This year’s North American Car of the Year is a model that is assembled in Canada.

The 2026 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) award winners were announced at the Detroit Auto Show Wednesday, Jan. 14.

The winners are:

• North American Car of the Year – Dodge Charger
• North American Truck of the Year – Ford Maverick Lobo
• North American Utility Vehicle of the Year – Hyundai Palisade

“These winners represent the best in the auto industry,” said Jeff Gilbert, president of NACTOY and automotive reporter at WWJ Radio, in a news release. “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.”

About the Dodge Charger

The all-new gasoline-powered Dodge Charger, which is assembled in Windsor, Ont., launched for the 2026 model year. Its arrival comes about two years after the automaker introduced the Dodge Charger Daytona electric car.

“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. It’s also a lesson to the industry about the limitations of performance EVs. In addition to a great muscle car, the Charger is an all-around performer with hatchback utility, all-season all-wheel-drive capability, and terrific interior and exterior design,” said juror Henry Payne, auto columnist at The Detroit News, in the release.

“Winning North American Car of the Year is a testament to Dodge’s continued willingness to break pattern and redefine segments,” Dodge CEO Matt McAlear said in a news release from Stellantis. “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 recognition validates our vision for the future of muscle.”

About the Ford Maverick Lobo

The Ford Maverick Lobo is a sportier version of Ford’s Maverick compact pickup truck.

“Ford’s Maverick Lobo opens the door to a new class of fun-to-drive compact pickups. 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,” said juror Mark Phelan, auto critic and columnist at the Detroit Free Press, in the release.

About the Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV was redesigned for 2026, with jurors saying it raises the bar and sets the standard in its class.

“The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a great family car, with three rows of seating, a posh interior and lots of safety equipment. With a starting price under $40,000 (U.S.) and a new hybrid powertrain available, it’s the perfect blend of value, technology and efficiency,” said Joann Muller, transportation correspondent at Axios, in the release.

More information on the 2026 NACTOY winners is available on the organization’s website.

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