The all-new SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger has been named TopGear.com’s U.S. Car of the Year for 2026, earning recognition for its balance of performance, muscle car character and everyday drivability. The announcement was made Dec. 10, 2025, from Auburn Hills, Michigan, marking another major milestone for Dodge’s next-generation Charger lineup.
Editors from TopGear.com selected the Charger after extensive evaluation, including a demanding drive on the Tail of the Dragon in the Great Smoky Mountains. The 11-mile stretch of road, known for its 318 curves, highlighted the Charger Scat Pack’s handling, power delivery and overall composure under aggressive driving conditions.
At the center of the award-winning model is Dodge’s high-output 3.0-liter twin-turbo SIXPACK gasoline engine. In Scat Pack form, the powerplant produces 550 horsepower and 531 lb.-ft. of torque, positioning the Charger as one of the most powerful performance cars available in its price range. With a starting U.S. MSRP of $54,995, the Charger Scat Pack delivers the highest horsepower figure under $55,000, excluding tax, title and destination fees.
The Charger’s TopGear.com honor adds to a growing list of accolades for the redesigned model range. The lineup has already received Wards 10 Best awards for both propulsion systems and interior and UX design, along with MotorWeek’s Best Sports Coupe recognition. In addition, the multi-energy Charger lineup is one of three finalists for the 2026 North American Car of the Year award.
Dodge’s next-generation Charger strategy emphasizes flexibility, offering configurations that support both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, along with a design that incorporates a concealed hatch for added practicality. The SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack is currently shipping to dealerships as Dodge continues to roll out the broader Charger family.
The Charger lineup also includes the 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack, while Dodge’s wider performance portfolio features vehicles such as the 710-horsepower Durango SRT Hellcat and the Dodge Hornet, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing focus on high-output performance vehicles.
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