Dodge CEO Matt McAlear (right) accepts the 2026 North American Car of the Year™ (NACTOY) award for the all-new Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup from NACTOY juror John Vincent at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show.
The all-new Dodge Charger lineup has been awarded the prestigious 2026 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) title, underscoring its innovation and performance. This recognition was announced at the Detroit Auto Show on January 14, 2026, marking a significant achievement for the automotive brand.
The NACTOY jury, comprising 50 independent automotive journalists from the United States and Canada, evaluated vehicles based on criteria such as innovation, design, performance, and overall value. Their decision highlights the Charger’s blend of modern technology and classic muscle car heritage.
Powerful Lineup and Performance
The 2026 Dodge Charger lineup features two standout models: the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger Scat Pack, powered by the turbocharged SIXPACK high-output engine, and the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack, which boasts 670 horsepower. The Scat Pack accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, while the Daytona achieves the same feat in an impressive 3.3 seconds.
Starting at a price of $54,995, the Charger Scat Pack offers the most horsepower in the industry for under $55,000. Notably, the entire Charger lineup comes with standard all-wheel drive and is available in both two-door and four-door configurations, providing customers with versatile options.
“Our jurors found the Dodge Charger to be a thoroughly modern sports car that both looks to the future and pays homage to its great heritage,” said Jeff Gilbert, president of NACTOY. “Whether you want electric power or classic gasoline-powered muscle, it’s all available. Congratulations to the Dodge team on this well-deserved honor.”
Recognition and Future Vision
The NACTOY award adds to a series of accolades already bestowed upon the Charger, which has also received Car of the Year honors from the Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, and TopGear.com. According to Matt McAlear, CEO of Dodge, “Winning North American Car of the Year is a testament to Dodge’s continued willingness to break patterns and redefine segments.”
He further emphasized that the Charger lineup embodies the power of choice, featuring both the SIXPACK-powered Scat Pack and the Daytona model. This recognition affirms Dodge’s vision for the future of muscle cars.
The Charger lineup combines heritage-inspired design with advanced technology. Key standard features include:
- Best-in-class horsepower and all-wheel-drive capability
- Pure heritage-inspired Dodge muscle exterior, with the widest body in the industry
- A full suite of Drive Modes, including Sport and Custom Modes, along with performance features such as Launch Control
- A driver-focused interior equipped with a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 radio, supporting wireless audio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
- Innovative “hidden hatch” exterior design, offering best-in-class rear cargo and passenger volume
- Standard safety and advanced driving features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, Active Lane Management, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go
For more information on the Dodge Charger lineup, visit Dodge.com. The NACTOY awards celebrate the most outstanding new vehicles each year, recognizing benchmarks in their segments based on various factors including innovation, safety, and user experience.
Dodge, part of the Stellantis portfolio, has been synonymous with performance for over 112 years. With a commitment to innovation and power, the new Charger lineup continues to exemplify the spirit of the brand while setting new standards in the automotive industry.
