TopGear.com has spoken — and they didn’t mince words. The all-new 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK Scat Pack has officially been named the outlet’s U.S. Car of the Year, marking one of the most significant early wins yet for Dodge’s next-generation muscle lineup. It’s another strong signal that the American performance world is ready — very ready — for gasoline-powered muscle to make a proper comeback.
What makes this honor even more impressive is that it’s the first time the globally recognized Top Gear brand has created a U.S.-specific awards program. Their new Stateside-focused format evaluates cars launched within the last 12 months and currently on sale across America. And when the dust settled, the Sixpack-powered Charger stood on top — beating the Kia K4, Tesla Model 3 Performance, and Hyundai Elantra N for the crown.
Dodge’s newest Scat Pack model is powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE High-Output (H/O) I6, pushing 550 horsepower and 531 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with a smart all-wheel-drive setup that defaults to rear-wheel drive when you want it, the car blends classic muscle personality with modern usability. And with a starting MSRP of $54,995, Dodge proudly notes it delivers “the most horsepower under $55,000.”
TopGear.com’s team didn’t hand out the award lightly. Just like us, the editors took the Charger to one of America’s most demanding stretches of pavement — Tail of the Dragon in the Great Smoky Mountains. With 318 curves packed into just 11 miles, it’s the kind of road that exposes every flaw. Instead, the SIXPACK Scat Pack proved its worth.
Jack Rix, Editor-In-Chief of Top Gear, summed up the experience in a glowing review:
“The new SIXPACK Charger is a revelation — flexible enough to be whatever it’s called on to be, from a stout and steady daily driver to a tail-happy drift toy, and everything in between.”
That statement alone says a lot about Dodge’s direction. The brand is determined to maintain real muscle-car character even as it enters a multi-energy future — a point that Dodge CEO Matt McAlear reinforced while accepting the award.
“This prestigious honor from Top Gear reinforces that the next-generation Dodge Charger with its 550 horsepower, gasoline-burning twin turbo SIXPACK is redefining muscle car performance. All-wheel drive when you need it and rear-wheel drive when you want it, coupled with its ‘hidden hatch’ design, the SIXPACK-powered Charger is the next innovative step forward in Charger’s evolving, 60-year lineage,” McAlear said. “The new Dodge Charger continues to garner awards and recognition even as we continue to roll out the full lineup. We’re just getting started.”
That confidence isn’t misplaced. The all-new Charger lineup has already earned a spot among the three finalists for the 2026 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) and recently received honors such as Wards 10 Best Propulsion Systems and Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX.
Top Gear’s award simply adds more momentum — and gives Dodge fans one more reason to celebrate the return of accessible, high-horsepower American muscle.
