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2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems: The Future of Automotive Power
Every year, the automotive industry eagerly anticipates the announcement of the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems. This prestigious award, now in its 30th year, recognizes the most innovative, efficient, and powerful powertrains available to consumers. The 2025 list, unveiled in mid-September and celebrated at an Oct. 22 ceremony in Dearborn, MI, showcases a remarkable blend of traditional combustion excellence and cutting-edge electric innovation.
This year’s judging panel, comprised of WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, WardsAuto Editor Jim Irwin, and WardsAuto Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia, evaluated a diverse field of 30 nominees. From high-performance V-8s to revolutionary battery electric systems, the competition was fierce, reflecting the rapid evolution of automotive technology.
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems: A Comprehensive Analysis
The nominees for this year’s awards represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering, spanning a wide range of vehicle types and propulsion technologies. As the industry transitions toward electrification, we see a fascinating juxtaposition of tried-and-true combustion engines and advanced electric powertrains.
Combustion Engine Excellence
While the automotive landscape is shifting, traditional internal combustion engines continue to demonstrate remarkable sophistication and efficiency. Several combustion-only powertrains earned nominations, showcasing ongoing innovation in this field.
The Acura ADX’s 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine exemplifies the trend toward smaller, more efficient turbocharged engines. This powertrain delivers impressive performance while maximizing fuel economy, a critical factor for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.
Similarly, the Audi Q5’s 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine represents Audi’s commitment to balancing performance with efficiency. This powertrain has been a staple in Audi’s lineup, continually refined to meet evolving emissions standards and consumer expectations.
The BMW M5’s 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV, while technically a plug-in hybrid, showcases the enduring appeal of high-performance V-8 engines. This powertrain combines the raw power of a V-8 with the efficiency of electric propulsion, offering a compelling option for driving enthusiasts.
The BMW X3’s 2.0L turbo I-4 with mild-hybrid system demonstrates the growing importance of electrification in everyday vehicles. The mild-hybrid system enhances fuel efficiency and provides a smoother driving experience, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.
The Buick Enclave’s 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine represents Buick’s focus on providing comfortable and efficient powertrains for its SUV lineup. This engine delivers ample power for daily driving while maintaining respectable fuel economy.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 is a testament to the continued innovation in high-performance internal combustion engines. This powertrain pushes the boundaries of performance, offering supercar levels of power while meeting modern emissions standards.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe’s 3.5L turbo V-6 with electric supercharger represents a cutting-edge approach to ICE technology. The electric supercharger provides instant torque, eliminating turbo lag and delivering a seamless power delivery experience.
The Honda Civic Hybrid’s 2.0L I-4 HEV, a returning winner from 2024, continues to impress with its exceptional fuel efficiency and refined driving dynamics. This powertrain demonstrates that hybrids remain a compelling option for consumers seeking a balance of performance and economy.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV, another returning 2024 winner, showcases the growing sophistication of battery electric vehicles. This powertrain delivers exhilarating performance while maintaining impressive efficiency.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 BEV represents Hyundai’s commitment to expanding its all-electric lineup. This powertrain offers impressive range and performance, positioning the Ioniq 9 as a strong contender in the competitive EV market.
The Kia EV9 GT Line BEV, a returning 2024 winner, continues to set benchmarks for electric performance and luxury. This powertrain demonstrates Kia’s ability to deliver premium EV experiences.
The Jeep Wagoneer S BEV represents Jeep’s foray into the electric SUV market. This powertrain combines Jeep’s legendary off-road capabilities with the instant torque and efficiency of electric propulsion.
The Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV showcases Lexus’s commitment to providing luxurious and efficient powertrains for its flagship SUV. This powertrain delivers impressive performance while maintaining the refinement expected of a Lexus.
The Lucid Gravity BEV, while subject to testing, represents a new entrant in the luxury EV space. Lucid’s reputation for innovative battery technology and performance suggests that this powertrain could be a game-changer.
