SIXPACK-Powered Dodge Charger Named TopGear.com U.S. Car of the Year
The all-new Dodge Charger has always carried the weight of history on its shoulders. With more than 60 years of muscle car heritage behind it, expectations for the next generation were sky-high. Now, the verdict is in—and it’s definitive. The SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger has been named TopGear.com U.S. Car of the Year, earning one of the most respected accolades in the automotive world.
Calling the car “a revelation,” the editors at TopGear.com awarded the honor as part of the TopGear.com U.S. Car Awards 2026, recognizing the Charger’s rare ability to blend blistering performance, unmistakable muscle car attitude, and real-world everyday usability.
Performance That Redefines the Segment
At the heart of the award-winning Charger Scat Pack is Dodge’s high-output SIXPACK gasoline engine, a twin-turbo powerhouse delivering 550 horsepower and 531 lb.-ft. of torque. This is not just big power for bragging rights—it’s usable, controllable, and engineered to thrive in both daily driving and high-performance scenarios.
TopGear.com editors didn’t stop at spec sheets. They pushed the SIXPACK-powered Charger to its limits on one of America’s most demanding roads: the legendary Tail of the Dragon in the Great Smoky Mountains. With 318 turns in just 11 miles, the route is a proving ground that quickly exposes weaknesses. Instead, the Charger Scat Pack demonstrated poise, agility, and confidence, reinforcing that this is a muscle car built for more than straight-line speed.
Jack Rix, Editor-in-Chief of Top Gear, summed it up best: the new SIXPACK Charger is “flexible enough to be whatever it’s called on to be—from a stout and steady daily driver to a tail-happy drift toy, and everything in between.”
Muscle Car Attitude, Modern Innovation
What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is how the new Charger balances tradition with innovation. The SIXPACK-powered Charger offers all-wheel drive when you need it and rear-wheel drive when you want it, giving drivers year-round confidence without sacrificing classic muscle car dynamics.
Add in Dodge’s clever “hidden hatch” design, and the Charger delivers everyday practicality that broadens its appeal beyond weekend thrill-seekers. It’s a car that can carve mountain roads on Saturday and commute comfortably on Monday—without compromising its aggressive personality.
According to Dodge CEO Matt McAlear, the Top Gear honor reinforces that the next-generation Charger is redefining what a modern muscle car can be. With its twin-turbo SIXPACK engine and advanced drivetrain flexibility, the Charger represents the next bold step forward in the model’s long and evolving lineage.
Awards Keep Rolling In
The TopGear.com U.S. Car of the Year title is the latest in a growing list of accolades for the all-new Charger lineup. Recent honors include:
- Wards 10 Best Propulsion Systems
- Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX Systems
- MotorWeek’s Best Sports Coupe
The momentum doesn’t stop there. The multi-energy Dodge Charger lineup is also one of three finalists for the 2026 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) award, underscoring the industry-wide recognition of Dodge’s bold direction.
Unmatched Value in High Performance
Perhaps most impressive is how accessible this performance is. The SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger Scat Pack starts at a U.S. MSRP of $54,995, making it the most powerful car under $55,000. That kind of value—550 horsepower paired with modern technology, award-winning design, and everyday usability—is virtually unheard of in today’s market.
Just Getting Started
Now shipping to dealers, the award-winning SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger signals more than just a successful launch—it marks the beginning of a new chapter for an icon. As Dodge continues rolling out the full multi-energy Charger lineup, the message is clear: the brand isn’t chasing trends; it’s setting them.
TopGear.com’s verdict says it all. The SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger isn’t just a great muscle car—it’s the U.S. Car of the Year, and a revelation for what performance cars can be in the modern era.
