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Thes best automotive engines and propulsion systems of the year are about to be revealed.
For more than 30 years, Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems has served as a benchmark in the industry, highlighting the best new or significantly improved powertrains across all categories. This year, the competition is fiercer than ever, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of efficiency, performance, and innovation.
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.
These automotive experts have spent months evaluating the latest offerings from manufacturers around the world, considering everything from horsepower and torque to fuel economy and refinement. They’ve driven the cars, trucks, and SUVs, pushed them to their limits, and determined which ones truly stand out from the pack.
As we await the official announcement, we can take a look at the nominees that are vying for a spot on this prestigious list. The field is incredibly diverse, representing the full spectrum of the automotive industry. We’ve got everything from traditional internal combustion engines to cutting-edge electric powertrains, plug-in hybrids, mild hybrids, and everything in between.
Manufacturers are clearly embracing the future of mobility while still honoring the legacy of the internal combustion engine. This year’s nominees showcase a remarkable range of engineering prowess, with some manufacturers making significant strides in electric vehicle technology while others continue to refine their gasoline and diesel offerings.
The competition is particularly stiff in the electric vehicle segment, which has seen a surge in innovation over the past few years. We’re seeing longer ranges, faster charging times, and more powerful performance from electric vehicles than ever before. This year’s nominees include several all-electric models that are pushing the envelope in terms of performance and efficiency.
But it’s not just about electric vehicles. There are also some incredible hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems on the list, showcasing the best of both worlds. These vehicles offer the efficiency of electric power for daily commuting while still providing the range and convenience of gasoline power for longer trips.
Traditional internal combustion engines are also well-represented, with several manufacturers showcasing their latest advancements in gasoline and diesel technology. These engines are proving that the internal combustion engine still has a significant role to play in the automotive landscape, especially as manufacturers continue to improve their efficiency and reduce their emissions.
One of the most exciting trends this year is the rise of advanced mild-hybrid systems. These systems are becoming increasingly common across all vehicle segments, offering noticeable improvements in fuel economy without the need for plugging in. They’re a testament to the ingenuity of automotive engineers who are finding new ways to extract more efficiency from every drop of fuel.
The diversity of the nominees is truly remarkable. We’ve got everything from compact economy cars to full-size pickup trucks, luxury sedans to high-performance sports cars. This diversity reflects the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, who are looking for vehicles that can do more than ever before.
The judging process for Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems is rigorous and thorough. The judges evaluate each powertrain on a number of criteria, including horsepower, torque, fuel economy, noise, vibration, harshness (NVH), refinement, and overall driving experience. They also consider the packaging, ease of maintenance, and technological innovation of each system.
It’s not just about raw numbers. A powertrain can have impressive horsepower and torque figures, but if it’s not smooth, refined, and responsive, it won’t make the cut. The judges are looking for powertrains that make the vehicle feel special, that enhance the driving experience, and that leave a lasting impression.
The competition is particularly interesting this year because many manufacturers are in a period of transition. Some are fully embracing electrification, while others are hedging their bets with a mix of electric, hybrid, and gasoline powertrains. This transitional period is leading to some truly innovative engineering solutions as manufacturers try to balance the demands of current market trends with the uncertainty of future regulations.
The nominees also showcase the increasing globalization of the automotive industry. We’ve got everything from American manufacturers to German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Swedish automakers, all competing for a spot on this prestigious list. This global competition is driving innovation and pushing manufacturers to deliver their best work.
The rise of Chinese automakers is particularly noteworthy this year. Several Chinese brands have made significant strides in powertrain technology, offering compelling alternatives to traditional automakers. Their focus on electric vehicles and advanced battery technology is making them serious contenders in the global market.
The nominees also highlight the growing importance of software in vehicle propulsion. Modern powertrains are becoming increasingly reliant on software algorithms to optimize performance and efficiency. This trend is particularly evident in electric vehicles, where software plays a crucial role in managing battery usage and motor performance.
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list will be a true reflection of the state of the automotive industry in 2025. It will showcase the winners and losers, the innovators and the followers, and the trends that will shape the future of transportation.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, an industry professional, or just someone looking for your next vehicle, this list will provide valuable insights into what’s possible in automotive engineering today. It will highlight the technologies and approaches that are defining the future of driving.
As we await the official announcement in mid-September, the anticipation is building. The automotive world is on the edge of its seat, wondering which powertrains will make the cut. The judges have a difficult task ahead of them, but one thing is certain: the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list will be a testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and dedication of the automotive engineers who are shaping the future of transportation.
The nominees for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems are:
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)
Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger
Honda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV (2024 returning winner)
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (2024 returning winner)
Hyundai Ioniq 9 BEV
Kia EV9 GT Line BEV (2024 returning winner)
Jeep Wagoneer S BEV
Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV
Lucid Gravity BEV
Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV
Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV
Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV
Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6
Nissan Leaf BEV
Polestar 4 BEV
Ram RHO 3.0L turbo I-6 high output (2024 returning winner)
Rivian R1T Quad Max BEV
Subaru Forester 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV
Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3 (2024 returning winner)
Toyota 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV
Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L turbo 4-cyl.
Volvo EX90 BEV
Scheduled to be tested, subject to change
This list represents the best of the best, the powertrains that are setting new benchmarks for performance and efficiency. It includes everything from the latest advancements in internal combustion technology to the cutting edge of electric propulsion. The diversity of this list is truly remarkable, showcasing the full spectrum of automotive engineering in 2025.
One of the most exciting trends on this list is the continued improvement of traditional gasoline engines. Manufacturers are finding new ways to extract more power and efficiency from internal combustion engines, often through the use of turbocharging and direct injection. These engines are proving that the internal combustion engine still has a significant role to play in the automotive landscape.
The rise of mild-hybrid systems is also evident on this list. These systems use a small electric motor to assist the gasoline engine, providing a noticeable improvement in fuel economy without the need for plugging in. They are becoming increasingly common across all vehicle segments, from economy cars to luxury SUVs.
The plug-in hybrid segment is also well-represented, with several manufacturers offering compelling plug-in hybrid powertrains. These vehicles offer the best of both worlds, providing electric power for daily commuting and gasoline power for longer trips. They are a great option for drivers who want to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing convenience.
The all-electric segment is perhaps the most exciting area of innovation in the automotive industry today, and this list reflects that trend. We’ve got several all-electric vehicles on
