The Future of Automotive Power: Exploring the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems
The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the relentless pursuit of efficiency, performance, and sustainability. At the forefront of this transformation stands the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards, a prestigious accolade that recognizes the pinnacle of automotive engineering. As we approach the 2025 awards, the anticipation is palpable, with a diverse lineup of contenders vying for a coveted spot on the list.
This year’s nominees showcase a remarkable breadth of technological innovation, from advanced internal combustion engines to cutting-edge electric powertrains. The competition is fierce, with established automakers and emerging players alike presenting compelling cases for their propulsion systems. The winners, set to be announced in mid-September and honored during an Oct. 22 award ceremony in Dearborn, MI, will undoubtedly shape the future of the automotive landscape.
The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards have long been a bellwether for industry trends. This year’s nominees reflect the evolving priorities of consumers and manufacturers, with a strong emphasis on electrification, hybridization, and alternative fuels. The judges, a panel of seasoned automotive journalists, will be evaluating each contender on a range of criteria, including performance, efficiency, refinement, and technological innovation.
A Glimpse at the Contenders: A Diverse Mix of Powerhouses
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems nominees present a fascinating cross-section of the automotive industry. The list includes traditional internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, plug-in hybrids, and a significant number of battery electric vehicles. This diversity underscores the industry’s transitionary phase, where multiple powertrain technologies coexist and compete for market share.
Among the internal combustion contenders, several notable systems stand out. The Acura ADX’s 1.5L turbo 4-cyl. represents the continued refinement of downsized turbocharged engines, a trend that has dominated the industry for the past decade. These engines offer a compelling balance of power and efficiency, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. The Audi Q5’s 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. further exemplifies this trend, showcasing Audi’s expertise in developing sophisticated turbocharged powertrains.
The BMW M5’s 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV represents the high-performance segment, where electrification is being used to enhance rather than replace traditional powertrains. This plug-in hybrid system combines the raw power of a V-8 engine with the instant torque of electric motors, delivering an exhilarating driving experience. The BMW X3’s 2.0L turbo I-4 w/ mild hybrid system demonstrates the increasing prevalence of mild hybrid technology, which provides incremental efficiency gains without the need for extensive infrastructure changes.
The Buick Enclave’s 2.5L turbo 4-cyl. represents the evolution of American V-6 engines, with turbocharging becoming the norm for mainstream vehicles. This engine offers a compelling blend of power and refinement, making it well-suited for larger SUVs and crossovers. The Genesis GV80 Coupe’s 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger showcases the innovative use of electric superchargers to eliminate turbo lag and provide instant power delivery.
The Honda Civic Hybrid’s 2.0L I-4 HEV builds on Honda’s long-standing expertise in hybrid technology. This system represents a mature and refined approach to hybridization, offering excellent fuel efficiency without compromising driving dynamics. The Mazda CX-50’s 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV further demonstrates the growing acceptance of hybridization in the mainstream market. The Subaru Forester’s 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV represents Subaru’s commitment to its Boxer engine architecture, with hybridization enhancing the brand’s reputation for reliability and efficiency.
The Toyota GR Corolla’s 1.6L turbo I-3 continues to impress with its ability to extract significant power from a small displacement engine. This engine represents the pinnacle of performance engineering in the compact segment. The Toyota 4Runner’s 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV addresses the demand for more efficient powertrains in traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
The Ram RHO’s 3.0L turbo I-6 high output represents the evolution of Ram’s HEMI engines, with the Stellantis EcoDiesel technology providing a compelling alternative for truck buyers seeking efficiency and torque. The Volkswagen Tiguan’s 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. represents the continued refinement of VW’s ubiquitous turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a powertrain that has powered millions of vehicles worldwide.
