Why Dodge Has the Best New Car of 2026 | The AutoGuide Show Ep. 106
Published: January 26th, 2026
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The inside story of how Dodge returned the legendary Charger to the top of the muscle-car segment. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear joins host Greg Migliore to talk EVs, Hemis and what the Charger means for Dodge.
Then Mike joins to review the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness after attending the first drive last week in California. In the AutoGuide Garage, Greg has been testing the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn, which features the return of the Hemi V8. In our weekly gear test, we look at the benefits of Sailun Ice Blazer winter tire s, and in the mailbag we discuss the prospects of a Honda Ridgeline hybrid.
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Show Rundown
- Introduction to the Show (0:08)
- The video starts with a welcome to the AutoGuide Show, presented by eBay Motors, and mentions an interview with Dodge CEO Matt McAlear.
- Highlights the interview with Dodge CEO Matt McAlear discussing the relevance of the Charger and American muscle cars.
- Introduces the segment on the latest gear test by Mike Schlee, which is about winter tires.
- Mentions the review section, featuring a first drive of the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness and a test of the Ram 1500 Big Horn.
- Notes the mailbag segment will discuss a potential Honda Ridgeline Hybrid.
- Interview with Dodge CEO Matt McAlear (1:27)
- Matt McAlear, CEO of the Dodge brand, is welcomed to the show.
- Discussion about the Charger winning the North American Car of the Year award.
- McAlear discusses the four golden rules for the new Charger: it had to look, feel, sound, and drive like a Dodge.
- McAlear explains the rationale for the multi-energy approach, emphasizing the superior performance of battery-electric technology.
- McAlear talks about the multi-door approach (coupe and sedan) for the Charger, its all-wheel-drive capability, and improved interior legroom.
- McAlear notes that all-wheel drive is standard on the Charger to appeal to people in northern climates and Canada.
- McAlear responds to Greg's Question: Where's the Hemi? 10:21
- McAlear confirms that a full complement of two-door and four-door Charger models are planned within one year, including 670 horsepower battery, 550 horsepower twin-turbo Six-Pack, and 420 horsepower models.
- McAlear mentions the Charger's many awards, including Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, and MotorWeek Vehicle of the Year.
- McAlear describes the new Charger design as "heritage-inspired," not "retro looking".
- The segment ends with an encouragement to test drive the new Charger.
- Gear Test: Sailun Ice Blazer WSTX Winter Tires (18:18)
- Mike joins the Greg to discuss testing the Sailun Ice Blazer WSTX winter tires.
- Mike reports that the Sailun Ice Blazer tires perform well in snow, slush, and wet winter weather, comparing them favorably to the best tires on the market.
- Mike notes the trade-off for the lower cost is that the tires are a little loud and cause some vibration on dry winter roads.
- Mike recommends winter tires for everyone, arguing that the long-term saving on tire life outweighs the initial investment.
- Review: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness (25:20)
- Mike discusses his first drive of the redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness in Northern California.
- Mike highlights the Outback Wilderness's 9.5 inches of ground clearance.
- Mike calls the Outback Wilderness the best off-road car on the market.
- The 2026 Outback Wilderness features new electronically controlled dampers tuned for off-roading.
- Mike recommends the Outback Wilderness because it includes the turbo engine and capability at a price lower than fully loaded turbo models.
- Review: Ram 1500 Big Horn with Hemi V8 (33:46)
- Greg discusses time spent testing the Ram 1500 Big Horn with the Hemi V8.
- Greg notes a preference for the Hurricane Straight 6 engine over the Hemi V8, citing that the Hurricane is more powerful, more efficient, and newer.
- The Hemi V8 model tested came with the GT package, which provides a sport exhaust.
- Greg praises Ram trucks for having the best interiors in the segment.
- Greg believes the Hemi V8 is a good option for people who want it, increasing Ram's competitiveness.
- Mailbag: Potential Honda Ridgeline Hybrid (40:39)
- The mailbag segment addresses a user question about a potential Honda Ridgeline hybrid.
- Honda has announced plans for a new hybrid system for mid- to large-sized vehicles like the Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey.
- Reports suggest a Ridgeline hybrid could appear for 2027 and likely would use a traditional hybrid setup.
- The rumor is that Honda will hybridize their V6 engine for this platform.
- Greg concludes that a Ridgeline hybrid is probably not going to be on sale this year, but more information should be released in the coming years.
- Closing Remarks (44:39)
- Greg thanks Mike and Matt McAlear.
Greg Migliore is AutoGuide's Editorial Director. He has covered the auto industry for two decades, most recently as editor-in-chief of Autoblog. He's also been an editor at Automobile and Autoweek. He's a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University and the Yale Publishing course. Greg is a member of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards jury.
More by Greg Migliore
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I'm sure the new Charges is good, but no one is paying 60k+ for a six cylinder. Their pricing is way off on these.
Dodge nailed it on the looks but that is about it. It is still a 6cyl, & yes it does have the power, too much as far as i am concerned as you really can't use all that power without getting into trouble with the law & it don't sound like a true muscle car & as far as the price, it is way out of reach for a lot of people who made dodge what they are today. Someday they will listen to the consumer & not people sitting behind desks making all these decisions. A hemi would have been a better choice in my opinion & they could have kept the GT model if you wanted the looks without all that power & the high price. 305 hp is enough for me. A GT model was around $35,000.00 a whole lot less than what they want for the 6 pack model. You also have to use high octane 93 gas & your insurance premium will do through the roof. I think a GT model would sell a lot better than what they are offering, As for me I WILL PASS.