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Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems 2025: A Deep Dive into Automotive Innovation
The automotive landscape of 2025 is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by electrification, hybridization, and a relentless pursuit of efficiency. This transformation is perhaps best encapsulated by the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards, a prestigious recognition that has long served as the benchmark for powertrain excellence in the United States. As we approach the mid-September announcement of the 2025 winners, and the subsequent October 22nd award ceremony in Dearborn, MI, the automotive industry holds its collective breath, eager to see which technologies will define the next era of driving.
This year’s Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems 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—faces an unprecedented challenge. The selection process, which involves thousands of miles of real-world driving, rigorous performance evaluations, and in-depth technical analysis, must now accommodate a diverse range of powertrain technologies. From the last vestiges of internal combustion to the cutting-edge of electric mobility, the nominees represent a fascinating cross-section of automotive engineering prowess.
In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve into the nominees for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems, exploring the technological trends that underpin their inclusion, the competitive pressures that are shaping the industry, and the future trajectory of automotive powertrains.
The Nominee Pool: A Testament to Diversification
The 2025 nominee list for Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems is a testament to the industry’s commitment to diversification. This year’s pool includes a remarkable array of technologies, each vying for recognition:
Internal Combustion Engines (ICE): The Enduring Legacy
While electrification dominates the headlines, the internal combustion engine continues to evolve, proving its resilience in the face of regulatory pressures and consumer demands. Several ICE vehicles grace the nominee list, often enhanced with hybridization or turbocharging to meet modern efficiency standards.
Acura ADX 1.5L turbo 4-cyl.: The entry point into Acura’s lineup, the ADX demonstrates that compact luxury can be achieved without sacrificing performance. The 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine, a staple of Honda’s powertrain portfolio, delivers a compelling balance of responsiveness and fuel economy, crucial for the competitive compact SUV segment.
Audi Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl.: Representing German engineering precision, the Audi Q5’s 2.0L turbo four-cylinder is a study in refinement. This engine powers one of the best-selling luxury SUVs globally, offering a smooth, quiet ride complemented by Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Its inclusion highlights the continued importance of the premium ICE in the luxury market.
BMW X3 2.0L turbo I-4 w/ mild hybrid system: BMW’s strategy of integrating mild-hybrid technology into its core ICE offerings is evident in the X3. This approach allows the X3 to deliver a more engaging driving experience while meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards. The 2.0L turbo inline-four, a benchmark in its class, benefits from the added torque and efficiency provided by the mild-hybrid system.
Buick Enclave 2.5L turbo 4-cyl.: Buick’s move to downsize its Enclave’s powertrain from a V6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder is a bold statement about the capabilities of modern turbo technology. This engine in the 2025 Buick Enclave delivers a compelling blend of power and efficiency, challenging traditional assumptions about what a three-row SUV can achieve in terms of fuel economy.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8: The Corvette ZR1 represents the pinnacle of American ICE performance. Its 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 is a high-revving masterpiece, delivering supercar-level power while pushing the boundaries of internal combustion technology. This nomination underscores the enduring appeal of the V-8 engine in the high-performance segment.
Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger: Genesis’s entry into the performance coupe segment is marked by technical innovation. The 3.5L twin-turbo V-6 is augmented with an electric supercharger, a cutting-edge technology that eliminates turbo lag and delivers instant torque. This approach exemplifies the sophisticated engineering now commonplace in luxury ICE powertrains.
Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV: Lexus’s flagship SUV, the LX 700h, showcases the integration of hybrid technology into a large, luxurious platform. The 3.4L turbo V-6 hybrid system provides a compelling blend of power and efficiency, crucial for a vehicle of this size. It highlights Lexus’s commitment to offering electrified options across its entire lineup.
Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV: Mazda’s focus on driving dynamics extends to its hybrid offerings. The CX-50’s 2.0L four-cylinder hybrid system delivers a refined and engaging driving experience, a hallmark of the Mazda brand. This nomination underscores the company’s belief that electrification should not come at the expense of driving pleasure.
Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6: The NISMO division brings its performance expertise to the Armada, creating a high-performance off-roader. The 3.5L twin-turbo V-6, enhanced for NISMO duty, delivers the power and torque required for demanding driving conditions while maintaining the refinement expected of a Nissan product.
Ram RHO 3.0L turbo I-6 high output: The Ram RHO, a returning winner from 2024, continues to impress with its high-output inline-six engine. This engine represents a modern take on the traditional truck powerplant, offering a compelling combination of torque, efficiency, and refinement. Its continued presence on the nominee list speaks to its engineering excellence.
Subaru Forester 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV: Subaru’s iconic Boxer engine takes on a new dimension with the Forester’s hybrid integration. This powertrain delivers the signature all-wheel-drive capability and reliability that Subaru customers expect, now with the added benefits of hybrid efficiency.
Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3 (2024 returning winner): The GR Corolla, a cult favorite since its 2024 win, continues to impress with its tiny but mighty 1.6L turbo three-cylinder engine. This engine demonstrates that displacement is not the sole determinant of performance, as the GR Corolla delivers a thrilling driving experience that has captivated enthusiasts worldwide.
Toyota 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV: The legendary 4Runner receives a modern powertrain upgrade with the 2.4L turbo four-cylinder hybrid system. This represents a significant shift for a model known for its rugged simplicity, signaling Toyota’s commitment to electrifying even its most traditional nameplates.
Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L turbo 4-cyl.: The Tiguan’s 2.0L turbo four-cylinder continues to power one of Volkswagen’s best-selling models. Its inclusion on the nominee list highlights the importance of the compact SUV segment and the need for efficient, reliable powertrains to meet consumer demands.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV): The Bridge to Electrification
PHEVs continue to play a crucial role in the automotive transition, offering the flexibility of electric propulsion for daily commuting while retaining the range and convenience of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.
BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV: The M5 represents the pinnacle of performance plug-in hybrid technology. Combining the power of a twin-turbo V-8 with electric motors, this PHEV delivers supercar-level performance with the ability to operate on electric power alone. It exemplifies the trend of automakers using electrification to enhance performance rather than simply improve efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV: Mercedes-Benz’s entry into the PHEV space for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems is the GLC 350e. This model combines the brand’s signature luxury with the efficiency benefits of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, demonstrating the growing importance of PHEVs in the luxury segment.
Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV: The E53 represents another AMG-tuned PHEV, showcasing Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to electrification without compromising performance. The 3.0L turbo inline-six, enhanced with electric power, delivers a compelling blend of power and efficiency, positioning the E53 as a formidable contender in the performance PHEV segment.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV): The Future Takes Shape
The most significant trend in the 2025 nominee pool is the sheer volume of battery electric vehicles. This reflects the accelerating shift towards electrification, driven by regulatory pressures, technological advancements, and growing consumer acceptance.
Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV: Cadillac’s entry into the electric SUV market is marked by the Escalade IQ, a fully electric version of its iconic luxury SUV. This BEV
