Must See Vehicles at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show

The groundhog saw his shadow, so we’re in for six more weeks of winter. That’s okay, because snow-blind Midwesterners can pop in to McCormick Place for the 2018 Chicago Auto Show which runs from February 10 – 19. The show hosted two days of previews for automotive journalists just prior to the public opening. Automakers will show off their latest lineups, and even brought out a few special editions, debuts and surprises. The Chicago Auto Show may not be a cauldron of industry action, but it has traditionally been the best-attended consumer car show in the US for years running. Here are some of the debuts and highlights of the 2018 Chicago Auto Show.

What’s changed? Subaru began selling cars in the United States in 1968. To commemorate the 50th anniversary, Subaru is building 9 limited edition vehicles, one for each model line. Based on the highest trim level for each model, the limited editions will wear a coat of Heritage Blue Paint along with special badging inside and out. Production will be limited to 1050 examples of each model, except WRX and STi, which will share 1050 examples total.

When is it available? Spring 2018.

How much? BRZ, $29,940; Crosstrek, $30,040; Forester, $33,390; Impreza 4-door, $28,340; Impreza 5-door, $28,840; Legacy, $31,490; Outback, $35,080; WRX, $35,495; WRX STI, $41,195.

(All anniversary editions are based on Limited trim levels)

What’s changed? The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon is an all-new mid-size sedan that replaces the CC in the VW lineup. Like the new Jetta, it will be built on the MQB platform, which is very flexible. Arteon’s appearance at the Chicago Auto Show was its US debut, and it made a good showing to the press. There’s a close family resemblance with the 2019 Jetta, as both share the trendy coupe-like profile with a sloping roofline and sleek, streamlined appearance. Arteon will be positioned as a premium vehicle within the VW lineup – edging into Audi territory, but not quite. It will come with a 268-hp 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged gasoline engine and 8-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel-drive or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive, 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and adaptive damping. A wide array of premium features will be available, along with advanced driver assistance technology.

When is it available? Third quarter of 2018.

How much? Pricing not yet available.

What changed? Toyota turned its TRD (Toyota Racing Development) team loose on the Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner to create 2019 TRD Pro versions of each truck. Each truck will receive 2.5-inch Fox Internal Bypass Shocks in the front that has been specially tuned by TRD engineers, along with TRD springs. The rear Fox shocks will be fitted with piggyback reservoirs. All three trucks get blacked-out trim, badges, and grilles. Tacoma gets a showy “Desert Air Intake” that swoops up from the front right fender along the A-pillar to above the roof.

When is it available? Fall 2018

How much? Pricing not yet announced.

What’s changed? Though there is no planned production for the Nissan 370Zki custom vehicle, many of the assembled journalists may have wished for a chance to buy one. A monster snowstorm descended on Midwest during the press days at the Chicago Auto Show, and the 370Zki (pronounced “370 ski”) swaps out the vehicle’s front wheels for skis and rear wheels for snowmobile tracks, transforming the coupe into a 332-hp snowmobile.

When is it available? It’s a one-off custom.

How much? Not for sale.

What’s changed? Another winter-themed one-off custom vehicle from Nissan, the Armada Snow Patrol takes a 2018 Nissan Armada body-on-frame full-size SUV and fits it with a 3-inch lift kit, extreme off-road tires on 20-inch wheels, an aftermarket front bumper, light bar and roof rack, along with a custom Katzkin leather interior and a graphic body wrap. This customized SUV looks like it is ready to head to the North Pole – or at least out to conquer the snowbound Chicago city streets.

When is it available? It’s a custom creation for the Chicago Auto Show.

How much? Not for sale.

What changed? The 2018 FIAT 500 Series consists of the 500 (Coupe), 500e (Electric Coupe), 500c (Cabrio), 500L (5-door), 500X (all-wheel-drive crossover), 500 Abarth and 500c Abarth. The new lineup (including the 124 and 124 Abarth) is now the industry’s only all-turbo selection. 500 models each come with a 1.4-liter turbo that produces 33 percent more horsepower than the outgoing examples. Pop and Lounge trim levels include standard performance braking and suspension systems, ParkView rear backup cameras, sport spoiler and exterior upgrades.