The Mazda CX-50’s 2.0L 4-cylinder HEV demonstrates Mazda’s focus on providing efficient and engaging powertrains for its compact SUV lineup. This powertrain offers a balance of performance and economy.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e’s 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV represents Mercedes-Benz’s strategy of offering plug-in hybrid options across its lineup. This powertrain combines the efficiency of electric propulsion with the range of a gasoline engine.
The Mercedes-AMG E53’s 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV demonstrates that electrification can enhance performance. This powertrain delivers exhilarating acceleration while maintaining impressive efficiency.
The Nissan Armada NISMO’s 3.5L turbo V-6, while subject to testing, represents Nissan’s commitment to offering high-performance options for its truck lineup. This powertrain could deliver impressive towing and performance capabilities.
The Nissan Leaf BEV, a pioneer in the mass-market EV segment, continues to be a strong contender in the compact EV category. This powertrain demonstrates Nissan’s ongoing commitment to electrification.
The Polestar 4 BEV, while subject to testing, represents Polestar’s focus on delivering performance-oriented electric vehicles. This powertrain could offer impressive acceleration and handling.
The Ram RHO’s 3.0L turbo I-6 high output, a returning 2024 winner, continues to set benchmarks for Ram’s truck lineup. This powertrain delivers exceptional torque and performance for heavy-duty applications.
The Rivian R1T Quad Max BEV represents the cutting edge of electric adventure vehicles. With four electric motors, this powertrain offers unprecedented control and performance for off-road driving.
The Subaru Forester’s 2.5L Boxer 4-cylinder HEV demonstrates Subaru’s commitment to providing efficient and capable powertrains for its SUV lineup. This powertrain offers a balance of performance and economy.
The Toyota GR Corolla’s 1.6L turbo I-3, a returning 2024 winner, continues to impress with its rally-inspired performance. This compact engine delivers surprisingly potent power for its size.
The Toyota 4Runner’s 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder HEV represents Toyota’s strategy of offering hybrid powertrains for its SUV lineup. This powertrain delivers improved fuel efficiency for the iconic off-roader.
The Volkswagen Tiguan’s 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder, while subject to testing, represents Volkswagen’s commitment to providing efficient powertrains for its SUV lineup. This powertrain could offer a balance of performance and economy.
The Volvo EX90 BEV represents Volvo’s commitment to electrification and safety. This powertrain could deliver impressive performance while maintaining Volvo’s reputation for safety and refinement.
The Electrification Trend: A Deeper Dive
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list underscores the undeniable shift toward electrification in the automotive industry. While traditional combustion engines continue to evolve, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are becoming increasingly prominent.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
The nominees include several BEV-only powertrains, demonstrating the growing maturity of this technology. Vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade IQ, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9 GT Line, Jeep Wagoneer S, Lucid Gravity, Nissan Leaf, Polestar 4, Rivian R1T, and Volvo EX90 showcase the diverse applications of BEV technology. These vehicles range from luxury SUVs to performance-oriented models, highlighting the versatility of electric propulsion.
The performance capabilities of these BEVs are particularly noteworthy. The Rivian R1T Quad Max, with its four-motor setup, offers precise torque vectoring and exceptional off-road performance. Similarly, the Lucid Gravity promises long range and rapid acceleration, positioning it as a strong competitor in the luxury EV market.
The broader adoption of BEVs is also evident in the inclusion of mainstream models like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. These vehicles demonstrate that electric propulsion is becoming accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrids continue to offer a compelling bridge between traditional ICE vehicles and pure BEVs. The BMW M5 PHEV, Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e, and Mercedes-AMG E53 PHEV all demonstrate the potential of PHEV technology to enhance performance and efficiency.
These PHEVs offer the flexibility of electric-only driving for shorter commutes while retaining the range and convenience of a gasoline engine for longer trips. This approach addresses range anxiety, a significant barrier to EV adoption, while still reducing overall emissions.
Mild-Hybrid Systems
The increasing prevalence of mild-hybrid systems, as seen in the BMW X3, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Mazda CX
