Must See Vehicles at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show takes place in the heart of the Midwest, and it always has a down-to-earth vibe. While the automakers show us dreams of the future in Los Angeles and Detroit, Chicago is all about the cars, trucks, and SUVs that consumers buy in droves. This year saw a selection of new vehicle introductions and a plethora of special-edition models, with an emphasis on trucks and SUVs. Join us as we check out the must-see vehicles from the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.

What is it? A high-performance version of the Dodge Durango 3-row SUV.

What changed? The Durango SRT is built around the brand’s 475-horsepower HEMI V8 engine, making it the fastest Durango ever and the fastest three-row SUV in the country. The Durango SRT features best-in-class towing capacity and exclusive styling, such as a widebody design and a functional cold air intake in the hood.

When available? Fall 2017.

How much? Not yet available.

What is it? An all-new version of Ford’s fullsize, 3-row SUV, with seating for up to eight passengers.

What changed? The 2018 Expedition comes powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Features include a tip-and-slide second row, an all-new Terrain Management System with selectable driving modes, and a full suite of available connectivity and driver assistance features.

When available? Fall 2017.

How much? Not yet available.

What is it? A customized version of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan that is upfitted to accommodate wheelchair users.

What changed? BraunAbility partners with Chrysler to develop Pacifica vans fitted with motorized wheelchair ramps, extra-wide sliding doors, and cantilevered seat bases to allow wheelchair users to easily enter, exit, and drive the Pacifica. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid BraunAbility is the most spacious such vehicle available.

When available? Now.

How much? Chrysler Pacifica starts at $28,595; BraunAbility customization varies.

What is it? A customized, limited-edition Dodge Challenger.

What changed? This 485 hp Challenger gets a host of Mopar upgrades including a shaker scoop, cold air intake, strut tower braces, and customized interior trim. The car will be offered in two color combinations, Pitch Black and Billet Silver or Pitch Black and Contusion Blue (seriously, that's what the color is called). Just 80 of each color will be made, celebrating Mopar's 80th anniversary.

When available? Second quarter of 2017.

How much? $56,885 (including destination fee).

What is it? Hyundai's new compact hatch.

What changed? Though it shares a name with Hyundai's compact sedan, the Elantra GT is actually based on the European-market i30 hatchback, which explains the differences in styling (such as the GT's more upright grille) and VW Golf-like profile. Powertrains include a 162 hp 2.0 liter engine and a 201 hp 1.6 turbo, both with manual or automatic transmissions.

When available? Summer 2017.

How much? Hyundai has not announced pricing.

What is it? A new model of the Q50 that includes the most popular options.

What changed? This new model bundles several of the Q50's most popular options, including a 300-hp V6, 17-inch alloy wheels, run-flat tires, navigation, a split/fold rear seat, and a power moonroof, plus six months of Infiniti's InTouch telematics and Sirius traffic.

When available? Febuary 2017.

How much? $39,605 with rear-wheel-drive and $41,605 with all-wheel-drive (including destination charge).

What is it? A special edition of Infiniti’s fullsize luxury suv that includes unique styling elements as well as Infiniti’s most popular driver assistance features.

What changed? The Signature Edition stands out from other QX80 models thanks to its exclusive Saddle Tan leather interior, a 22-inch forged alloy wheel design, and chrome side mirrors. Safety technology includes backup collision intervention, blind spot warning, and predictive forward collision warning.

When available? May 2017.

How much? Not yet available.

What is it? The Outlander Sport Limited Edition provides technology and styling upgrades in an affordable package.

What changed? The Limited Edition Package adds tech features such as heated front seats, a rearview camera, and an upgraded audio display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Exclusive exterior styling includes an alloy fuel door, 18-inch alloy wheels, and HID headlights. The interior also includes an exclusive design with red contrast stitching.

When available? February 2017.

How much? $21,995.

What is it? A new extended cab for Nissan's full-size Titan pickup.

What changed? Nissan introduced the Titan with crew and regular cabs, and now the King Cab fills in the middle. The cab features rear-hinged back doors and an option to delete the back seat for more cargo room. It will be offered on both Titan and Titan XD models with a 6.5 foot bed.

When available? Spring 2017.

How much? Nissan has not announced pricing.

What is it? A new limited edition of the RAM 1500 pickup truck.

What changed? The Copper Sport is a special-edition truck designed around the Copper Pearl paint color, never before available on half-ton Rams. Along with the unique paint, the Copper Sport gets black hood stripes, copper-trimmed interior, polished aluminum wheels and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo. Ram will limit production to 3,000 units.

When available? March 2017.

How much? $46,950 including destination fee.

What is it? A new specially-themed version of Ram's heavy duty pickups.

What changed? With the Night models, Ram is letting heavy-duty buyers get in on the custom-look truck craze. The Night models feature the monochromatic Sport appearance package with body-colored fender flares and feature a blacked-out grille, headlight bezels, wheels, and badging (including the ram's head and engine badges).

When available? Production begins in February 2017.

How much? Pricing starts at $46,840.

What is it? An updated version of Subaru's mid-size sedan.

What changed? The Legacy gets a mid-cycle refresh, with updated front and rear styling, upgraded interior materials, and the latest version of Subaru's infotainment system, which is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. Powertrains are unchanged, but engineers have retuned the suspension, steering, brakes and transmission to improve the driving experience.

When available? Summer 2017.

How much? Pricing has not been announced.

What is it? An off-road-ready version of Toyota’s large, V8-powered SUV.

What changed? The Sequoia TRD Sport offers enhanced performance thanks to its TRD Sport Tuned Bilstein shocks and anti-sway bars. Styling includes a new front grille, metallic black mirror caps, and 20-inch black alloy wheels.

The TRD Sport will be available in new Midnight Black Metallic along with Magnetic Gray Metallic and Super White.

When available? September 2017.

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? A new trim level for Toyota's full-size Tundra.

What changed? The new TRD Sport trim level, avaialble in both CrewMax and DoubleCab versions of the Tundra, features TRD Sport sway bars and Bilstein shocks, unique wheels and monochrome interior trim, and TRD badging inside and out. Power comes from Toyota's 381 hp 5.7 liter V8 with a choice of rear- or four-wheel-drive.

When available? September 2017.

How much? Pricing has not yet been announced.

What is it? A special edition of the RAV4 with off-road-ready features and styling elements.

What changed? The RAV4 Adventure is distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels finished in black, a standard Tow Prep Package, larger fender flares, lower body guards, and black headlight and fog lamp surrounds.

Available colors are Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Super White, and Ruby Flare Pearl.

When available? September 2017.

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? A concept version of the Volkswagen Atlas SUV.

What changed? VW unveiled this concept version of their upcoming seven-seat Atlas SUV to show off some of the available accessories. Painted an eye-catching shade of yellow, the Atlas Weekend Edition features an expandable rooftop cargo box, pet barrier, tablet mount, and a grille-mounted LED light bar.

When available? The Atlas Weekend Edition is only a concept, but the regular Atlas goes on sale in September.

How much? Priceless!