
Chicago Auto Club Orale! came with their best in show lowriders. And it's not just about the amazing paint jobs - it's every little detail, from golden rims to door inlays, crushed velvet interiors, etching and embroidery. No part of these familiar cars go untouched, and they get amazing hydraulics and killer tires to boot. These cars are truly amazing, and a vibrant reflection of the beautiful Latino culture right here in Chicago.
But that's not all they were doing in the alley- they were also dropping huge engines into '95 Civics and proudly displaying those beautiful 90s conversion vans with the curtains and 3 rows of seating that usually had a VCR in back. If you know you know.
It's not the only place we caught wood paneling and cushiony consoles though. It seems that's even creeping into today's most cutting edge electric vehicles, and we're here for it. There's nothing quite like the thought of driving a boat of a Buick, getting 500 miles per charge, and also having that limousine experience.
Speaking of, one of the other crazy things on the floor was the beetle-like, matte golden CyberTaxi. Following Tesla's already loved/hated PS2 aesthetic with the Cybertruck, I guess they thought, why not do this with a driverless taxi?
It's reminiscent but the matte gold, classic curves and suicide doors make it more of a looker than its big brother -- until you get inside, where it's as spartan and frightening as a future where fascist dictators reign supreme. And yet still somehow...compelling?
If you're looking for more to do on the floor, you'll be happy to know that Camp Jeep's up and running, though, I will caution you that somehow every single year Jeep manages to catch us by surprise with just how tricky the terrain they build for their test course is.
Just when we thought it was safe to strap ourselves into a Wrangler 319 our guide was gunning it for the 75 degree hill with an "Ope!" here and a slightly more concerning "Woah!" going down the stairs. (It doesn't seem that scary to go up and down stairs in a car, but...when the moment comes - it'll hit different.
If one ride where you have to constantly think "Should a car be able to do this" wasn't enough, you can also hit up the Bronco track. This one's longer, and the tech involved is more prominent, but it's just as involved. Today's Bronco has cameras everywhere so you can be surefooted in any situation, an on-the-fly sway bar release to help you avoid highpointing, and enough driving modes to make you sweat a little.
If you want something a little lower key, head to Subaru's forever foresty display, where you'll find...puppies! Just like last year, Subaru's teamed up with a local rescue to bring adorable pups to McCormick place, and if you sign a waiver, you can head straight into a pen full of adorable animals just waiting to chew your sweater strings, play tug-of-war or give you big slobbery kisses.
Being in Chicago affords us a lot of opportunities, and we enjoyed sharing this one with you. If you're not that into specs, admire the design, and if you're local, get your tickets to visit the show before it wraps up on February 16th.