Dodge, Ford, Hyundai Crowned Winners in 2026 NACTOY Awards

DETROIT, MI – January 14, 2026 – The automotive industry’s most anticipated accolades were unveiled today as the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year™ (NACTOY) awards kicked off the Detroit Auto Show. A jury of 50 independent automotive journalists from across the U.S. and Canada named the Dodge Charger, Ford Maverick Lobo, and Hyundai Palisade as the standout vehicles for the 2026 model year, setting a new benchmark for performance, innovation, and value.

The announcement marks the culmination of a year-long, exhaustive evaluation process. The winners, selected from a competitive field of nine finalists, represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design in their respective categories. "These winners represent the best in the auto industry,” said Jeff Gilbert, president of NACTOY. “This award has great value because of the diverse backgrounds of our jurors, and on behalf of those jurors, I offer deep congratulations to all of our winners for 2026."

A Seal of Unquestionable Prestige

Founded in 1994, the NACTOY awards have established themselves as the longest-running and one of the most respected honors in the industry, distinguished by their independence from any single media outlet. The jury’s decision-making is based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience, and overall value.

This rigorous methodology provides consumers with what NACTOY calls a "definitive roadmap for new-car shoppers." The process begins with dozens of eligible new or substantially redesigned vehicles, which are test-driven and scrutinized over hundreds of hours. This list is narrowed down to semifinalists announced in September, followed by a final slate of three contenders per category revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The final votes, confidentially tallied by Deloitte LLP, remain a closely guarded secret until the official announcement in Detroit, adding to the prestige and anticipation of the event. For automakers, a NACTOY win is a powerful validation of their product strategy and a significant marketing advantage in a crowded marketplace.

North American Car of the Year: The Multi-Faceted Dodge Charger

Earning the coveted title of North American Car of the Year™, the 2026 Dodge Charger impressed jurors with its bold strategy of blending classic muscle car DNA with modern versatility and a multi-energy powertrain lineup. Securing 195 votes, the Charger was hailed for its successful return to form while pushing the brand into the future.

While Dodge initially signaled a purely electric path, the final production model offers both the all-electric Daytona variant and a gasoline-powered version featuring the new 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo "SIXPACK" engine. This dual approach proved to be a masterstroke, catering to traditional enthusiasts and forward-looking buyers alike. The SIXPACK engine delivers up to 550 horsepower, while the top-tier Daytona Scat Pack EV produces a staggering 670 horsepower. Both versions come standard with all-wheel drive, a feature that enhances all-season capability without sacrificing the brand’s signature rear-wheel-drive fun, which can be engaged at the push of a button for classic burnouts.

Jurors celebrated this flexibility. “The Dodge Charger is a tour de force and welcome return to the brand's gas-fueled sweet spot after a detour down Electric Alley," noted juror Henry Payne. Beyond its raw power, the Charger was praised for its practicality. A clever hatchback design is hidden beneath its classic fastback profile, providing best-in-class cargo space. Greg Migliore, another juror, called it the "Swiss Army knife of muscle cars," adding that it "charts a new course for Dodge."

North American Truck of the Year: Ford’s Sporty Maverick Lobo

Ford continued its remarkable dominance in the truck category, securing its sixth consecutive North American Truck of the Year™ award with the 2026 Maverick Lobo. With an impressive 277 votes, the Lobo variant was recognized for creating an entirely new sub-segment: the sporty, street-focused compact pickup.

While the standard Maverick has already been a massive success by offering an affordable and efficient entry point into the truck market, the Lobo model injects a heavy dose of performance and aggressive style. It comes exclusively with a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and an advanced all-wheel-drive system with a twin-clutch rear drive unit for enhanced agility. A lowered, performance-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and unique 19-inch wheels transform the practical pickup into a surprisingly nimble and fun-to-drive vehicle.

The win solidifies the Maverick’s position as a segment-defining product. “Ford's Maverick Lobo opens the door to a new class of fun-to-drive compact pickups,” said juror Mark Phelan. “It's the first to make an affordable compact pickup the basis of a sporty pickup with street smarts and meaningful performance upgrades. It won't be the last.” The Lobo completes a versatile Maverick lineup that already includes a base work truck, an efficient hybrid, and an off-road Tremor model. As juror Tom Voelk commented, "If only we were all as flexible and resourceful as Maverick.”

North American Utility Vehicle of the Year: The Refined Hyundai Palisade

In the industry’s most competitive segment, the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade stood out to win North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™ with 270 votes. Jurors lauded the three-row SUV for once again raising the standard for family vehicles by delivering a compelling combination of upscale design, advanced technology, and, most significantly, a new hybrid powertrain.

The second-generation Palisade is larger and more spacious, with a sophisticated exterior and a cabin that rivals those of luxury brands. The interior is a technological showcase, centered around a panoramic curved display that merges two 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment. It is packed with family-friendly innovations like Digital Key 2.0, a UVC sanitization compartment, and 100-watt USB-C ports in all three rows.

The most crucial update is the available 2.5-liter turbo-hybrid powertrain, which produces a robust 329 horsepower while targeting an impressive 34 mpg combined. This addition directly addresses the growing consumer demand for fuel efficiency without compromising the performance needed for a large family hauler. "The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a great family car, with 3 rows of seating, a posh interior and lots of safety equipment," said juror Joann Muller. John Vincent added that the redesigned model, "and especially its hybrid model, again sets the standard in the class. It's simply the best SUV you can buy today.” The win reinforces Hyundai's reputation for offering exceptional value and innovation.

These three winners not only represent excellence in their classes but also reflect the dynamic shifts occurring across the automotive landscape. From a muscle car that embraces both gasoline and electric power to a compact truck built for street performance and a family SUV that delivers luxury-level efficiency, the 2026 NACTOY champions provide a clear look at the future of driving. Their victories set a high bar for competitors and offer a trusted guide for consumers navigating the choices of the year ahead.