Dodge Charger Multi-energy Lineup Wins 2026 Detroit Free Press Car of the Year
'Modern styling and technology accelerate Dodge's muscle car heritage into the future'
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --
- SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger is also winner of Car of the Year in the 2026 TopGear.com U.S. Car Awards and 2025 Vehicle of the Year from The Detroit News
- The new Charger lineup also earned Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems and Wards 10 Best Interior and UX awards
- Multi-energy Dodge Charger lineup is a finalist for the 2026 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) honor
The Dodge Charger is rewriting the muscle car rule book. The Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup, including the all-new SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger Scat Pack and the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack, is the 2026 Detroit Free Press Car of the Year.
"The American muscle car lives, evolving into something new and marvelous in the new Dodge Charger," wrote Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press auto critic. "You want the home-charging convenience and surging, implacable acceleration of a 670-horsepower electric vehicle? The Charger Daytona's got you. You prefer the shake and rumble of a brawny 550-horsepower gasoline engine? The Charger has you covered, too."
Dodge Charger celebrates its 60th anniversary this year with the eighth generation of the iconic muscle car. The Charger's new multi-energy lineup is available in both internal combustion engine and battery-electric power, two or four doors, with standard all-wheel drive.
"Stellantis' Michigan-developed STLA Large multi-energy architecture passes its first test with flying colors — and breathtaking speed — in the gasoline-powered Charger and electric Charger Daytona two- and four-door muscle cars," Phelan wrote. "You can get either drivetrain with either body style, and there's plenty to love about both, including roomy comfortable interiors and advanced, easy-to-use infotainment."
The new Dodge Charger continues to garner accolades. The 2026 Detroit Free Press Car of the Year award is the third top honor this month. The SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger was also named Car of the Year in the 2026 TopGear.com U.S. Car Awards and 2025 Vehicle of the Year, according to The Detroit News.
The new Charger lineup also earned Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems and Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX awards. The multi-energy Dodge Charger lineup is also one of three finalists for the 2026 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) award. Phelan also wrote that the Charger received his vote for the NACTOY top car honor.
"From the 670-horsepower electric Charger Daytona to both the 420- and 550-horsepower gasoline models, this new Charger lineup delivers the power, performance and attitude that define Dodge, while preparing the brand to lead the muscle car into the future," said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO.
For more information on the Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup, visit Dodge.com.
Dodge
For 111 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge, America's performance brand, shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of its segments.
The new, next-generation Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup is led by the 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack – the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car. For 2026, the all-new 550-horsepower Dodge Charger Scat Pack, powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo SIXPACK H.O. engine, expands the Charger lineup, powered by the most powerful Hurricane engine in production.
Dodge also keeps its foot on the pedal as a pure performance brand with the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful gas engine SUV ever, and best-in-class standard performance in the compact-utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet.
Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.
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SOURCE Stellantis