Dodge Charger Wins North American Car of the Year

The all-new Dodge Charger has claimed the North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) award. Announced at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2026, the win recognizes Dodge's multi-energy approach - delivering both the 550-horsepower twin-turbocharged SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack and the 670-horsepower all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack under one nameplate.

The NACTOY jury - 50 independent automotive journalists from across the United States and Canada - evaluated vehicles on specific criteria including powertrain innovation, safety technology, and interior design. Whether drivers choose the 3.0 L twin-turbo inline-six or the instant torque of dual electric motors, the Charger lineup delivers muscle car performance in both two-door and four-door configurations.

What Makes the Charger a Winner

The Dodge Charger earned its NACTOY crown by combining heritage-inspired styling with modern technology. Every model in the lineup features standard all-wheel drive, a driver-focused interior with a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 radio, and a full suite of Drive Modes including Sport and Custom settings.

The Charger's "hidden hatch" design delivers best-in-class rear cargo volume at 1,059 litres and best-in-class passenger volume. Both the SIXPACK-powered Scat Pack and the all-electric Daytona Scat Pack share key performance features:

• Launch Control
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• 16-inch cluster screen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay integration

The heritage-inspired exterior features the widest body of any car in the industry. The NACTOY win adds to accolades from TopGear.com, Detroit Free Press, and The Detroit News - recognizing the vehicle's ability to satisfy both enthusiasts who demand raw performance and families who need everyday versatility.

SIXPACK Power and Electric Innovation

The 550-horsepower Charger Scat Pack, powered by the 3.0 L twin-turbo SIXPACK high-output engine, accelerates from 0 to 97 km/h in 3.9 seconds. This turbocharged inline-six delivers 531 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission, with standard Line Lock enabling tire-smoking burnouts. The SIXPACK engine is the most powerful Hurricane engine in production, balancing modern efficiency with the visceral driving experience enthusiasts demand.

For drivers seeking electric performance, the 670-horsepower Charger Daytona Scat Pack reaches 0 to 97 km/h in 3.3 seconds. Dual-motor all-wheel drive delivers instant torque and relentless acceleration, positioning the Daytona as the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car.

The lineup also includes the 420-horsepower Charger R/T, powered by the SIXPACK standard-output engine, offering accessible muscle for drivers who want legendary Dodge performance without stepping into Scat Pack territory. Every Charger model benefits from the same advanced platform, ensuring consistent handling dynamics and refinement across the range.

Assembled in Canada, Built for Performance

Every Dodge Charger is assembled at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario, alongside the Chrysler minivan family. This Canadian manufacturing heritage reinforces Stellantis' commitment to North American production, with the plant undergoing a $1.9 billion transformation since 2022 to support next-generation muscle car production.

The facility added 301 new robots, advanced conveyors, and a dedicated battery cell line for electric vehicle capability, while creating 600 engineering jobs at the company's Automotive Research and Development Centre.

To meet demand for the SIXPACK-powered Charger lineup, Windsor Assembly is adding a third shift and up to 1,500 new jobs in early 2026. For drivers in Alberta, this local production reinforces the Charger's connection to Canadian roads, Canadian winters, and Canadian driving conditions.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Why NACTOY Recognition Matters

The North American Car of the Year award is not determined by a single publication or media outlet. Instead, 50 independent automotive journalists from the United States and Canada evaluate vehicles based on real-world testing. This unbiased approach ensures that winners reflect proven excellence rather than marketing influence.

NACTOY President Jeff Gilbert praised the Charger as "a thoroughly modern sports car that both looks to the future, but harkens back to a great heritage." By offering both gasoline and electric powertrains in two-door and four-door configurations, the Charger lineup demonstrates that performance enthusiasts no longer need to choose between heritage and innovation.

For drivers considering a new performance vehicle, the NACTOY win serves as independent confirmation that the Charger delivers on its promises. The award reflects real-world evaluations by journalists who test hundreds of vehicles annually, making it a meaningful benchmark for buyers who demand proven excellence.

Experience the Award-Winning Charger

The Dodge Charger's NACTOY victory proves that muscle car performance can evolve while staying true to its roots. Whether you're drawn to the turbocharged roar of the SIXPACK engine or the instant torque of dual electric motors, the Charger lineup delivers power with everyday versatility. Visit Parkland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to explore the full Charger range and schedule your test drive.