The Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup has been named the 2026 Car of the Year by the Detroit Free Press, adding to a growing list of industry accolades for the latest generation of the muscle car and reinforcing the flexibility of its underlying vehicle architecture.
The award recognizes the Charger range developed by Stellantis, which is built on the STLA Large platform designed to support both battery-electric and internal combustion powertrains. The lineup includes the all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack producing 670 horsepower, alongside gasoline-powered variants delivering up to 550 horsepower.
The STLA Large architecture was developed in Michigan and underpins two- and four-door Charger configurations. Reviewers cited the platform’s ability to accommodate different propulsion systems while preserving performance characteristics associated with the Charger nameplate, highlighting its role in bridging electrification with traditional muscle car attributes.
The electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack anchors the lineup’s performance credentials with high output and home-charging capability, while the SIXPACK-powered Scat Pack uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine to appeal to buyers favoring combustion powertrains. The dual approach reflects Dodge’s effort to broaden its customer base during a transition period for the U.S. performance car market.
In addition to the Detroit Free Press recognition, the Charger lineup has received multiple industry honors. The gasoline-powered SIXPACK variant was named U.S. Car of the Year by TopGear.com and also earned vehicle-of-the-year recognition from The Detroit News. Engineering and design elements of the Charger have further been acknowledged by Wards, including awards for propulsion systems, interior design and user experience.
The Charger has also been named a finalist for the 2026 North American Car of the Year award, underscoring the industry’s focus on platforms that can deliver performance across multiple energy types.
