Mark Your Calendars, the Chicago Auto Show Is Back for 2022
2022 Chicago Auto Show article highlights:
- The Chicago Auto Show is back in its historical timeslot and open to the public from February 12-21, 2022
- Besides sitting in 2022-model-year vehicles, attendees will also be able to get passenger-seat ride-alongs on several indoor courses, as well as test-drive new models outdoors
- Check back periodically to follow MotorBiscuit’s continuing 2022 CAS coverage
We’re now a month into the new year, which means car show season is about to kick off. And with Detroit’s North American International Auto Show now a summer event, that means the Chicago Auto Show is the first one in 2022. As always, CAS promises to have a lot for visitors to see, touch, and do, and not a ton of time to pack it all in. So, whether you’re planning on attending in-person or virtually, here’s what you need to know about one of Chicago’s biggest car shows.
After its 2021 summer experiment, the Chicago Auto Show goes more traditional for 2022
Last year, the Chicago Auto Show tested out a new summer format that mixed indoor and outdoor displays and activities. For 2022, though, although there are some outdoor events—which we’ll cover shortly—CAS is mostly indoors once more. However, considering it’s now back in its usual February timeslot, that’s arguably for the better, given Chi-town’s usual weather.
While it was pleasant not freezing for a change, moving the 2022 Chicago Auto Show back to February has some benefits, Chairman Bill Haggerty says. Firstly, he claims that “it’s historically been an ideal time for consumers to experience the industry’s latest [vehicles].” Secondly, in the past CAS “effectively [kicked] off the region’s spring selling season,” Haggerty says. And to be fair, large car shows like the one in Chicago are great ways for normal consumers to scope out new vehicles without a sales rep hassling them. Plus, it breaks up the monotony of the Midwestern winter.
But the 2022 show won’t be a carbon copy of the pre-2021 events. The show organizers are taking the lessons learned during CAS 2021 and applying them to this year’s show, Haggerty says. And that means similar levels of interactivity.
You can ride in and drive cars at the Chicago Auto Show—and much more
Although sitting in static seats is cool, big car shows like the Chicago Auto Show often offer more dynamic experiences. And CAS 2022 should be no exception.
Jeep’s indoor off-road ‘Camp Jeep’ course has long been a CAS fan-favorite, Cars.com reports, and it’s back for 2022. So is Stellantis’ indoor track, which gives people a chance to experience what it’s like to launch a Dodge muscle car, among other things. However, several more automakers are joining in on this action this year.
For one, Ford is bringing back the Bronco off-road course, complete with the 38° ‘Bronco Mountain’ climb. Only this time, it’s indoors. The Blue Oval is also organizing an EV test track where passengers can experience the Mustang Mach-E GT, F-150 Lightning, and F-100 Eluminator. Unfortunately, the electric restomod truck is only there as a display, despite initial ride-along rumors.
Speaking of EVs, the 2022 Chicago Auto Show is hosting an indoor electric test track; so far, the Kia EV6 and BMW’s iX and i4 are confirmed attendees. And apparently, Ram decided it wanted a mountain of its own, so it’s building a ‘Ram Mountain’ indoor off-road course. The redesigned 2022 Toyota Tundra is getting a dedicated off-road course, too.
However, 2022 Chicago Auto Show attendees won’t be limited to the passenger seats and indoor courses. There are outdoor test-drive opportunities scheduled, too, in several Ford, Kia, and Subaru models. You will need a valid driver’s license and must pass a breathalyzer test to get behind the wheel, though, and wear a mask. Also, while Ford’s minimum driver age requirement is 18 (16 with a permit), Kia’s and Subaru’s minimum is 21.
In addition to cars, you can also adopt a pet at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show, thanks to Subaru, which is partnering with local animal shelters. And First Look for Charity attendees have a chance to win a 2022 GMC Yukon Denali and a 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir.
What new cars can you expect to see this year?
As of this writing, 19 brands will have full displays at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show:
- Alfa Romeo
- BMW
- Buick
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Fiat
- Ford
- GMC
- Hyundai
- Jeep
- Kia
- Lexus
- Lincoln
- Nissan
- Ram
- Subaru
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
In addition to these displays, several brands are also officially launching new vehicles at CAS 2022. As of this writing, these production debuts include the following:
- BMW
- 2022 iX M60
- Chevrolet
- 2023 Corvette Z06
- 2022 Silverado 1500
- 2023 Silverado EV
- Ford
- 2023 Bronco Raptor
- GMC
- 2022 Hummer EV
- 2022 Sierra 1500
- Hyundai
- 2022 Kona
- Jeep
- 2022 Grand Cherokee
- Kia
- 2023 Sportage
- Lexus
- 2023 LX
- Nissan
- 2023 Ariya
- 2023 Z
- Subaru
- 2023 Solterra
- Toyota
- 2023 bZ4X
- 2023 Sequoia
- 2022 Tundra
Also, although Bentley won’t have a full stand at the show, it is showing off the 2022 Continental GT Convertible. Technically, Bentley calls it a concept, even though it’s already in production. But the Speed trim is new for 2022. And speaking of supercars, the Supercar Gallery is back for 2022, too.
How much are 2022 Chicago Auto Show tickets?
The 2022 Chicago Auto Show is open to the public from February 12-21, 2022, following the First Look for Charity on the 11th. It’s open on public days from 10 am – 10 pm, except on the 21st, when it closes at 8 pm. All attendees age 3 and over must wear a mask and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status. Attendees 16 and over must also bring a photo ID.
Public tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors (65+) and children age 4-12, while children 3 and under are free. However, if you bring three cans of food on the 16th, 17, or 18th, you get a $5 discount. First responders and U.S. Military members (active or veteran) also get a $5 discount on the 15th, as do their guests. Meanwhile, First Look for Charity tickets are $275; black-tie attire is required.
As in 2021, MotorBiscuit will be covering the Chicago Auto Show, so this page will be updated periodically. Hopefully, we’ll see you there.
UPDATE 2/13/2022: Click on the links below to read additional CAS 2022 coverage.
2022 Chicago Auto Show: 2023 Nissan Z Shapes up All Sporty
The 2022 Chicago Auto Show Nissan Frontier Concepts Are Rad DIY Fun
2022 Chicago Auto Show: Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition Honors an Innovator
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