We’re just days away from the return of the nation's largest auto show-the Chicago Auto Show. With the unveiling of highly-anticipated new models such as the 2021 Kia Seltos and the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the redesign of consumer popular models like the 2021 Subaru Outback and the Ford Escape-auto show, all the buzz has sparked the interest of many.
The 2020 Chicago Auto Show has become one of the most anticipated events of the year in the Chicagoland area. People travel far and wide for a chance to get a first-hand look of gems by their favorite car manufacturers, but the Chicago Auto Show is more than just about the cars. The auto show also will feature four indoor test-track experiences from Jeep, Ram, Toyota, and Volkswagen, and three outdoor test-drive tracks available for Ford, Honda, and Subaru.
Here are some of the biggest Chicago Auto Show debuts that have people talking.
2021 Kia Seltos & Soul EV
The all-new Kia Seltos is the auto manufacturer’s smallest crossover, but don’t let its size fool you, The Seltos is spacious, handles great on the road, and offers some impressive technology features.
Two different engines will be offered with this model-a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. Both front or all-wheel drive (AWD) terrains will be available. Rain or shine, the Seltos with AWD will maintain a 50:50 front and rear distribution of power to keep traction.
Attendees can also expect to see the all-new Kia Soul EV at this year’s auto show. This new offering of one of Kia’s most popular models will now come with a 64.0-kWh liquid-cooled battery pack, and has an EPA range of 243 miles on a single charge. The new model will also feature steering wheel mounted paddles to let drivers adjust regenerative braking levels, allowing the option of one-pedal driving.
The Seltos and Soul EV are expected to hit Thomas Kia of Highland’s showroom later this year.
2020 Jeep Gladiator & Wrangler
2020 is a big year for Jeep with the addition of the all-new Gladiator, a midsize off-road pickup truck. Both a 3.6-liter V6 engine and four-wheel drive come standard in all four trims: Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon. The Gladiator is stacked with some amazing technology features such as driver-assist technology, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights.
The Jeep Wrangler has a long history of being a crowd favorite. Over the model’s robust history, it has developed a massive fanbase. As the Wrangler has evolved, Jeep has kept it up-to-date with the latest technology and improved fuel efficiency.
This year, Jeep added a diesel and mild-hybrid engine, plus two special-edition variants: Willys and Black & Tan. The new 3.0-Liter EcoDiesel V6 engine will offer up to 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The eTorque Mild Hybrid System offers an impressive stop-and-go performance to the available 2.0-Liter Turbo engine’s fuel economy and produces 270 horsepower.
Auto show attendees will be able to see the Gladiator and Wrangler in action on their indoor test-track experience - and witnessing the Jeep climbing hills and bumpy terrain will be worth the long line. Where you won’t wait in line to experience Jeep is Thomas Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, & Ram In Highland, which has a wide selection of Jeep’s full lineup.
2020 Chrysler Voyager
The Voyager is an all-new model for Chrysler this year. As the lower-end twin of the Pacifica minivan, it seats seven to eight passengers. Front-wheel drive will only be available for the model, which will come in three trims: L, LX, Lxi. Only one type of engine is offered in the Voyager - a 3.6-Liter V6 that produces 287 horsepower.
Technology features include: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Interested in learning more about the 2020 Chrysler Voyager? The experts at Thomas Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram are here to help!
2020 Subaru Outback & Legacy
For 2020, Subaru redesigned one of its most popular and iconic models, the Outback. The 2020 Outback is all-new inside and out. Outside, Subaru raised the rear LED headlights as an extra safety precaution. The vehicle offers new trim packages, an improved four-cylinder engine with turbo, and state-of-the-art safety features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
Subaru has also been hard at work redesigning the Legacy, The midsize car is stacked with the same great technology and safety features as the Outback. One of the most notable changes Subaru fans will notice is the increased cabin space. The Legacy will now boast 105.5 cubic feet of interior volume.
Both the 2020 Outback and Legacy are available at International Subaru of Merrillville.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E & Escape
One of the most talked-about vehicles of the year is the all-new Mustang Mach-E, the first-ever four-door, and electric crossover Mustang. The Mach-E is set to come to Currie Motors Ford of Valpo’s showroom later this year. Rear-wheel drive will come standard with all-wheel drive being optional. Five trim levels will be offered: Select, Premium, California Route 1, GT, and Frist Edition. The driving range is expected to be around 230 to 300 miles depending on the trim.
The Mustang Mach-E will come standard with features such as Apple CarPlay, Andriod Auto, a rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic headlights.
The Mustang Mach-E isn’t the only electric vehicle from Ford that’s creating a lot of buzz. The 2021 Ford Escape received new styling inside and out, new entertainment and safety features, and will also be available in a hybrid model, and for the first time ever, a new plug-in hybrid model as well. The compact crossover is wider, longer, and sits lower to the ground than the outgoing model.
The Escape will be available in three different engines, a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that will produce 180 horsepower, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that will produce 250 horsepower, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid that makes 198 horsepower, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid that will pump out 209 horsepower.
The all-new Ford Escape is already on the market, and ready for you to take home from Currie Motors Ford of Valpo.
If all of that information isn’t enough to get you excited about the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, the South Shore Line will be offering free rides on all westbound weekend and off-peak weekday trains during the duration of the auto show. To view South Shore Line’s special train schedule for the auto show February 8-17, click here.