When is it available? Order now and cars arrive in the second quarter of 2018.

How much? 2018 500L starts at $20,995; 2018 500X starts at $19,995. Other pricing to follow later in 2018.

What’s changed? The all-new 2018 Hyundai Kona is Hyundai’s first entry in the growing B-Segment (sub-compact) crossover field, slotting in below the compact Tucson. Kona is built in the United States on a new platform. It will have full LED exterior lighting and a bold palette of exterior colors with an optional contrasting roof. Under the hood, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic available. The Hyundai Smart Sense suite of driver assistance is available, along with premium technology like an 8-inch navigation system, Blue Link, a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers and more.

When is it available? The first quarter of 2018.

How much? Starting at $19,500.

What’s changed? The soft-top version of the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata can now be ordered with a new Dark Cherry soft top option. Previously, the default top was black, with no optional colors available. The new top is a no-cost option, A new Auburn Nappa leather interior is available for 2018 ($300), along with three premium paint colors: Soul Red Crystal ($595); Machine Gray Metallic ($300); and Snowflake White Pearl Mica ($200).

When is it available? Now.

How much? MX-5 Sport starts at $25,295, and MX-5 Club starts at $29,155.

What’s changed? Everything, if you remember the outgoing Juke. The 2018 Nissan Kicks replaces the Juke in Nissan’s lineup as its smallest compact crossover offering. It will come with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine (125 hp/115 lb-ft of torque) and front-wheel drive with a continuously variable automatic (CVT) Xtronic transmission. Styling is bold, but a little less polarizing than the Juke, though Nissan is offering a seven-color range of exterior paint, plus five two-tone combinations.

When is it available? Spring 2018.

How much? Pricing will be announced closer to vehicle launch.

What's changed? Mopar returned to the Chicago Auto Show this year with a special customized 2019 RAM 1500 on display. The truck featured over 200 Mopar parts and accessories, including a 2-inch lift kit, off-road wheel flares, and off-road beadlock-capable wheels. The sporty, off-road custom truck also showcased the unique "Ram Rack" which can easily transport lifestyle gear, and the all-new Mopar “Ram Airflow” cold-air intake system that feeds a steady flow of fresh air to the 395-horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. of torque, 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine.

When is it available? TBA.

How much? Pricing not available.

What’s changed? First revealed at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado represents GM’s first shot across the bow of the Ford F-150. Silverado has lost weight – up to 450 lbs – with a new mix of construction materials, despite increasing in size and functionality. There was a lot of focus on the bed, which now has best-in-class cargo volume, a higher-strength steel floor, more tie-downs and an available power tailgate.

When is it available? Fall 2018.

How much? Pricing is not yet available.

What’s changed? Ford stopped building its compact pickup truck for North America in 2011. Now, an all-new midsize Ford Ranger returns as a 2019 model, with a new exterior, chassis and powertrain. The new truck will be a body-on-frame design with a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission (a first in mid-size trucks). Ranger will be available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, in familiar Ford XL, XLT and Lariat trim levels, along with Chrome, Sport and FX Off-Road packages, and even a Ranger Raptor.

When is it available? Fall 2018.

How much? Pricing has not yet been announced.

What’s changed? The big news here is that Ford is not running away from the word “Wagon” – just don’t call it a Minivan. Transit Connect Wagon is available in two-row or long wheelbase three-row form for seven-passenger seating, and a newly acknowledged audience: Baby Boomers. Apparently, there are 111 million of them out there and they control 63 percent of America’s assets. Transit Connect Wagon now comes with a choice of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine or 1.5-liter diesel engine, both mated to 8-speed automatic transmissions. Towing capability is an impressive 2,000 lbs when paired with the available trailer tow package.

When is it available? Fall 2018.

How much? Pricing is not yet available.

What’s changed? The Honda Insight Prototype debuted in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show last month, and now Chicago will get to take a look. A compact five-passenger sedan, it will be powered by a two-motor hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain, following in the footsteps of the late lamented Honda Insight Hybrid three-door (2000-2006) and five-door (2010-2014). The original Insight was all about fuel economy. This new version has additional ambitions, including premium levels of luxury, high levels of technology and infotainment options and class-leading power.

