Today in Cars: Chicago Show Vibes, Nissan Looks Inward, Mazda Retires a Favorite, Stellantis Recalibrates, and the Odd “Versa” Twist
I did my usual winter shuffle through McCormick Place—puffer jacket, notebook, coffee that cooled too fast—and the 2026 Chicago Auto Show had that familiar February pulse: families, features, and a handful of genuine surprises. Away from the show floor, Japan is in the air too: Nissan’s openly mining its heritage for the next wave, Mazda’s finally letting the CX-3 bow out (maybe not forever), Stellantis is reassessing an EV push that’s proving pricier than planned, and—file this under “only in cars”—the Versa name has resurfaced, but not where you’d expect.
Chicago Auto Show: Big Midwest Energy, Six Standouts, and the Year’s Themes
Car and Driver circled six must-see cars at the show, and while I won’t spoil their full bingo card, the throughline felt clear on the floor: practical electrification, truck culture gone premium, and a dash of nostalgia. I hopped between new metal and concept corners; the crowd clustered wherever designers had the courage to play with texture and color again. Good sign.
What stood out on the floor (beyond the crowds)
- Electric with range sanity: Fewer moonshot specs, more realistic numbers and quicker charge claims.
- Trucks with lifestyle packaging: Overlanding bits, clever storage, factory lift kits that don’t ride like shopping carts.
- Retro flavors: A couple of familiar badges and throwback lines that actually feel earned, not cynical.
- Cabins that calm: Quieter materials, simpler screen logic, and physical controls making a modest comeback.
Quick tips if you’re going
- Hit the test-track queue early—afternoons balloon.
- Bring a portable charger; you’ll take more photos than you think.
- If you care about cargo space, bring a small roller bag to test the trunk lip and shape. It’s revealing.
Nissan: Back to Japan for Inspiration
Autocar’s latest podcast digs into Nissan’s pivot back toward its Japanese roots—something I’ve wanted from them for years. When Nissan leans into its home DNA, you get crisp, honest cars: think clean surfacing, purposeful tech, and an edge of playfulness. I still remember the first time I hustled a little JDM-flavored hatch through a rainy canyon—steering light but talkative, controls that felt hand-made for human hands. If the brand channels that again, expect more character and less committee.
Wait… a “Versa” that isn’t a Nissan?
Yes, really. Carscoops reports the Versa name has popped back up—but attached to a Mitsubishi-badged van in another market, and the bones trace to a Nissan product. It’s the kind of global-market badge shuffling that reminds you how intertwined these companies can be. The takeaway for shoppers here? Don’t panic about your Nissan Versa sedan; this is a naming oddity abroad, not a new U.S. model. Still, it’s a neat window into how alliances recycle tooling and branding to fit regional needs.
Mazda CX-3: Farewell (for Now), But Don’t Count the Name Out
Carscoops says Mazda is killing off its oldest crossover, the CX-3. Makes sense: the CX-30 has long overlapped it, and the CX-3’s tight back seat and short-wheelbase jitters felt dated on chewed-up city streets. I loved its steering—Mazda’s talent for pedal feel and body control showed through even on winter tires—but the packaging never quite matched rivals. “Gone” doesn’t always mean gone, though. Automakers retire nameplates to recharge them later. If CX-3 returns, I’d bet on more clever space use, improved noise isolation, and a cabin that leans into Mazda’s recent tactile minimalism.
Stellantis and the EV Recalculation
Another headline that turned heads: Carscoops characterizes Stellantis’s aggressive EV push as a costly misread—multi-billion-dollar territory—forcing a rethink. In plain terms: consumer adoption in some markets hasn’t kept pace with the investment curve, incentives are shifting, and hybrids continue to soak up demand. Don’t read this as “EVs are dead.” It’s more like a mid-course correction: prioritize profitable trims, emphasize plug-in hybrids where they’re hot, and sweat costs on the next-gen batteries and platforms. I’ve driven some of their latest plug-ins; they’re quiet, torquey, and make sense for suburban life where you can charge overnight and still road-trip without anxiety.
Today’s Brand Moves at a Glance
| Brand | What Happened | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Re-centering design and product inspiration on Japanese roots. | Expect cleaner aesthetics, truer-to-brand character, and sharper identity. |
| Mitsubishi/Nissan | “Versa” name resurfaces abroad on a Mitsubishi-badged van tied to Nissan underpinnings. | Shows deep alliance-era platform sharing and flexible naming strategies. |
| Mazda | Ends CX-3 production; hints it may not be gone for good. | Streamlines lineup; opens space for a smarter, roomier reboot later. |
| Stellantis | Re-examines a costly EV strategy after slower-than-expected returns. | Likely tilt toward hybrids and more disciplined EV rollouts. |
Sidebar: The Strange Import That Wasn’t
Carscoops also dredged up a curious footnote: court records indicating the late Jeffrey Epstein tried to import a special Toyota and Hyundai into the U.S. through exemption pathways. It didn’t happen. File this as a reminder that America’s 25-year import rules and certification hurdles don’t bend easily, no matter who’s asking.
What I’ll Be Watching Next
- Nissan’s next production reveal to see if the “back to Japan” talk shows up in line, stance, and interface.
- Whether Mazda telegraphs a CX-3 successor with more usable rear space and a calmer ride.
- Stellantis’s spring product cadence—watch for hybrid-heavy trims and sharpened pricing.
- Any official clarity on where (and why) that non-Nissan “Versa” badge lands next.
Bottom Line
Auto shows are still where you feel the industry’s pulse. Today’s beat? Pragmatic electrification, smarter packaging, and a return to design roots that mean something. Less flash, more follow-through. I’m here for it.
FAQ
What are the big themes at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show?
Real-world EVs, lifestyle-focused trucks, and a modest revival of tactile interiors. The show feels more practical than speculative this year.
Is Nissan really shifting its design direction?
Yes. Nissan’s openly leaning back into its Japanese heritage for design and product cues, which should yield cleaner, more characterful cars.
Is the Mazda CX-3 gone permanently?
It’s being discontinued, but Mazda is hinting the name or slot could return in a more modern, roomier form down the line.
What’s the deal with a Versa that isn’t from Nissan?
In certain markets, the “Versa” name has appeared on a Mitsubishi-badged van derived from Nissan underpinnings—an alliance-era badge and platform shuffle. It’s not a U.S. sedan replacement.
Did Stellantis abandon EVs?
No. The company is recalibrating after a costly push—expect a stronger emphasis on hybrids and more targeted EV launches rather than an outright retreat.
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