The Electrification Wave: A Strong Showing from BEVs and PHEVs
The most striking trend among the 2025 nominees is the strong representation of electric vehicles. This underscores the accelerating shift towards electrification in the automotive industry. The Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV represents the premium segment’s embrace of electric powertrains, bringing Cadillac’s luxury identity to the electric era. The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV marks a significant moment for the iconic Charger nameplate, transitioning to an all-electric future while retaining its performance DNA.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (a returning winner) and Hyundai Ioniq 9 BEV showcase Hyundai’s commitment to electric performance and versatility. These vehicles represent the cutting edge of EV technology, offering impressive range, charging speeds, and driving dynamics. The Kia EV9 GT Line BEV (a returning winner) further demonstrates Kia’s success in the electric SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of space, technology, and performance.
The Jeep Wagoneer S BEV represents the electrification of a legendary off-road brand, bringing Jeep’s capability to the electric era. The Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV demonstrates Lexus’s commitment to hybridization in its flagship SUV, offering a blend of luxury and efficiency. The Lucid Gravity BEV represents the high-performance luxury EV segment, with Lucid’s advanced technology and design setting new benchmarks.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV and Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV showcase Mercedes-Benz’s strategy of electrifying its entire lineup, offering plug-in hybrid options that deliver both performance and efficiency. The Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 represents the continued evolution of performance in traditional SUVs, with NISMO tuning enhancing the Armada’s capabilities. The Nissan Leaf BEV represents the mainstream EV segment, with the Leaf continuing to be a compelling option for everyday drivers.
The Polestar 4 BEV represents the performance-oriented EV segment, with Polestar’s focus on design and driving dynamics making it a strong contender. The Rivian R1T Quad Max BEV represents the adventurous spirit of the EV movement, offering extreme off-road capability combined with electric performance. The Volvo EX90 BEV represents Volvo’s commitment to safety and sustainability in the electric era, offering advanced driver-assistance systems and a focus on responsible manufacturing.
The Evolution of the Internal Combustion Engine: Efficiency Meets Performance
While the rise of electric vehicles is undeniable, the internal combustion engine continues to evolve, offering compelling solutions for various market segments. The 2025 nominees demonstrate that ICE technology is far from obsolete, with manufacturers finding innovative ways to improve efficiency and performance.
The Acura ADX’s 1.5L turbo 4-cyl. represents the trend of downsizing and turbocharging, which has allowed manufacturers to extract more power from smaller engines while improving fuel economy. This approach has been particularly successful in the compact and mid-size segments, where consumers demand a balance of performance and efficiency. The Audi Q5’s 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. further exemplifies this trend, showcasing Audi’s expertise in developing sophisticated turbocharged powertrains that deliver both power and refinement.
The Buick Enclave’s 2.5L turbo 4-cyl. represents the evolution of the traditional American V-6 engine. With turbocharging becoming the norm, manufacturers can now offer the power and torque of a larger engine in a more efficient package. This approach is particularly well-suited for larger SUVs and crossovers, where towing capability and passenger comfort are priorities.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe’s 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger represents the cutting edge of ICE technology. The use of an electric supercharger eliminates turbo lag and provides instant power delivery, creating a driving experience that rivals electric vehicles. This innovative approach demonstrates that there is still room for innovation in ICE technology.
The Ram RHO’s 3.0L turbo I-6 high output represents the evolution of Ram’s HEMI engines. With the Stellantis EcoDiesel technology, Ram is offering a compelling alternative for truck buyers who prioritize torque and fuel efficiency. This represents a significant shift in the truck market, where diesel engines have traditionally dominated the heavy-duty segment.
The Toyota GR Corolla’s 1.6L turbo I-3 is a testament to the engineering prowess of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. This small but mighty engine delivers impressive performance, proving that ICE technology can still be exciting and engaging. The Toyota 4Runner’s 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV represents the evolution of traditional SUVs, with hybridization addressing the demand for more efficient powertrains in body-on-frame vehicles.
The Hybrid Revolution: The Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid technology continues to be a dominant force in the automotive industry, offering a compelling blend of electric and gasoline power. The 2025 nominees demonstrate the maturity of hybrid technology
