🔻 WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW 🔻
Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems: The 2025 Contenders
The automotive landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by electrification and the relentless pursuit of efficiency. At the heart of this revolution lies the powertrain – the engine or motor that defines a vehicle’s character and performance. For over three decades, WardsAuto has been the arbiter of powertrain excellence, and for 2025, the competition has reached a fever pitch. The nominees for the prestigious Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list showcase a fascinating dichotomy: the waning dominance of traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) versus the explosive rise of electric propulsion.
This year’s selection process promises to be one of the most illuminating in the award’s history. With 33 vehicles vying for just ten coveted spots, the judges face the unenviable task of sifting through a spectrum of technologies, from venerable V-8s to cutting-edge battery-electric systems. The winners, slated for announcement in mid-September and to be honored at an Oct. 22 ceremony in Dearborn, MI, will not only represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering but will also offer a clear roadmap for the future of personal mobility.
The Judging Panel: A Confluence of Expertise
The credibility of the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems rests squarely on the shoulders of its esteemed judging panel. For 2025, the task of evaluating these technological marvels falls to a distinguished group of automotive journalists, each bringing a unique perspective forged through years of industry immersion.
Leading the charge is WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, whose keen editorial eye and deep understanding of market trends ensure that the awards remain relevant in a rapidly evolving industry. Assisting her is WardsAuto Editor Jim Irwin, whose meticulous attention to detail and technical acumen are essential for dissecting the complexities of modern powertrains. Rounding out the panel are WardsAuto Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia. Each of these veterans brings a wealth of experience, having witnessed firsthand the evolution of automotive technology from the carburetor era to the age of artificial intelligence.
This collective wisdom ensures that the judging process is comprehensive, rigorous, and unbiased. The judges evaluate the nominees not just on raw power figures but on a holistic blend of performance, refinement, efficiency, and technological innovation. Their collective voice represents the gold standard for powertrain evaluation in the automotive world.
A Diverse Field of Contenders
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems nominees present a captivating cross-section of the current automotive landscape. The list reads like a who’s who of the industry’s most innovative players, each bringing their A-game to the competition. From established automotive giants to audacious startups, the contenders represent a global tapestry of engineering prowess.
Leading the charge in terms of sheer numbers is the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) segment. The proliferation of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) is undeniable, with manufacturers across the spectrum embracing electrification. The 2025 nominees include a host of BEVs that promise to redefine the driving experience. The Cadillac Escalade IQ, a bold foray into the luxury electric SUV segment, represents the pinnacle of American electrification. Its all-electric architecture promises silent, effortless power delivery, challenging the traditional V-8 dominance of the full-size luxury SUV market.
The European contingent is equally formidable, with the BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV showcasing a masterful blend of internal combustion and electric power. This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) demonstrates that the future may not be entirely electric but a judicious combination of technologies. Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV and the Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV exemplify the German approach to electrification, prioritizing performance and refinement alongside efficiency.
From the tech-forward brands of Asia, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (a returning champion from 2024) and the Ioniq 9 BEV highlight Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV performance and design. The Kia EV9 GT Line BEV, another returning winner, continues to set the standard for three-row electric SUVs. The Polestar 4 BEV further solidifies the position of Swedish design and engineering in the premium EV space, while the Volvo EX90 BEV represents the brand’s unwavering focus on safety and sustainability.
The American automotive landscape is also heavily represented in the EV category. The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV signals a dramatic shift for an iconic muscle car brand, promising electrifying performance with a nod to its heritage. The Jeep Wagoneer S BEV demonstrates that off-road capability and electric power can coexist harmoniously. The Rivian R1T Quad Max BEV, a perennial favorite in the adventure EV segment, continues to impress with its off-road prowess and innovative features.
The traditional automakers are not conceding defeat, however. The venerable Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 represents the pinnacle of internal combustion performance, a testament to the enduring appeal of the naturally aspirated V-8. In the realm of trucks and SUVs, the Ford F-150 3.5L turbo V-6 HEV (a 2024 returning winner) and the Ram RHO 3.0L turbo I-6 high output (another returning champion) showcase the continued evolution of the hybrid powertrain in the demanding pickup segment. The Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 demonstrates that there is still life in the traditional V-6 configuration, especially when augmented with modern turbocharging technology.
The Japanese automakers, long the masters of efficiency and refinement, are also well-represented. The Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV combines Lexus’s legendary luxury with hybrid efficiency, while the Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3 (a 2024 returning winner) continues to delight driving enthusiasts with its rally-bred performance. The Toyota 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV represents a new era for one of America’s most iconic off-road vehicles, demonstrating a commitment to electrification in the traditional SUV space. Even the humble Subaru Forester 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV makes an appearance, showcasing the enduring appeal of the boxer engine configuration combined with hybrid technology.
The Shifting Sands of Powertrain Technology
The diversity of the 2025 nominees underscores a fundamental truth about the automotive industry: the internal combustion engine is not going quietly into the night. While the electric revolution is well underway, the ICE is evolving, adapting, and demonstrating surprising resilience. The nominees showcase a spectrum of ICE technologies, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
The traditional V-8, once the undisputed king of American muscle, is making a valiant stand. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 represents the zenith of this technology, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with a naturally aspirated engine. Its high-revving nature and thunderous soundtrack continue to captivate driving enthusiasts, even in an increasingly electric world. However, the writing is on the wall for the traditional V-8. Its days are numbered as manufacturers face increasingly stringent emissions regulations and the economic realities of transitioning to electric propulsion.
The V-6 has emerged as the new workhorse of the automotive industry. The 3.5L turbo V-6 in the Ford F-150 and the 3.5L turbo V-6 in the Nissan Armada NISMO represent the modern interpretation of this configuration, combining the power of a V-8 with the efficiency of a V-6 through the magic of turbocharging. This trend is not limited to trucks; the Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger pushes the boundaries of performance with the addition of an electric supercharger, demonstrating that there is still room for innovation in the V-6 segment.
The four-cylinder engine, the bastion of efficiency, continues to evolve. The 1.5L turbo 4-cyl. in the Acura ADX and the 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. in the Audi Q5 represent the modern compact engine, capable of delivering surprising power and refinement. The trend extends to larger vehicles as well, with the 2.5L turbo 4-cyl. in the Buick Enclave and the 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. in the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e demonstrating that four-cylinder engines can now power even large SUVs and luxury sedans.
The three-cylinder engine, once relegated to the smallest economy cars, is making a comeback in a surprising number of applications. The Toyota GR Corolla’s 1.6L turbo I-3 is a testament to the potential of the three-cylinder engine, delivering rally-bred performance in a compact package. The Subaru Forester’s 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV, while a four-cylinder, represents the continued evolution of horizontally opposed engines, a design that has long been a hallmark of the brand.
The Rise of Electrification
While the internal combustion engine is fighting valiantly, the undeniable trend is towards electrification. The 2025 nominees showcase a diverse range of electric powertrain technologies, each with its own strengths and applications.
Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are at the forefront of this revolution. The surge in BEV nominees reflects the industry’s commitment to a fully electric future. These vehicles, powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, offer zero
