Dodge Charger Named 2026 Detroit Free Press Car of the Year

The Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup has been named 2026 Car of the Year by Detroit Free Press, highlighting its electric and gasoline performance approach.

The new-generation Dodge Charger has been named 2026 Detroit Free Press Car of the Year, marking a significant moment for the iconic American muscle car as it enters a new multi-energy era. The award recognizes the entire Charger lineup, which brings gasoline and fully electric powertrains together under a single model family.

At the heart of the recognition is Dodge’s multi-energy strategy. Buyers can choose between the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack, delivering 670 horsepower, and the gasoline-powered Dodge Charger Scat Pack SIXPACK, equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine producing up to 550 horsepower. Both versions are offered in two- and four-door body styles and come standard with all-wheel drive.

The electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers performance figures that place it among the quickest modern EVs. Dodge reports a 0–60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and an 11.5-second quarter mile, while the estimated driving range stands at around 260 miles, underscoring the model’s balance between performance and everyday usability.

The gasoline-powered SIXPACK version preserves the emotional core of the brand. With 550 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, it blends traditional muscle car character with modern engineering, reinforcing Dodge’s commitment to performance even as the lineup expands into electrification.

Both variants are built on Stellantis’ STLA Large architecture, developed in Michigan. Designed to support multiple propulsion systems, the platform features an 800-volt electrical system, laying the groundwork for high performance and fast-charging capability in electric configurations.

The new Charger lineup has also been recognized for its interior design and user experience. It earned Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems and Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX awards, highlighting advancements in ergonomics, digital interfaces, and overall usability.

The Detroit Free Press honor adds to a growing list of accolades. Within the same month, the Charger was named 2026 Car of the Year by the TopGear.com U.S. Car Awards and 2025 Vehicle of the Year by The Detroit News. The model is also a finalist for the 2026 North American Car of the Year award.

Arriving as the Dodge Charger celebrates its 60th anniversary, the eighth-generation model represents more than a routine update. By combining electric performance, modern gasoline power, and a unified performance philosophy, the new Charger signals how the muscle car formula may continue to evolve while staying true to its roots.