The 2026 Dodge Charger has secured one of the automotive industry’s most prestigious honors by being named the 2026 North American Car of the Year™ (NACTOY) at the Detroit Auto Show — a victory underscoring Dodge’s commitment to powerful performance and forward-looking innovation.

A New Era for Muscle — Gasoline and Electric

Dodge’s all-new multi-energy Charger lineup, combining traditional muscle with advanced electrified technology, impressed an independent jury of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The judges evaluated vehicles based on innovation, design, performance, value and user experience — criteria that the Charger excelled in across its diverse range of models.

At the heart of the lineup is the SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack, featuring a 550-horsepower twin-turbocharged high-output SIXPACK engine that rockets from 0–60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. This gasoline model demonstrates that traditional internal-combustion performance remains a compelling part of Dodge’s vision for modern muscle.

Alongside it is the all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack, which delivers an astonishing 670 horsepower and a blistering 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds, showcasing Dodge’s capability to bring electrified performance into the muscle car segment without sacrificing excitement.

The award marks another triumph for the Charger after recent accolades from TopGear.com, Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News, cementing its standing as a standout vehicle among both enthusiasts and critics.

What Makes the Charger Stand Out

The 2026 Charger lineup combines classic muscle car heritage with modern features, such as:

• Best-in-class horsepower and standard all-wheel drive
• A driver-focused interior with a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 display featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• A broad suite of advanced safety and driver assists
• A versatile design available in both two-door coupe and four-door sedan forms

Dodge CEO Matt McAlear said the award is a testament to the brand’s “willingness to break pattern and redefine segments,” noting the Charger’s power of choice — from gasoline to electric — as a key part of the car’s appeal.

Industry Recognition and Legacy

The North American Car of the Year™ award is decided by a panel of independent journalists, ensuring that winners reflect genuine excellence rather than marketing influence. The Charger bested other finalists such as the Honda Prelude and the Nissan Sentra, proving its broad appeal and technical prowess.

This recognition bolsters Dodge’s legacy as a leader in performance vehicles while signaling a bold future where electric power and classic muscle heritage coexist.