🔻 WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW 🔻
Decoding the Future of Automotive Propulsion: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems Nominees
The automotive industry is currently navigating an unprecedented era of transformation. Traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) are steadily yielding ground to a diverse spectrum of advanced propulsion technologies, including mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hydrogen fuel cells. This seismic shift is not merely a technological evolution; it represents a fundamental reimagining of the driving experience, challenging established norms and pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence. At the forefront of this revolution stands the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards, a prestigious benchmark that has consistently identified and celebrated the most innovative and compelling powertrains in the market for decades.
As we approach the mid-September announcement of the 2025 winners, the anticipation within the industry is palpable. The nominees for this year’s awards, which will be officially honored at a ceremony in Dearborn, Michigan, on October 22nd, offer a fascinating microcosm of the current technological landscape. This year’s selection of nominees is particularly noteworthy, featuring an eclectic mix of established automotive titans and disruptive newcomers, each vying to set the new standard for performance, efficiency, and technological sophistication.
The judging panel responsible for evaluating these groundbreaking powertrains is a testament to the depth of expertise and experience within the automotive media landscape. WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, WardsAuto Editor Jim Irwin, and WardsAuto Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia bring a collective wealth of knowledge, critical acumen, and discerning taste to the rigorous evaluation process. Their collective experience, spanning decades of automotive journalism and technical analysis, ensures that the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems designation remains one of the most credible and sought-after accolades in the industry.
The Nominees: A Tapestry of Innovation
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems nominees present a compelling narrative of the industry’s current trajectory. A cursory glance at the list reveals a significant emphasis on electrification, with BEVs and hybrids representing a substantial portion of the contenders. This trend underscores the industry’s commitment to reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency, driven by increasingly stringent regulatory standards and growing consumer demand for sustainable transportation solutions. However, the list also demonstrates that the internal combustion engine, in its most advanced and refined forms, continues to play a vital role in the automotive ecosystem, often enhanced with hybrid technology to optimize performance and efficiency.
The Electrified Vanguard
The sheer volume of BEV and hybrid nominees highlights the rapid maturation of electric propulsion technology. Vehicles such as the Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV, Jeep Wagoneer S BEV, Lucid Gravity BEV, and Polestar 4 BEV represent the cutting edge of electric vehicle design and engineering. These vehicles are not merely electric versions of existing models; they are purpose-built electric platforms that leverage the unique advantages of electric powertrains to deliver exceptional performance, range, and driving dynamics. The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (a returning winner from 2024) further underscore the growing trend of performance-oriented EVs, demonstrating that electrification does not necessitate a compromise in driving excitement. The Kia EV9 GT Line BEV (also a returning winner) showcases the increasing sophistication of electric SUVs, offering a compelling blend of space, luxury, and sustainable performance.
The inclusion of hybrid models like the Acura ADX 1.5L turbo 4-cyl., BMW X3 2.0L turbo I-4 w/ mild hybrid system, Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger, Honda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV (a returning winner), Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3 (a returning winner), and Toyota 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV illustrates the industry’s pragmatic approach to the transition to electric mobility. These vehicles demonstrate that hybrid technology can be seamlessly integrated with internal combustion engines to deliver a compelling package of performance, efficiency, and refinement, offering a practical solution for consumers seeking to reduce their environmental impact without the range anxiety associated with pure electric vehicles.
The Evolved ICE
While electrification dominates the headlines, the continued presence of internal combustion engines, particularly those enhanced with turbocharging and mild-hybrid technology, speaks to the enduring relevance of this powertrain architecture. The BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV represents the pinnacle of performance engineering, combining the visceral power of a V-8 with the efficiency benefits of plug-in hybrid technology. The Audi Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. and Buick Enclave 2.5L turbo 4-cyl. exemplify the industry’s ongoing efforts to extract more power and efficiency from smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder engines, often enhanced with mild-hybrid systems to optimize performance and fuel economy.
The Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV showcases the application of advanced hybrid technology in the luxury SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of performance, refinement, and efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV and Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV further demonstrate the sophistication of Mercedes-Benz’s approach to electrification, integrating advanced hybrid systems with their renowned performance and luxury credentials. The Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 highlights the continued demand for powerful, traditional ICE powertrains in performance-oriented SUVs, while the Ram RHO 3.0L turbo I-6 high output (a returning winner) demonstrates the versatility of the turbo-six configuration in heavy-duty applications.
The Engineering Marvels
Beyond the specific powertrain types, several nominees represent engineering marvels in their own right. The Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV and Subaru Forester 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV showcase the continued innovation in traditional ICE technology, with Mazda’s Skyactiv-G engine and Subaru’s Boxer configuration representing unique engineering approaches to optimize performance and efficiency. The Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. demonstrates the ongoing refinement of Volkswagen’s turbo four-cylinder engines, a staple of their lineup for decades. Finally, the Volvo EX90 BEV represents Volvo’s commitment to safety and sustainability, integrating advanced electric propulsion technology with their renowned safety features and minimalist Scandinavian design philosophy.
It is important to note that several vehicles on this list, including the Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV, Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6, Polestar 4 BEV, and Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L turbo 4-cyl., are marked as “scheduled to be tested, subject to change.” This underscores the rigorous and dynamic nature of the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems evaluation process, where final determinations are made only after extensive real-world testing and objective analysis.
The Criteria: A Holistic Evaluation
The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards are not simply a measure of raw horsepower or acceleration figures. The judging criteria are far more comprehensive, reflecting a holistic evaluation of the powertrain’s overall performance, efficiency, and refinement. While horsepower and torque figures are certainly considered, they are weighed against a multitude of other factors that contribute to the overall driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency and Emissions are increasingly critical considerations in the modern automotive landscape. With rising fuel costs and growing environmental consciousness, vehicles that can deliver strong performance without compromising fuel economy are highly valued. The Wards judges evaluate the EPA-rated fuel economy figures, as well as the real-world fuel consumption observed during testing, to assess the overall efficiency of each powertrain. Furthermore, the emissions performance of each vehicle is taken into account, with a particular emphasis on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
Refinement and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) are paramount to the luxury and comfort of a vehicle. A powertrain that delivers exceptional performance is of little value if it is accompanied by excessive noise, vibration, or harshness. The Wards judges pay close attention to the smoothness of the powertrain’s operation, the level of NVH transmitted to the cabin, and the overall refinement of the driving experience. Powertrains that can deliver a seamless and comfortable driving experience, even during demanding driving conditions, are highly favored.
Performance and Responsiveness remain core criteria for the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards. While efficiency is increasingly important, consumers still expect their vehicles to deliver a responsive and engaging driving experience. The Wards judges evaluate the powertrain’s acceleration characteristics, its ability to deliver power smoothly and predictably, and its overall responsiveness to driver inputs. Powertrains that can deliver a balance of performance and refinement are highly prized.
Drivability and Packaging are also critical considerations. A powertrain must not only perform well in isolation but also integrate seamlessly with the vehicle’s overall design and functionality. The Wards judges evaluate the powertrain’s packaging within the vehicle, considering factors such as engine bay space, weight distribution, and the impact on interior space and cargo capacity. Furthermore, the drivability of the powertrain is assessed, including its ease of use in everyday driving situations,
