Sports Car Takes Top Honor as North America’s Car of the Year
Crushing the competition, Americans name their favorite vehicle of 2026.
At the 2026 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the winners of the prestigious North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards were announced. The top honor went to the new Dodge Charger, a modern “reincarnation” of the iconic American muscle car, according to the official contest website.
The original Dodge Charger was born during the dawn of the muscle car era, following the 1964 launch of the Pontiac GTO—a powerful coupe boasting more than 300 horsepower. The 2026 Dodge Charger, while a significant leap forward in every way, retains the unmistakable style of the first-generation model.
Other winners at NACTOY 2026 included:
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Truck of the Year: Ford Maverick Lobo
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Utility Vehicle of the Year: Hyundai Palisade
Judges evaluated nominees based on innovation, design, safety, and driver enjoyment.
The award serves as a key indicator of how new vehicles are perceived by automotive professionals, helping guide potential buyers in their purchasing decisions.
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