The 2026 Dodge Charger has been named the MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Best of the Year and Best Sport Coupe, recognizing its ability to deliver high-performance muscle car dynamics through both gasoline and electric powertrains on a single chassis. This accolade underscores Dodge’s engineering feat in preserving muscle car heritage while adapting to electrification demands, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer traditional V6 power over the earlier all-electric Daytona model. For EV and performance car buyers, it signals a flexible future where one platform supports multiple propulsion types without sacrificing speed or style.
Background: Dodge’s Muscle Car Evolution
Dodge has a storied history in American muscle cars, with the Charger icon originating in the 1960s alongside rivals like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The brand phased out its HEMI V8-powered Chargers and Challengers with final editions in 2023, shifting focus to electrification amid industry trends. The all-electric Charger Daytona debuted in 2024 as the world’s first electric muscle car, featuring synthetic ‘Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust’ sounds to mimic V8 rumble, but it generated mixed reception due to its 670-horsepower output not fully resonating with traditional buyers.
The 2026 model expands this lineup with gasoline ‘Sixpack’ variants using Stellantis’ Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engine, available in 420-hp R/T and 550-hp Scat Pack trims. Both share the STLA Large platform with the EV Daytona, supporting 2-door or 4-door bodies, hatchback cargo space, and standard all-wheel drive (with rear-drive option). This multi-powertrain approach allows Dodge to adjust production based on demand, ensuring muscle car longevity as stated by MotorWeek host John Davis. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear noted it validates the Charger’s performance, design, and technology, true to brand DNA. The Charger has swept additional 2026 awards, including North American Car of the Year (NACTOY), TopGear.com Car of the Year, and honors from Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News.
Key Specifications
| Specification | R/T (Gas) | Scat Pack (Gas) | Daytona Scat Pack (EV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine/Powertrain | 3.0L I6 Twin-Turbo | 3.0L I6 Twin-Turbo HO | Dual Electric Motors |
| Horsepower | 420 hp | 550 hp / 531 lb-ft torque | 670 hp |
| Drive Type | AWD standard (RWD opt.) | AWD standard (RWD opt.) | AWD |
| Body Styles | 2-door / 4-door | 2-door / 4-door | 2-door / 4-door |
| Cargo | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Platform | STLA Large | STLA Large | STLA Large |
| MSRP (Gas Base) | Details not yet confirmed | Details not yet confirmed | Details not yet confirmed |
Note: MSRP details for gas models are not specified in available sources; EV Daytona started higher, but the exact 2026 figures are pending. All variants offer exceptional rear legroom and cargo flexibility via hatchback design.
Performance Engineering
The 2026 Charger’s core strength lies in its unified STLA platform, which accommodates either the gas inline-6 or EV dual-motor setup without compromising handling, comfort, or aesthetics. MotorWeek testers drove the Scat Pack through the Tail of the Dragon, praising its 550-hp Hurricane engine’s power delivery and all-wheel-drive grip, with rear-drive mode for burnouts. The EV Daytona previously won MotorWeek’s 2025 Best Sport Coupe for its muscle car attitude, but the gas Sixpack addresses buyer preference for authentic engine sound over synthetic noise. This flexibility positions Dodge as the only brand offering a ‘real deal modern muscle car’ in both formats.
Awards and Market Impact
MotorWeek’s dual awards highlight the Charger’s role in reaffirming muscle car values into the future, as per John Davis: ‘Stellantis has managed to use a single chassis… to please both electrification buyers and gasoline fans’. Sales have improved significantly post-gas debut, contrasting the EV’s slower uptake. Critics note it wows with engineering that could change auto manufacturing by enabling cost-saving dual powertrains, though V8 fans lament no HEMI return due to packaging constraints. Unanswered questions include the exact EPA range for gas models, pricing, and long-term sales split between ICE and EV.
Critical Perspective
While innovative, the platform’s success hinges on execution. The inline-6 delivers V8-like output (550 hp in Scat Pack vs. prior HEMIs), but purists question if turbo lag or sound matches the golden era. EV adoption remains tepid, suggesting gas variants may dominate. Production flexibility is a smart hedge against EV market uncertainty, but Dodge must confirm if battery options expand or if gas exclusivity persists.
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Horsepower | Powertrain | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack | 550 hp | Gas I6 Twin-Turbo | Dual ICE/EV platform, hatchback utility |
| Ford Mustang Dark Horse | 500 hp | Gas V8 | Analog V8 feel, but coupe-only, no EV sibling |
| Chevrolet Camaro (discontinued) | 650 hp (LT1) | Gas V8 | High power, but ended production in 2024, no EV |
| Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | 394 hp | Gas Flat-6 / Hybrid tech | Electric-assist turbo, precision handling |
The Charger stands out for powertrain versatility and practicality (4-doors, hatch), outpacing Mustang in utility while offering an EV option absent in rivals.
Verdict
The 2026 Dodge Charger earns its MotorWeek Best of the Year crown through unmatched engineering that future-proofs the muscle car segment on one adaptable platform. It’s ideal for enthusiasts seeking 550-hp gas thrills with modern AWD and space, or EV performance without full commitment—perfect for families or track days. Dodge proves muscle cars endure, but success depends on balancing purist demands with EV reality; watch for V8 rumors and pricing clarity.
