Chicago Auto Show 2025 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, now through Monday Feb. 17, is already setting records for public attendance in the show’s 117-year history. The nation’s largest auto show, and it’s longest running, the Chicago Auto Show is the place to see over 1,000 new cars, trucks, EVs and concept vehicles under one roof. In addition to the indoor test tracks, the show offers outdoor ride-and-drives. Visit chicagoautoshow.com. for more.
One of the stars of the show is the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness. According to Bill Stokes, Subaru of America’s Car Line Planning Manager, the new Wilderness offers redesigned style, updated tech and convenient features and a new look and performance that is unmatched by its competitors.
“Since its introduction in 1997, the Forester has become synonymous with a special set of DNA that makes it truly unique,” Stokes said proudly. “The Subaru Forester has always been something special, and now, with this new edition, there’s even more to love.”
An anonymous voice speaking over a loudspeaker to the assembled media at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show unveiling emphasized the word “love” throughout the dramatic unveiling. “Love goes the extra mile,” the voice began. “A love of nature and a love for adventure. This combination is part of the Subaru Forester DNA,” the voiceover continued. “From this long-trusted model comes two new versions of the Subaru Forester, providing a new level of fuel efficiency and technology.”
The newly designed Subaru Forester Wilderness is “adventure elevated,” according to Stokes. “It offers a more rugged design, a new interior and all of the off-road capability that adventure seekers love.” Confirming that point is the new 9.2″ ground clearance which is an added feature of the all-new Forester Wilderness.
This is a vehicle that truly has something for everyone. Just ask Subaru product specialist Tia Leslie who appeared at the unveiling ceremony with Chelsea Bear, a self-described disabled content creator for Subaru, who has cerebral palsy.
Bear, who has 354,000 followers on Instagram, says she’s started driving a Forester Wilderness last year, after seeing a Subaru commercial that showed a person with a disability driving one of their cars.
“I love it, because I feel empowered to do all the things I want to do. I have complete independence. I just love the brand.”
Toyota has once again teamed up with the Chicago Auto Show to host the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) Toyota Miles Per Hour, an indoor run that guides participants through the entire Chicago Auto Show on Super Bowl Sunday. More than 600 runners signed up for the indoor run at McCormick Place. After the one-hour trek, the runners gathered at the Toyota display for awards, photos and a post-run celebration. “It’s a great way to see the show in a unique way and to escape the challenges of running outdoors in frigid Chicago in February,” Chicago Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand said. Running the nearly two-and-a-half-mile loop through the halls of McCormick Place, the runners gained and unique early access to the show, which includes a first-rate view of the Chicago skyline from the Grand Concourse indoor bridge over Lake Shore Drive that links the North and South Halls of McCormick Place to the Lakeside Center.
Ford is the first display visitors will see when entering the South Hall, where the auto show is held. “The entire Ford Blue portfolio is here,” according to Ford’s Communications Director for Utilities, Daniel Peake.
“There’s a ton to see and a ton to do. People can sit inside the cars, kick the tires and check out our new vehicles.”
The new Ford Expedition that is set to hit dealerships in the spring is one of the exciting new offerings. Drawing the most attention is the new 850-horsepower Ford Mustang GTD, the highest horsepower street-legal Mustang that top out at a speed of 202 mph.
” Mustang Mach-Es and the Ford F-150 Lightening are also of interest, Peake said. “We also have our new Broncos, which we’re featuring on our elevated test track.
“Whether you’re into EVs, hybrids or engines, we have it all here. We’ve even fine-tuned and refined our hybrid offerings to accommodate what our customers want.”
Those are just some of the dozen or so car manufacturers on display at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, now through Feb. 17. For more, visit chicagoautoshow.com.
