Dodge Charger Wins NACTOY: A New Era for Canadian Muscle

The Dodge Charger has claimed the prestigious North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) award, marking a defining moment for performance vehicles across Canada. This recognition from 50 independent automotive journalists validates Dodge's bold vision: delivering muscle car heritage with modern innovation and the power to choose your fuel.

The all-new Charger lineup offers something unprecedented in the segment - twin-turbocharged gasoline power or all-electric performance, both available in two-door coupe or four-door sedan configurations. Every model comes standard with all-wheel drive, proving that muscle no longer means compromise.

What Makes the Charger a NACTOY Winner

The NACTOY jury evaluates vehicles based on innovation, design, performance, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, user experience, and value. The Charger excelled across every criterion, standing out in a competitive field.

"Our jurors found the Dodge Charger to be a thoroughly modern sports car that both looks to the future, but harkens back to a great heritage," said Jeff Gilbert, NACTOY president. "Whether you want electric power or classic gasoline-powered muscle, it's available."

This recognition confirms what drivers in British Columbia and across Canada have been experiencing: the Charger delivers authentic muscle without asking you to choose between powertrain philosophies.

SIXPACK-Powered Performance: 550 Horsepower of Twin-Turbo Fury

The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack revives the legendary SIXPACK badge with a thoroughly modern interpretation. Where the 1970s original referenced three two-barrel carburetors, today's SIXPACK delivers 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque through a 3.0 L twin-turbocharged straight-six engine.

This is the most powerful Hurricane engine in production, and the numbers speak for themselves:

• 0 - 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds
• Top speed of 284 km/h
• Standard Line Lock for tire-smoking burnouts
• Full suite of Drive Modes with Launch Control

The two-door Scat Pack starts at $72,390, while the four-door sedan delivers the same 550-horsepower punch for families who refuse to compromise on performance.

For those seeking accessible muscle, the Charger R/T pairs the SIXPACK standard-output engine with 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, reaching a top speed of 270 km/h. This is the entry point to turbocharged Dodge performance, delivering serious capability without the premium price tag.

All-Electric Charger Daytona: 670 Horsepower, Zero Emissions

The Charger Daytona Scat Pack is the quickest and most powerful muscle car ever built, full stop. Its all-electric powertrain delivers 670 horsepower, launching from 0 - 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Like its gasoline counterpart, the Daytona is available in both two-door and four-door configurations, ensuring muscle car performance fits every lifestyle.

Dodge hasn't sacrificed heritage for electrification. The Daytona features the widest body of any car in the industry, heritage-inspired design cues, and a driver-focused interior that puts performance first. Standard all-wheel drive ensures power reaches the pavement in all conditions, while the "hidden hatch" design delivers best-in-class rear cargo volume.

Heritage and Technology: The Charger Interior

Charger Scat Pack models feature a driver-focused cockpit inspired by the iconic 1968 model. The interior combines classic muscle car DNA with modern technology:

• 16-inch cluster screen paired with 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 radio (Scat Pack)
• Standard 10.25-inch cluster screen on R/T models
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available Attitude Adjustment lighting with 64 colours that react to vehicle events
• Performance-oriented flat-top/flat-bottom heated steering wheel
• Pistol-grip shifter positioned alongside the start button
• Premium Nappa leather seating options in Black or Demonic Red

The interior also delivers best-in-class passenger volume, with rear seats that fold flat to create 1,059 litres of cargo space. This is a muscle car that doesn't ask you to leave anything behind.

Standard Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance

The Charger includes comprehensive safety technology as standard equipment across the lineup:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Active Lane Management
• Active Driving Assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

These features deliver the highest level of autonomous driving capability available in any muscle car, proving that performance and safety aren't mutually exclusive.

Assembled in Canada: Windsor's Muscle Car Legacy

Every 2026 Charger is assembled at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario, continuing Canada's proud tradition of building world-class performance vehicles. Stellantis has invested $1.9 billion to transform the facility for next-generation production, adding 301 new robots, advanced conveyors, and a dedicated battery cell line.

To meet anticipated demand, Windsor Assembly is adding a third shift and up to 1,500 new jobs in early 2026. This investment reinforces Canada's role as a cornerstone of Stellantis' global operations and ensures the Charger's legacy continues on Canadian soil.

The Power to Choose Your Fuel

What sets the 2026 Charger apart isn't just performance or technology - it's choice. Whether you want the visceral experience of a twin-turbocharged straight-six or the instant torque of an all-electric powertrain, Dodge delivers both without compromise.

"Winning North American Car of the Year is a testament to Dodge's continued willingness to break pattern," said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. "The Charger lineup delivers the power of choice, including the SIXPACK-powered Scat Pack's 550 horsepower and the Daytona's 670 horsepower, in both two-door and four-door configurations."

This philosophy extends beyond powertrains. Every Charger comes standard with all-wheel drive, ensuring Canadian drivers can harness all that power year-round. The choice between coupe and sedan means families and enthusiasts shop from the same lineup. Even the Scat Pack models include a day of performance driving instruction at Radford Racing School, ensuring owners can fully explore their vehicle's capabilities in a controlled environment.

Experience the NACTOY Winner at Ensign Pacific Chrysler

The Dodge Charger has proven itself to automotive experts across North America. Contact our team at Ensign Pacific Chrysler to learn more about the Charger lineup and find which powertrain and configuration fits your driving style.