2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at Chicago Auto Show 6

Chicago may be a truck-dominated show, but the fact that the EPA estimates the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid can deliver up to 54 mpg is hugely impressive. Sure, that matches the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but the Sonata looks and feels more modern. And speaking of technology, what about that solar roof panel that can add 3 miles of electric-assisted driving range every day? Also, Hyundai claims that it will beat both the Honda Accord and Camry in acceleration and road noise; we'll have to wait a few months to test the car and prove it ourselves.—Miguel Cortina

2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Convertible

I'm sitting in the car I picked as I write this on my phone. Why? Because the Corvette convertible is as nice to be in as it is to drive. That is to say, it's brilliant. And while I've only driven the coupe, I doubt chopping the roof off will change it much. Our car of the year is thunderously loud and easy on the eyes, and the convertible only amplifies those elements. Even in this Chicago snow, I'd drive it with the top down every single day and simply suffer the consequences. It's not technically a Chicago debut—but what a car. I just had to include it.—Nick Yekikian

2021 Chrysler Pacifica

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Minivans aren't sexy. But they offer best value for the buck if you're looking to haul families and hamperfuls of stuff. Chrysler has always been the minivan king, in part because of its clever Stow 'N Go second-row seats that fold into the floor. But one of the reasons people gravitate to SUVs is for all-wheel drive and Chrysler's vans historically offered either AWD or Stow 'N Go—not both. That changes now. It has taken a couple years to sort it out but the refreshed 2021 Pacifica brings back AWD while keeping the seat system intact with no compromises. The on-demand system has clutches front and back and the system chooses when to engage on its own. The floorpan remained intact and the overall ride height increased 0.8 inch to make room for the extra mechanical bits. In addition, the new top-shelf Pinnacle model has a suede headliner, caramel perforated leather seats with diamond patterns, nice stitching and piping, Berber carpet floor mats, a couple of lumbar throw pillows for the back seat, and fold-up infotainment screens. Set for fall delivery, families will ride in style.—Alisa Priddle

2020 Mercedes Benz Weekender Camper Van Conversion 1

Nissan Frontier Million mile at Chicago Auto Show 16