october 2 -4, 2026
oAKBROOK tERRACE, iL 

Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel Wraps Up Expanded Test Drive Event

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show, successfully concluded the 2026 Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel event, held Oct. 2-4 at the ComEd Building in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. The expanded test drive experience welcomed consumers for three days of hands-on opportunities to get behind the wheel of more than 30 of the latest cars, trucks and SUVs.

Formerly known as Chicago Drives Electric, Behind the Wheel expanded the event’s vehicle lineup beyond electrified vehicles to give consumers the opportunity to experience a broad range of automotive options, including all-electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and traditional gas-powered vehicles. The event featured models from eight participating manufacturers, representing both luxury and mainstream brands.

Over the course of the event, Behind the Wheel attracted nearly 1,000 attendees and facilitated more than 3,000 in-vehicle experiences, demonstrating strong consumer interest in experiencing the latest vehicles firsthand.

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