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The winners of the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards will be announced in mid-September and honored during an Oct. 22 award ceremony in Dearborn, MI.
This year’s 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems judges include WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, WardsAuto Editor Jim Irwin and WardsAuto Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter and Dave Zoia.
Nominees for 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems:
Acura ADX 1.5L turbo 4-cyl.
Audi Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl.
BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV
BMW X3 2.0L turbo I-4 w/ mild hybrid system
Buick Enclave 2.5L turbo 4-cyl.
Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8
Dodge Charger Daytona BEV
Ford F-150 3.5L turbo V-6 HEV (2024 returning winner)\nGenesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger\nHonda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV (2024 returning winner)\nHyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (2024 returning winner)\nHyundai Ioniq 9 BEV\nKia EV9 GT Line BEV (2024 returning winner)\nJeep Wagoneer S BEV\nLexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV\nLucid Gravity BEV\nMazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV\nMercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV\nMercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV\nNissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6\nNissan Leaf BEV\nPolestar 4 BEV\nRam RHO 3.0L turbo I-6 high output (2024 returning winner)\nRivian R1T Quad Max BEV\nSubaru Forester 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV\nToyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3 (2024 returning winner)\nToyota 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV\nVolkswagen Tiguan 2.0L turbo 4-cyl.\nVolvo EX90 BEV\nScheduled to be tested, subject to change\n\n\n## The automotive industry is in the midst of a profound transformation, driven by the inexorable march of electrification and the ever-increasing demand for seamless digital integration. In this dynamic landscape, the traditional metrics of powertrain excellence are being redefined, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of efficiency, performance, and user experience. The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards, now in their 30th year, serve as a crucial barometer of this evolution, recognizing the most innovative and compelling powertrains that are shaping the future of mobility.\n\nThis year’s competition features a diverse array of contenders, spanning the full spectrum of propulsion technologies. From the latest generation of turbocharged gasoline engines to advanced plug-in hybrids and all-electric powertrains, the nominees showcase the breadth of engineering talent currently at work in the industry. The WardsAuto judging panel, comprised of veteran automotive journalists with decades of collective experience, will put these systems through their paces, evaluating them on a rigorous set of criteria that includes refinement, efficiency, performance, and technological innovation.\n\nOne of the most striking trends emerging from this year’s nominees is the continued refinement of the internal combustion engine. Despite the surge in electric vehicle adoption, manufacturers are not abandoning gasoline power; rather, they are optimizing it to meet the demands of a new era. Technologies such as turbocharging, cylinder deactivation, and advanced thermal management systems are allowing engineers to extract more power and efficiency from smaller displacement engines, blurring the lines between traditional ICE and electrified powertrains.\n\nThe rise of the mild-hybrid system is another significant development, offering a cost-effective pathway to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. By integrating a small electric motor and battery, these systems can provide subtle but meaningful assistance to the gasoline engine, particularly during acceleration and low-speed driving. This approach allows manufacturers to enhance the driving experience without the added complexity and cost of a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid system.\n\nHowever, the most dramatic shift in the powertrain landscape is undoubtedly the acceleration of electrification. The Wards 10 Best nominees feature a substantial contingent of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), reflecting the industry’s commitment to a fully electric future. These vehicles are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of range, charging speed, and performance, with many offering instantaneous torque and exhilarating acceleration that was once the exclusive domain of high-performance sports cars.\n\nThe development of high-performance BEVs is particularly noteworthy. Vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 demonstrate that electrification does not necessitate a compromise in driving dynamics. These models combine the environmental benefits of electric propulsion with the thrill of performance driving, offering a compelling proposition for enthusiasts seeking the latest in automotive technology.\n\nThe integration of electrification into luxury and performance vehicles is also a key trend. The BMW M5 PHEV and the Mercedes-AMG E53 PHEV showcase how plug-in hybrid technology can be used to enhance both performance and efficiency in high-end vehicles. By combining a powerful internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery, these systems can deliver supercar-level performance while also offering the ability to operate in all-electric mode for shorter commutes.\n\nThe competition extends beyond passenger cars to encompass the vital truck and SUV segments. The Ford F-150 HEV, the Ram RHO, and the Toyota 4Runner HEV demonstrate that electrification is not limited to urban mobility. These vehicles showcase how hybrid technology can be applied to larger, more demanding applications, offering improved towing capacity and off-road capability while also reducing fuel consumption.\n\nThe WardsAuto judging process is designed to evaluate these diverse technologies in real-world driving conditions. The judges spend weeks driving the nominated vehicles, assessing everything from the smoothness of the power delivery to the responsiveness of the throttle. They also evaluate the user interface, ensuring that the controls for these advanced powertrains are intuitive and easy to use.\n\nThe awards are not just about recognizing individual powertrains; they also serve to highlight broader industry trends. This year’s selection demonstrates that the industry is embracing a multi-faceted approach to the future of mobility. There is no single solution, but rather a portfolio of technologies, each tailored to specific market needs and customer preferences.\n\nFor consumers, this diversity is a positive development. It means that there are more choices available than ever before, with options that cater to a wide range of budgets, driving needs, and lifestyle requirements. Whether a buyer prioritizes fuel economy, performance, or a balance of both, there is a powertrain that can meet their needs.\n\nThe Wards 10 Best recognition carries significant weight in the automotive world. For manufacturers, it is a validation of their engineering efforts and a powerful marketing tool. For consumers, it provides a trusted, independent endorsement of the best vehicles on the market.\n\nThe upcoming award ceremony in Dearborn, Michigan, will bring together the engineers, designers, and executives behind these innovative powertrains. It will be a celebration of technological achievement and a preview of the direction the industry is heading.\n\nAs we look ahead to the next decade, the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards will continue to evolve, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of automotive technology. The balance between ICE, hybrid, and BEV may shift, but the commitment to innovation and excellence will remain the driving force behind the industry’s progress. The 2025 awards are a testament to the fact that the future of the automobile is not just electric; it is intelligent, efficient, and exhilarating in all its forms.\n\n## In the fiercely competitive arena of automotive engineering, where the pursuit of perfection is a never-ending quest, the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards stand as a beacon of excellence. For three decades, these coveted accolades have recognized the most innovative, efficient, and refined powertrains that grace the roadways of America, setting a benchmark against which all others are measured. As we approach the 30th iteration of this prestigious competition, the automotive landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with the traditional dominance of the internal combustion engine being challenged by the relentless advance of electrification. Yet, in this era of transformation, the Wards judges have assembled a lineup of nominees that demonstrates the remarkable adaptability and ingenuity of the industry, showcasing a compelling blend of evolutionary refinement and revolutionary innovation.\n\nThe 2025 nominees paint a vivid picture of an industry at a crossroads, grappling with the dual imperatives of meeting stringent emissions regulations while satisfying the ever-escalating consumer demand for performance and refinement. What becomes immediately apparent is the continued sophistication of the gasoline engine, a testament to decades of engineering prowess. Manufacturers are not merely clinging to the past; they are reimagining the internal combustion engine for a new era. The prevalence of turbocharging, even in smaller displacement four-cylinder units, underscores this trend. These forced-induction systems are no longer the crude, lag-prone devices of yesteryear. Modern turbo