When is it available? Late 2018.

How much? Pricing is not yet available.

What’s changed? Both the 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid benefitted from an exterior refresh, following the trend of the gasoline-only Sonata. The interior got some love too, receiving a new center stack, steering wheel and infotainment. It is now possible to order additional safety features, including Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist, to supplement Sonata’s already healthy package. Steering and suspension tuning has been sharpened for improved ride and handling.

When is it available? Spring 2018.

How much? Pricing is not yet available.

What’s changed? Hyundai couldn’t stop with an all-new 2019 Veloster, Veloster Turbo and Veloster Turbo R-Spec. Hyundai is ready to go racing for real in order to establish its new N lineup. When you hear “N,” they want you to think of BMW’s “M,” Cadillac’s “V,” Mercedes-Benz’s “AMG,” and other in-house performance divisions. Veloster N gets a boost in output, up to 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, along with an electronically controlled suspension. The body gets modified with N components, so nobody will mistake your exclusive high-performance Veloster for an everyday one.

When is it available? Fourth quarter 2018.

How much? Pricing is not yet available.

What’s changed? The RX has been the best-selling luxury suv in the United States for over 20 years. If Lexus has heard any complaints, it was about the lack of a third row. The 2019 Lexus RX 350L answers that demand with a longer wheelbase, making room for a usable third row of seating. Of course, stretching the wheelbase isn’t the only change. The exterior design matches the new look of the regular wheelbase RX models, with L-shaped LED taillights, bi-LED headlights, and available premium L-shaped LED headlights. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Real wood and metal trim inside sets the stage for multiple infotainment choices. What won’t change? The RX will continue to lead the field thanks to this new long-wheelbase option.

When is it available? Now.

How much? Starting at $47,670 (FWD) and $49,070 (AWD).

What changed? Toyota’s flagship sedan enters its fifth generation riding on a new platform, the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture). New technologies for Toyota include standard Apple CarPlay and Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals. Avalon can be built with authentic wood and aluminum cabin accents, along with Engine Sound Enhancement for the 3.5-liter V6 or Toyota hybrid System (THS II) powertrain. An available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) should help Avalon's cruise ship handling sharpen significantly.

When is it available? Late Spring 2018

How much? Pricing is not yet available.

What’s changed? VW’s best-selling vehicle is getting a complete makeover for 2019. It will now ride on the MQB platform, which has allowed for a longer wheelbase, wider track and bigger wheels than before. The 2019 Jetta will follow the coupe-like styling trend with a sloping roofline (not notchback). Crisp body creases, most notably in the shoulder line and on the hood, where folds create a power bulge at the center. LED headlights will be standard. A new dash emphasizes the horizontal, splitting the dash into upper and lower sections dedicated to function. An available 10-color ambient lighting system adds a dose of fun to the interior, as drive modes and light color can be coupled for emphasis.

When is it available? Volkswagen says, “coming soon.”

How much? Prices will start at $18,545.

What’s changed? It’s the same concept vehicle that Lexus displayed in Detroit last month at the North American International Auto Show. The LF-1 Limitless concept represents Lexus’ vision for a flagship luxury crossover vehicle. It points the way for an evolution of Lexus design, integrating the organic "swoop" of the LC sports coupe into the vernacular of a crossover’s size and stance. You have to look at a concept as inspiration, rather than getting caught up in details that may be fantasy designer creations – not engineering probabilities. On that level, and on the heels of the LC, the LF-1 Limitless concept is very exciting.

When is it available? Never – but expect it to inspire the next generation of Lexus crossovers.

How much? Not for sale.

What changed? Jeep calls the Wrangler “the most capable SUV in history,” and if you’re talking about off-road ability, they’ve got a good argument. Wrangler is all-new for 2018, but they didn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. A new exterior design is in the spirit of the old, but with some functional updates, like an increased use of aluminum and easier windshield deployment (4 bolts instead of 28!). The Pentastar V6 gains alternatives: a diesel V6 has been promised for 2019, and a 2.0-liter gas turbo is available now.

When is it available? Now.

How much? Base starts at $26,995; Rubicon starts at $36,995.