The Dodge Charger Wins North American Car of the Year

The Dodge Charger has claimed one of the automotive industry's most prestigious honours: the 2026 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) award. Announced at the Detroit Auto Show on January 14, 2026, this recognition celebrates the all-new Charger's bold reimagining of modern muscle.

The award validates Dodge's multi-energy lineup, offering drivers genuine choice between internal combustion and electric powertrains. The lineup includes the 550-horsepower SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack and the 670-horsepower all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack - both available in two-door and four-door configurations.

This versatility impressed the independent jury of 50 automotive journalists from across Canada and the United States. The Charger's combination of raw performance, advanced technology, and heritage-inspired design set it apart from other finalists in the car category.

What Is the NACTOY Award?

The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards recognize the most outstanding new vehicles based on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, user experience, and value. Unlike awards from individual publications or media outlets, NACTOY selections come from an independent jury of automotive journalists who evaluate vehicles without bias or commercial influence.

"Our jurors found the Dodge Charger to be a thoroughly modern sports car that both looks to the future, but harkens back to a great heritage," said Jeff Gilbert, NACTOY president. "Whether you want electric power or classic gasoline-powered muscle, it's available."

The Charger competed against other finalists and emerged victorious thanks to its combination of performance, technology, and practical versatility. The award adds to a collection of accolades, including Car of the Year honours from TopGear.com, Detroit Free Press, and The Detroit News.

The Multi-Energy Lineup: Power of Choice

The Dodge Charger lineup delivers on Dodge's promise of "power of choice" by offering both internal combustion and electric powertrains without compromise. Every Charger comes standard with all-wheel drive and is available in two-door coupe or four-door sedan configurations - a flexibility unmatched in the performance car segment.

SIXPACK-Powered Charger Scat Pack

The SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack features Dodge's Hurricane engine technology. This 3.0 L twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine produces 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque, delivering 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.9 seconds. The SIXPACK high-output engine is the most powerful Hurricane engine in production.

The two-door Charger Scat Pack starts at $72,390, while the four-door sedan version offers the same thrilling performance with added practicality for families. Both versions include standard performance features:

• Launch Control
• Full suite of Drive Modes including Sport and Custom settings
• Line Lock for tire-smoking burnouts
• Standard all-wheel drive

All-Electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack

For drivers seeking instant electric torque, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers 670 horsepower and reaches 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Daytona Scat Pack is the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car.

Both powertrains share core technologies and design elements, ensuring that choosing between gasoline and electric doesn't mean sacrificing capability or character.

Design and Technology

The Charger's design pays homage to Dodge's legendary muscle car history while incorporating modern technology and aerodynamics. The exterior features the widest body of any car in the industry, creating an unmistakable presence on the road.

The "hidden hatch" design provides best-in-class rear cargo volume and best-in-class passenger volume, making the Charger as practical as it is powerful.

Inside, drivers face a thoroughly modern cockpit with a 16-inch cluster screen and 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 radio featuring wireless audio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The driver-focused layout puts essential controls within easy reach while maintaining the bold, performance-oriented aesthetic that Charger buyers expect.

Standard safety and advanced driving features include:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Active Lane Management
• Active Driving Assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality

These technologies allow drivers to focus on the driving experience while maintaining confidence in all conditions.

Award-Winning Performance and Value

The NACTOY jury's decision reflects the Charger's value proposition across multiple dimensions. Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO, emphasized this point: "Winning North American Car of the Year is a testament to Dodge's continued willingness to break pattern and deliver the power of choice, including the SIXPACK-powered Scat Pack's 550 horsepower and the Daytona's 670 horsepower, in both two-door and four-door configurations."

Beyond the headline numbers, the Charger's all-wheel-drive system provides confidence in all weather conditions - an essential capability for drivers in Quebec and across Canada. The combination of performance, technology, and year-round usability makes the Charger a strong choice for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise.

Assembled in Canada

Every 2026 Dodge Charger is assembled at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario, alongside the Chrysler Pacifica and Grand Caravan minivans. This Canadian manufacturing heritage adds another layer of significance to the NACTOY win, demonstrating that world-class performance vehicles can be built right here at home.

The Windsor facility produces both the SIXPACK-powered and all-electric Charger models, showcasing the plant's flexibility and the workforce's expertise in building diverse powertrains to exacting standards.

Why the Charger Stands Out

The 2026 Dodge Charger's NACTOY victory stems from several key factors:

• Genuine Choice: Buyers can select internal combustion or electric power without sacrificing performance or capability
• Body Style Flexibility: Two-door and four-door configurations serve different lifestyles without diluting the Charger's identity
• Standard AWD: Year-round capability comes standard, not as an expensive option
• Best-in-Class Space: The hidden hatch design delivers segment-leading cargo and passenger volume
• Heritage Design: The widest body in the industry creates unmistakable road presence

The Charger doesn't ask buyers to choose between performance and practicality, or between heritage and innovation. It delivers all of these elements simultaneously, which is precisely what impressed the NACTOY jury.

The Road Ahead for Dodge

The NACTOY win positions the Charger as a flagship for Dodge's performance-focused brand strategy. The recognition from automotive journalists across North America validates Dodge's multi-energy approach and signals strong momentum for the brand.

For 112 years, Dodge has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. That legacy continues in the 2026 Charger, which proves that muscle cars can evolve without losing their soul. Whether powered by a twin-turbocharged SIXPACK engine or an advanced electric drivetrain, every Charger delivers the bold, unapologetic attitude that defines the brand.

Experience the Award-Winning Charger

The Dodge Charger's North American Car of the Year victory confirms that Dodge's vision for modern muscle resonates with experts and enthusiasts alike. The combination of SIXPACK power, all-electric performance, heritage-inspired design, and advanced technology creates a vehicle that stands apart in today's automotive landscape.

To explore the award-winning 2026 Dodge Charger lineup and find the configuration that matches your driving style, visit our team at Grenier Chrysler Montréal-Est.