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Ever since Dodge released a gasoline-powered version of the 2026 Dodge Charger, the muscle car has been winning awards. The latest accolade is the prestigious title of 2026 NACTOY Car of the Year. As I reported previously, in the last month the Charger’s multi-energy lineup has won Car of the Year honors from Detroit Free Press, Detroit News and TopGear.com. The irony is that the EV Dodge Charger Daytona actually has higher horsepower, but sports car lovers love the sound of a big engine.
The 2026 Dodge Charger lineup includes the 550-horsepower 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack, which moves from 0-60 in just 3.9 seconds and is powered by the turbocharged SIXPACK high-output engine. Dodge also has the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack, which delivers 670 horsepower, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
What the Judges Said About the 2026 Dodge Charger
“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. Congratulations to the Dodge team on this well-deserved honor.”
“Winning North American Car of the Year is a testament to Dodge’s continued willingness to break pattern and redefine segments,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. “The Charger lineup delivers 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. This recognition validates our vision for the future of muscle.”
The NACTOY jury consists of an independent group of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. Jurors evaluate vehicles for the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards, assessing criteria such as innovation, design, performance and value. This jury ensures that the awards are given based on unbiased evaluations rather than the influence of a single publication or media outlet.
Dodge Charger's Award-Winning Design
The Dodge Charger has won previous awards for its wide body design, all-wheel-drive and its innovative back hatch design. “The interior of the Charger Daytona combines everything contemporary that you'd expect in an EV with a respect for the heritage of an iconic muscle car,” said Gary Vasilash, Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX judge. “Not an easy feat to accomplish, but they pulled it off in a manner that will make EV enthusiasts and the Brotherhood of Muscle both delighted with the execution.”
The back hatch gives the Charger best-in-class rear cargo volume and best-in-class passenger volume regardless of whether it is the ICE or EV version. The entire Charger lineup features standard all-wheel drive and is available in both two-door and four-door models.
The 2026 Dodge SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack is available at a starting MSRP of $54,995, delivering the most horsepower in the industry for under $55,000.
The other two contenders in the North American Car of the Year Category were the Nissan Sentra and the Honda Prelude.
Dodge Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories
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