The 2026 Dodge Charger has secured its position as one of the three finalists for the highly respected North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) award, marking a major milestone for Dodge as it embraces a new era of multi-energy performance. With both gas-powered and all-electric variants offered in two- and four-door body styles, the Charger lineup enters the competition with one of the most diverse performance portfolios in the segment.
The centerpiece of Dodge’s nomination is its dual-approach strategy. On one side sits the all-new SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack, packing 550 horsepower from a twin-turbo high-output inline-six that hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds while offering standard Line Lock and all-wheel drive. On the other, the 670-horsepower all-electric Daytona Scat Pack delivers a silent but brutal 3.3-second sprint to 60 mph—making it the most powerful car available for under $60,000.
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear celebrated the recognition, saying, “Being named a finalist for North American Car of the Year is a testament to Dodge’s relentless pursuit of performance and innovation. The Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup delivers the power of choice to our customers, a 550-horsepower SIXPACK and a 670-horsepower Daytona, with both two doors and four doors, and we’re just getting started.”
The NACTOY jury, made up of automotive journalists from across the U.S. and Canada, evaluates vehicles on innovation, design, safety, driving satisfaction, value, and user experience. This year’s finalists reflect a wide spread of offerings, something NACTOY President Jeff Gilbert emphasized directly. “Once again, these finalists show the wide range of choices that consumers have in the marketplace,” Gilbert said. “Our jury of distinguished auto reporters has come up with a great selection of fantastic vehicles that truly reflect the best of the best.”
Beyond power, the new Charger brings meaningful substance. A driver-focused cabin with a massive 16-inch digital cluster, a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, customizable drive modes, and a full suite of active safety tech comes standard. Its clever “hidden hatch” design gives the Charger best-in-class rear cargo volume and passenger space, adding practicality to its performance-first mission.
Dodge also delivers strong value. The 420-horsepower Charger R/T will start at $49,995. The 550-horsepower Charger Scat Pack begins at $54,995 for the two-door and $56,995 for the four-door. The all-electric Daytona Scat Pack, available now, starts at $59,995. All Scat Pack models also include a complimentary day of instruction at Radford Racing School.
As the automotive world waits for the final NACTOY announcement, Dodge stands tall with a reinvented Charger lineup that proves American muscle can evolve—and still dominate.
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