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The automotive landscape is currently undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by the relentless march of electrification and the quest for unprecedented efficiency. Within this dynamic arena, the annual Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards stand as a beacon, illuminating the pinnacles of engineering prowess. As we hurtle toward the mid-September unveiling of the 2025 honorees, followed by the much-anticipated Oct. 22 award ceremony in Dearborn, MI, the industry holds its breath, eager to discover which innovations will grace the hallowed list.
This year, a distinguished panel of WardsAuto luminaries will once again lend their discerning palates to the evaluation process. WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, WardsAuto Editor Jim Irwin, and WardsAuto Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia possess the collective expertise to separate the merely competent from the truly groundbreaking. Their rigorous assessments, spanning weeks of intensive driving and objective analysis, will determine which propulsion systems truly represent the zenith of automotive engineering in 2025.
The sheer diversity of the 2025 nominees underscores the multifaceted nature of this technological revolution. We see the continued proliferation of mild-hybrid systems, such as those gracing the BMW X3 and Mazda CX-50, offering a tantalizing taste of electrification without the full commitment of a battery-electric vehicle. These systems, often overlooked in the glare of pure EVs, are the workhorses of the industry, providing incremental but meaningful efficiency gains across a broad spectrum of vehicles.
Yet, the specter of full electrification looms large, with an impressive contingent of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) vying for recognition. From the luxurious Cadillac Escalade IQ to the audacious Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, and the innovative Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 9, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of electric propulsion. Even established off-road titans like the Jeep Wagoneer S are embracing the electric revolution, signaling a potential paradigm shift in a segment once considered sacrosanct to the internal combustion engine.
The Wards 10 Best list serves as an invaluable barometer for the industry, guiding consumers and engineers alike toward the most promising technological pathways. As we delve into the 2025 nominees, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, exploring the innovations that are poised to redefine the automotive landscape for years to come. Whether you’re a discerning consumer seeking your next vehicle or an engineer striving for the next breakthrough, the Wards 10 Best list offers a compelling glimpse into the future of propulsion.
2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems: A Deep Dive into the Nominees
The automotive industry is currently navigating a period of unprecedented transformation, driven by the dual forces of electrification and the relentless pursuit of efficiency. Within this dynamic landscape, the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards serve as a crucial barometer, identifying the most innovative and effective propulsion technologies emerging each year. As we approach the mid-September announcement of the 2025 honorees and the subsequent Oct. 22 awards ceremony in Dearborn, MI, the automotive world watches with bated breath. This year’s nominees showcase a remarkable diversity, spanning the spectrum from highly optimized internal combustion engines to cutting-edge mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, and an extensive array of battery-electric vehicles.
The rigorous selection process is overseen by a distinguished panel of WardsAuto experts, including Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, Editor Jim Irwin, and Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia. These seasoned professionals bring decades of collective experience to the evaluation, assessing each nominee on a comprehensive set of criteria that includes refinement, power delivery, efficiency, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), and overall technological innovation. The competition this year is particularly fierce, reflecting the rapid advancements in powertrain technology across all segments of the market.
The Internal Combustion Engine’s Evolution: Efficiency Meets Performance
While the narrative surrounding the automotive industry is undeniably shifting toward electrification, the internal combustion engine (ICE) continues to evolve, demonstrating remarkable gains in efficiency and refinement. Several nominees highlight this ongoing evolution, proving that the ICE is far from obsolete. The Audi Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. represents a prime example of this trend, offering a compelling blend of performance and fuel economy that continues to resonate with consumers. Similarly, the Ram RHO 3.0L turbo I-6 high output, a returning winner from 2024, showcases the potential of the inline-six configuration when paired with modern turbocharging technology, delivering impressive torque and refinement for truck applications.
Further demonstrating the maturation of ICE technology is the Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger. This innovative powertrain combines a traditional V-6 with an electric supercharger, providing instant throttle response and eliminating turbo lag. This approach to forced induction represents a significant technological leap, offering performance characteristics that rival larger displacement naturally aspirated engines while maintaining the efficiency benefits of forced induction. The Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 also enters the fray, promising a potent combination of power and torque for the full-size SUV segment, further emphasizing that performance-oriented ICE applications remain a vital part of the automotive landscape.
The Mild-Hybrid Revolution: Bridging the Gap
Mild-hybrid systems have emerged as a critical technology in the transition toward electrification, offering a cost-effective solution to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy without the complexity and cost of full hybrid or electric powertrains. These systems typically utilize a small electric motor/generator to assist the internal combustion engine, primarily during acceleration and at low speeds, while also enabling smoother engine start-stop functionality and capturing regenerative braking energy. The BMW X3 2.0L turbo I-4 w/ mild hybrid system is a prime example of this technology’s application in the premium SUV segment, providing a refined and efficient driving experience.
The Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV also leverages mild-hybrid technology to enhance its fuel economy, demonstrating Mazda’s commitment to efficiency across its lineup. The Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV represents a more sophisticated application of mild-hybrid technology in a luxury off-road vehicle, combining the power of a turbocharged V-6 with electric assistance to deliver both performance and efficiency. Toyota, a pioneer in hybrid technology, continues to refine its approach with the Toyota 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV, bringing hybrid efficiency to a segment traditionally dominated by less efficient powertrains.
The Plug-in Hybrid Frontier: The Best of Both Worlds
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer a compelling solution for consumers who want the flexibility of a traditional gasoline engine for long-distance travel while enjoying the benefits of electric power for daily commuting. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV and the Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV showcase the integration of PHEV technology into both mainstream and performance-oriented vehicles. These systems allow for significant all-electric driving ranges, reducing reliance on fossil fuels for typical daily driving patterns.
The BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV represents the high-performance end of the PHEV spectrum, combining the power of a twin-turbo V-8 with electric assistance to deliver exhilarating performance without the prohibitive range anxiety often associated with pure EVs. This approach allows performance enthusiasts to enjoy the thrill of a powerful engine while also having the option of electric-only driving for more environmentally conscious journeys. As battery technology continues to improve, PHEVs are poised to play an even more significant role in the automotive landscape, offering a practical bridge between traditional ICE vehicles and fully electric alternatives.
The Electric Revolution: Battery-Electric Vehicles Dominate
The most striking trend in this year’s Wards 10 Best nominees is the sheer volume of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). This underscores the industry’s rapid pivot toward electrification and the increasing sophistication of EV technology. The Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV represents the full-size luxury electric SUV segment, promising an opulent and technologically advanced electric experience. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8, while a bit of an outlier with its V-8 engine, is a PHEV, but the Dodge Charger Daytona BEV represents the electrification of a truly iconic American muscle car, signaling a dramatic shift in the performance segment.
Hyundai, a leader in EV innovation, has multiple nominees, including the Ioniq 5 N BEV, a performance-oriented version of its popular compact electric SUV, and the Ioniq 9 BEV, a three-row electric SUV offering significant passenger and cargo capacity. Kia also features prominently with the EV9 GT Line BEV, another three-row electric SUV that highlights the growing demand for family-friendly electric vehicles. The Jeep Wagoneer S BEV brings electrification to the mid-size luxury SUV segment, promising off-road capability combined with zero-emissions driving.
Lucid, a relative newcomer to the EV space, has quickly established itself as a major player with its Gravity BEV, a luxury electric SUV that aims to challenge established luxury brands. Polestar, the electric performance brand from Volvo, enters the competition with the Polestar 4 BEV, a stylish and performance-oriented electric crossover. Rivian, a company that has captured the imagination of the adventure-focused market, is represented by the R1T Quad Max BEV, an all-electric pickup truck that redefines off-road
