2026 North American Car of the Year Finalists Showcases Diverse Performance and Value

2026 North American Car of the Year Finalists Revealed: Prelude Battles Charger

The 2026 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) finalists have officially been revealed, and it’s one of the most diverse groups in recent memory. The 2026 North American Car of the Year award will be decided between the new Honda Prelude, the redesigned Nissan Sentra, and the all-new Dodge Charger.

The finalists showcase the wide range of choices consumers have today, blending electrification, nostalgia, and longevity. The winners will be announced on January 14 at the opening of the Detroit Auto Show’s media days.

Here is a look at the three finalists in all categories.

The NACTOY Finalists

The independent jury of 50 distinguished auto reporters selected three contenders in each of the three categories: Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle.

The Contenders for Car of the Year

The Car of the Year segment offers a fascinating contrast:

• The Honda Prelude: The hybrid-electric sports coupe brings back an iconic nameplate. Its sophisticated design, innovative hybrid powertrain, and chassis components from the legendary Civic Type R give it a competitive edge. Honda is thrilled to have a finalist for the second consecutive year, following the Civic Hybrid’s win for the 2025 award.
• The Dodge Charger: The multi-energy lineup includes the 550-horsepower SIXPACK-powered Scat Pack and the 670-horsepower all-electric Daytona Scat Pack. This model successfully overcomes the challenge of building a modern muscle car without a V8.
• The Nissan Sentra: The sedan’s longevity and redesign focus on value, making it a compelling candidate for buyers prioritizing affordability and a premium feel.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 North American Car of the Year finalists truly reflect the wide range of choices available in the marketplace, from the high-tech, luxury EV of the Lucid Gravity to the nostalgic return of the Honda Prelude and the V6-powered future of the Dodge Charger. The winners will be crowned on January 14, 2026, at the Detroit Auto Show.

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