The automotive industry's prestigious North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards for 2026 have been officially announced, with three distinct models taking top honours. The winners were revealed at a ceremony in Detroit on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Victorious Trio Honoured in Detroit
Securing the North American Car of the Year title is the all-electric Dodge Charger. The award was accepted by Dodge Brand CEO Matt McAlear of Stellantis North America, who was presented the trophy by NACTOY Board Treasurer John Vincent. Notably, the winning Charger model is manufactured in Windsor, Ontario, marking a significant win for Canadian auto production.
In the truck category, the Ford Maverick Lobo emerged victorious as the North American Truck of the Year. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Palisade claimed the crown for North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, reaffirming its position as a top contender in the competitive SUV market.
Significance of the NACTOY Awards
The NACTOY awards are considered among the most significant and impartial accolades in the automotive sector. Jurors, comprised of dozens of professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada, evaluate vehicles based on criteria including innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, and value.
This year's winners reflect ongoing industry trends: the embrace of electric performance with the Dodge Charger, the popularity of compact, versatile trucks like the Maverick Lobo, and the continued consumer demand for capable, family-oriented SUVs exemplified by the Palisade.
A Canadian Connection in the Spotlight
The victory of the Windsor-made Dodge Charger brings a direct Canadian focus to the 2026 awards. This win highlights the role of Canada's manufacturing sector in producing world-class, award-winning vehicles and contributes to the national economy. The recognition serves as a testament to the skilled workforce and advanced manufacturing capabilities present in Ontario's automotive heartland.
The 2026 NACTOY awards solidify these three vehicles as benchmarks in their respective segments for the coming year. For consumers, these awards provide a trusted, journalist-vetted shortlist for their next vehicle purchase, while for the automakers, they represent a major marketing achievement and validation of their product development strategies.
