2026 Detroit Auto Show Overview
A preview of the 2026 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place.
- The 2026 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year was announced at the Detroit Auto Show.
- Dodge Charger has been named the 2026 North American Car of the Year.
- Ford’s Maverick Robo has been named the 2026 North American Truck of the Year.
- The Hyundai Palisade has won the title of 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.
The 2026 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year was announced on Wednesday, January 14th at the Detroit Auto Show.
A jury of 50 professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada selected the winners from among the three nominees in each category.
“These winners represent the best in the auto industry,” Jeff Gilbert, president of North American Car of the Year and automotive reporter for WWJ Radio in Detroit, said in a statement. Gilbert added: “The diversity of the backgrounds of the judges gives this award great value.”
The USA TODAY Cars team reviewed the winning vehicles in each category and compiled information for consumers about each model.
The winners are:
2026 North American Car of the Year
dodge charger
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $49,995
Total number of votes for North American Car of the Year:195
juror’s statementHenry Payne, auto columnist for the Detroit News, said the Dodge Charger is “a masterpiece and a welcome return to the brand’s gasoline-fueled sweet spot, bypassing the electric street.”
2026 North American Truck of the Year
ford maverick robo
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $35,930
Total number of votes for North American Car of the Year:277
juror’s statement: Mark Phelan, auto critic and columnist for the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, said Ford’s Maverick Robo “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 for a sporty pickup with street smarts and meaningful performance upgrades. It won’t be the last.”
2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
Hyundai Palisade
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $38,935
Total number of votes for North American Car of the Year:270
juror’s statement: Axios transportation correspondent Joan Muller said the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is “a great family car with three rows of seating, a luxurious interior and lots of safety features.”
