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Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems 2025: Electrification Takes Center Stage
The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, with electrification moving from a niche concept to the dominant force shaping the next generation of vehicles. This transformation is nowhere more evident than in the annual Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems competition, where the criteria for excellence are being redefined. As we gear up for the 2025 awards, the nominees showcase a landscape where traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) are increasingly sharing the stage with advanced hybrid and fully electric systems.
For over three decades, WardsAuto has been the benchmark for evaluating the powertrains that define the driving experience. This year’s competition, however, marks a pivotal moment. While the satisfying roar of a V8 and the smooth operation of a turbo-four remain integral to the evaluation, the judges are now placing equal, if not greater, emphasis on efficiency, sustainability, and the seamless integration of electric technology. The 2025 Wards 10 Best list is poised to reflect a future where “best” no longer simply means powerful or refined—it means intelligent, efficient, and forward-thinking.
This comprehensive analysis delves into the nominees, the evolving judging criteria, and what the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems 2025 tells us about the trajectory of the automotive industry.
The Evolution of “Best”: What the Judges Are Looking For
The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems has long been the gold standard for powertrain evaluation, but the definition of “best” is constantly evolving. For years, the awards focused almost exclusively on the internal combustion engine, rewarding horsepower, torque, smoothness, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) characteristics. However, as the automotive landscape shifts toward electrification, the judging criteria have adapted to reflect this new reality.
The 2025 Wards 10 Best list will be a testament to this evolution. While traditional ICE vehicles still hold a place, the competition is increasingly being dominated by hybrid and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). This shift is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about recognizing that the future of driving is electric. The judges are now looking for a more holistic view of what makes a powertrain great. This includes not only performance metrics but also efficiency, sustainability, and the overall driving experience.
One of the most significant changes in the judging criteria is the increased emphasis on electric technology. For years, EVs were seen as niche products, but they are now becoming mainstream. This is reflected in the Wards 10 Best list, where BEVs are now regularly featured as nominees. This shift is not without its challenges, as the judges must now evaluate a wider range of propulsion systems. However, it also presents an opportunity to recognize the innovations that are driving the industry forward.
Another important aspect of the judging criteria is the focus on sustainability. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they are increasingly looking for vehicles that are not only efficient but also sustainable. This means that automakers are now looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle of the vehicle, not just during operation. The Wards 10 Best list is a reflection of this trend, with judges looking for vehicles that are not only efficient but also sustainable.
The 2025 Wards 10 Best list will be a testament to the evolving definition of “best.” It will show that the future of driving is electric, and that the automotive industry is ready to embrace this new reality.
A Glimpse at the Nominees: A Mix of Power and Efficiency
The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems 2025 list features a diverse range of nominees, showcasing the breadth of innovation occurring across the automotive industry. This year’s list includes a mix of traditional internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and fully electric powertrains, reflecting the ongoing transition toward electrification.
Among the standout nominees is the Acura ADX 1.5L turbo 4-cyl., representing the continued refinement of turbocharged four-cylinder engines. This powertrain demonstrates that ICE technology is far from obsolete, offering a compelling blend of performance and efficiency. Similarly, the Audi Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. highlights the ongoing innovation in compact luxury SUVs, where automakers are squeezing more power and efficiency out of smaller displacements.
The BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV represents the pinnacle of performance hybrid technology. This powertrain combines the raw power of a V8 engine with the efficiency of an electric motor, offering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and responsible. The BMW X3 2.0L turbo I-4 w/ mild hybrid system further illustrates the growing trend of mild-hybrid technology, which is becoming increasingly common across the industry.
The Buick Enclave 2.5L turbo 4-cyl. demonstrates that even mainstream automakers are embracing turbocharging to enhance performance and efficiency. This powertrain offers a compelling combination of power and refinement, making it a strong contender for the Wards 10 Best list. The Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV represents the growing presence of luxury electric vehicles, showcasing the latest advancements in battery-electric technology.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 pushes the boundaries of performance, combining the raw power of a V8 engine with the efficiency of turbocharging. This powertrain represents the continued innovation in high-performance vehicles, where automakers are constantly seeking new ways to extract more power and efficiency from their engines. The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV highlights the growing trend of electric muscle cars, demonstrating that electric powertrains can deliver the performance and excitement that drivers expect from a Dodge.
The Ford F-150 3.5L turbo V-6 HEV (a 2024 returning winner) showcases the success of hybrid technology in full-size trucks, where efficiency and capability are both critical. This powertrain demonstrates that even heavy-duty vehicles can benefit from electrification. The Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger represents the cutting edge of powertrain technology, combining a twin-turbo V6 with an electric supercharger for a unique blend of power and efficiency.
The Honda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV (a 2024 returning winner) represents the continued refinement of hybrid technology in compact cars, offering a compelling combination of fuel economy and performance. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (a 2024 returning winner) is a testament to the success of performance-oriented electric vehicles, showcasing that BEVs can deliver the driving dynamics that enthusiasts demand.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 BEV represents the growing trend of three-row electric SUVs, offering a compelling combination of space, efficiency, and technology. The Kia EV9 GT Line BEV (a 2024 returning winner) further demonstrates the success of electric SUVs, showcasing that BEVs can deliver the performance and capability that drivers expect from a larger vehicle.
The Jeep Wagoneer S BEV represents the electrification of the traditional SUV, offering a compelling combination of ruggedness and efficiency. This powertrain demonstrates that electric vehicles can deliver the capability that drivers expect from a Jeep. The Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV represents the electrification of the luxury SUV, offering a compelling combination of power, efficiency, and refinement.
The Lucid Gravity BEV represents the cutting edge of luxury electric vehicles, showcasing the latest advancements in battery-electric technology. This powertrain demonstrates that electric vehicles can deliver the performance and efficiency that luxury buyers demand. The Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV represents the growing trend of mild-hybrid technology in mainstream SUVs, offering a compelling combination of fuel economy and performance.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV represents the continued refinement of plug-in hybrid technology in compact luxury SUVs, offering a compelling blend of electric and gasoline power. The Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV demonstrates that even high-performance vehicles are embracing electrification, offering a compelling combination of power and efficiency.
The Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 represents the continued innovation in performance SUVs, showcasing that even traditional V6 powertrains are being enhanced with turbocharging for better performance. The Nissan Leaf BEV represents the continued success of electric vehicles in the compact segment, offering a compelling combination of efficiency and affordability.
The Polestar 4 BEV represents the cutting edge of performance-oriented electric vehicles, showcasing that BEVs can deliver the driving dynamics that enthusiasts demand. The Ram RHO 3.0L turbo I-6 high output (a 2024 returning winner) represents the success of mild-hybrid technology in pickup trucks, offering a compelling combination of power and efficiency.
The Rivian R1T Quad Max BEV represents the cutting edge of electric pickup trucks, showcasing the latest advancements in battery-electric technology. This powertrain demonstrates that electric vehicles can deliver the performance and capability that truck buyers demand. The Subaru Forester 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV represents the continued refinement of hybrid technology in compact SUVs, offering a compelling combination of fuel economy and performance.
The Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3 (a 2024 returning winner) represents the success of small-displacement turbocharged engines in high-
