Chicago is the windy city, but it is also home to the self-proclaimed largest auto show in the Nation. Here are some of the vehicles we saw while at the show:
2020 Subaru Legacy
The seventh-generation Legacy will be available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT models this fall. The XT designations signal a turbocharged engine to the Legacy lineup, thanks to a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter direct-injection boxer engine. The other models carry an enhanced 182-horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injection BOXER engine.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
One of the most talked about vehicles unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, the sixth-generation GLI carries a 2.0-liter TSI engine that puts out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The honches sit lower to the ground, and has four modes to choose from: “Normal,” “Sport,” “Eco,” and “Custom.” The 35th Anniversary model with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) allows the driver to adjust damping settings and also adds a fifth “Comfort” mode.
2020 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma has been America’s best-selling midsize pickup for 14 years. The third-generation Tacoma pickup will continue to host JBL Premium Audio and a new multimedia system that now includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. There are more than 30 configurations in six model grades available: work-ready SR; high-style, high-value SR5; athletic TRD Sport; adventurous TRD Off-Road; ultimate off-road TRD Pro; and top-of-the-line Limited.
2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD
Introduced in 2014, Toyota Racing Development TRD is for the North American group, the rest of the globe boasts GR, as in Gazoo Racing. The TRD Pro offers just one powertrain; the DOHC 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8, which uses regular-grade gasoline, produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s teamed with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
The all-new, fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 launched just two months ago to RAVe reviews. The Dynamic Force 2.5-liter, 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission, allows for three modes; Sport, Normal and Eco modes. Amazingly, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Ford and Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel
As if Ford investing $1 billion in Chicago Assembly and Stamping Plants and adding 500 jobs to expand capacity for the production of all-new Ford Explorer, Police Interceptor Utility and Lincoln Aviator isn’t enough, they brought in Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Ram Adds Multifunction Tailgate to 2019 Ram 1500
Just when you think the car companies can’t come up with more tricks, they surprise you. You can still get the drop-down tailgate with remote release options, but the Ram multifunction tailgate adds a first-of-its-kind 60-40 split, swing-away functionality.
Ram multifunction tailgate’s dual side-hinged tailgate doors make curbside loading and stepping up easier. The tailgate is trailer-friendly and does not require that the trailer and hitch be removed before opening.
Mazda 30th Anniversary Miata MX-5 edition in racing orange
Mazda brought out all the stops for the 30th anniversary Miata MX-5. A vehicle that will always be known as a Miata to some, Mazda wowed the crowds with Tom Matano, the designer of the first Mazda Miata. The Miata club owners that were at dinner with Matano were in for a treat; an exclusive Matano signed 30th-anniversary cap in black and orange.
2020 Range Rover Evoque
I loved this SUV from the very first time I saw it. Unveiled to the soulful sounds of Solo and Jaime Woods, the Evoque set high and mighty on its all-new 48-volt 296-hp mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain available alongside a 246-hp Ingenium four-cylinder gasoline engine.
The Range Rover Evoque is priced starting at $42,6501 and is available in five trim levels: S, SE, R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE, and R-Dynamic HSE, with an additional First Edition model available for the first year only.
2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
My favorite Rogue is offered in front-wheel and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive configurations, and in three grade levels – S, SV, and SL. It will again be powered by a combination of a 141-horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine and Xtronic transmission with Eco Mode switch. Hang tight, in 2020 ProPILOT Assist will be available again.
2019 Pathfinder New Rock Creek Edition
Finally! Nissan is offering the New Rock Creek Edition on Pathfinder SV and SL grades, in both 2-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, and a choice of seven available exterior colors. The new SL Rock Creek Edition Premium Package adds Bose5 13-Speaker Premium Audio System and Power Panorama Moonroof.
The main difference between the Rock Creek Edition and standard 2019 Pathfinders include dark 18-inch wheels with 255/60R18 all-season tires. A black mesh grille, black roof rails, black door handles and outside rearview mirrors are added as well as a black front and rear fascia accents and license plate finisher, black molded overfenders and black model, grade.
The Chicago Auto Show is open till February 18th. Go see nearly 1,000 of the latest and most exciting vehicles, including the approximately 20 vehicles that made their debut during the show’s 2019 Media Preview, including:
2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Italia 2019 Cadillac XT5 Sport 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2019 Chrysler Pacifica 35th Anniversary Edition 2019 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson by Tuscany 2020 GMC Sierra HD 2020 Kia Sportage 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition 2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport 2019 Ram 1500 Multifunction Tailgate 2019 Ram Chassis Cab 2020 Subaru Legacy 2020 Toyota RAV4 Off-Road 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro 2020 Toyota Tacoma 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Lou Ann Hammond is the CEO of Carlist and Driving the Nation. She is the co-host of Real Wheels Washington Post carchat every Friday morning and is the Automotive, energy correspondent for The John Batchelor Show and a Contributor to Automotive Electronics magazine headquartered in Korea. Hammond is a founding member of the Women's World Car of the Year #WWCOTY, and the Concept Car of the Year, and former member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year #NACTOY. She is a guest contributor for Via Corsa magazine and Vicarious magazine.
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