The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems: A Comprehensive Analysis
The automotive landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by relentless innovation in powertrain technology and a global pivot towards electrification. As internal combustion engines (ICE) evolve to meet stringent emissions standards, and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continue to push the boundaries of performance and efficiency, the competition for industry recognition has never been fiercer. WardsAuto, a beacon of automotive journalism for over a century, stands at the forefront of evaluating these transformative technologies. The annual Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards serve as the ultimate benchmark for powertrain excellence, celebrating the engineers and designers who are redefining the future of mobility.
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems nominees represent a fascinating cross-section of this technological evolution. From the latest advancements in turbocharging and hybridization to the cutting-edge developments in BEV architecture, this year’s list showcases a remarkable diversity of engineering approaches. The winners, slated for announcement in mid-September and to be honored at an Oct. 22 award ceremony in Dearborn, MI, will be selected by a panel of WardsAuto’s most seasoned judges: Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, Editor Jim Irwin, and Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia.
This in-depth analysis delves into the significance of this year’s nominations, explores the underlying technological trends, and provides expert insights into what distinguishes the frontrunners in this highly competitive field. We will examine how these powertrains balance the critical demands of performance, efficiency, refinement, and environmental responsibility—the core criteria that Wards judges evaluate.
The Evolving Landscape of Powertrain Technology
The Wards 10 Best list has always mirrored the broader trends in the automotive industry. In decades past, the focus was primarily on horsepower gains and engine displacement. However, as environmental concerns have escalated and fuel prices have fluctuated, the definition of a “best” engine has expanded dramatically. Today, a truly exceptional powertrain must deliver more than just raw power; it must also demonstrate sophistication, fuel efficiency, and increasingly, zero tailpipe emissions.
The Internal Combustion Engine: A Story of Resilience
Despite the surge in electrification, the internal combustion engine is far from obsolete. The 2025 nominees demonstrate that ICE technology continues to evolve, driven by necessity and innovation. Turbocharging, once a niche technology, is now ubiquitous, allowing manufacturers to extract impressive power from smaller displacement engines while simultaneously improving fuel economy.
One of the most notable trends in this year’s list is the prevalence of mild-hybrid (HEV) systems. These systems, which use a small electric motor and battery to assist the gasoline engine, offer a cost-effective way to improve efficiency without the complexity and weight of a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid system. The Honda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV and the Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV are prime examples of this approach, demonstrating that even mainstream vehicles can achieve significant fuel savings through smart hybridization.
The continued refinement of the turbocharging technology is evident in nominees like the Audi Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. and the Buick Enclave 2.5L turbo 4-cyl. These engines showcase the industry’s ability to extract more power and torque from smaller four-cylinder units, often with improved refinement and lower emissions compared to their predecessors. The Genesis GV80 Coupe’s 3.5L turbo V-6 with an electric supercharger represents a further evolution of this trend, combining turbocharging with electric boost for near-instantaneous throttle response.
The Rise of the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid
Hybrid technology has moved beyond the realm of eco-focused vehicles to become a mainstream performance enhancer. The 2025 list features a strong contingent of hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that challenge traditional assumptions about power and efficiency. The BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV and the Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV are prime examples of how electrification can be used to boost performance, offering supercar-level acceleration combined with the ability to drive on electric power alone for short distances.
The Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3, a returning winner from 2024, demonstrates that even small, specialized engines can achieve greatness through a combination of forced induction and lightweight design. Its inclusion on the list highlights the enduring appeal of the hot hatch segment and the importance of driver engagement in the overall powertrain evaluation.
The Electrification Revolution
The most significant trend shaping the 2025 list is the rapid rise of electric propulsion. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) now constitute a substantial portion of the nominees, reflecting the industry’s commitment to a zero-emissions future. The Wards judges have embraced this shift, recognizing that BEVs are no longer a niche technology but a legitimate and often superior alternative to traditional powertrains.
This year’s BEV nominees span the full spectrum of the market, from mainstream vehicles to high-performance luxury models. The Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 BEV, and the Lucid Gravity BEV represent the pinnacle of electric performance, showcasing how battery technology can be used to deliver exhilarating acceleration and long driving ranges. The inclusion of these vehicles underscores the growing recognition that electric powertrains are capable of delivering the performance and refinement that premium buyers demand.
The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV, a highly anticipated model, represents a bold statement from a legacy automaker about its commitment to electrification. Its presence on the list signals that even traditional muscle car brands are embracing the electric era, albeit with a nod to their heritage.
For more insights into the latest trends in electric vehicles, check out our comprehensive guide on electric car maintenance in 2025.
Critical Evaluation Criteria for the 2025 Awards
The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards are not simply about horsepower figures or 0-60 mph times. The judging process is rigorous and comprehensive, evaluating each powertrain across a range of critical criteria. Understanding these criteria provides valuable insight into what makes a powertrain truly exceptional.
Performance and Driving Character
Performance remains a cornerstone of the evaluation, but the definition of performance has evolved. It no longer solely refers to peak power output. Instead, judges evaluate the entire driving experience, including throttle response, acceleration feel, and power delivery characteristics. A smooth, linear powerband that makes the vehicle feel effortless to drive is often preferred over a peaky, difficult-to-manage power curve.
For ICE vehicles, this includes assessing turbo lag, transmission calibration, and the overall responsiveness of the powertrain. In BEVs, the focus shifts to the instant torque delivery that electric motors provide, as well as the sophistication of the regenerative braking system and the overall refinement of the driving experience. The Wards judges are looking for powertrains that make the vehicle feel engaging and enjoyable to drive, regardless of whether they use gasoline or electricity.
Efficiency and Sustainability
As environmental concerns continue to shape consumer preferences and regulatory frameworks, efficiency has become a critical factor. The Wards judges evaluate fuel economy in ICE vehicles and energy consumption in BEVs, but they also consider the broader sustainability of the powertrain. This includes the use of recycled materials, the overall carbon footprint of the manufacturing process, and the potential for the powertrain to contribute to a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.
Mild-hybrid systems, in particular, have emerged as a compelling solution for improving efficiency without the added complexity of full hybrid systems. The Wards judges recognize that not every driver needs a plug-in hybrid or a pure EV, and that mild-hybrid technology offers a practical and effective way to reduce fuel consumption and emissions for a broad range of consumers.
Refinement and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness)
Refinement is often the differentiator between an average powertrain and an exceptional one. The Wards judges place a strong emphasis on noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics. Even the most powerful engine can be disqualified if it is coarse, noisy, or produces excessive vibration.
In ICE vehicles, this includes evaluating the smoothness of the engine at idle and under load, as well as the NVH characteristics of the transmission and drivetrain. BEVs, by their very nature, offer superior NVH characteristics, with virtually no engine noise or vibration. However, the Wards judges still evaluate the overall refinement of the electric driving experience, including the sound design and the feedback provided by the powertrain.
Innovation and Engineering Excellence
Innovation is the lifeblood of the automotive industry, and the Wards 10 Best list celebrates engineering excellence in all its forms. This can take many different shapes, from the development of new materials and manufacturing processes to the integration of cutting-edge software and control systems. The Wards judges are looking for powertrains that push the boundaries of what is possible, demonstrating creative solutions to complex engineering challenges.
The inclusion of the Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 and the Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3 highlights the importance of specialized engineering for specific vehicle segments. These vehicles demonstrate that even in a rapidly electrifying world, there is still room for niche powertrains that deliver exceptional performance for dedicated enthusiasts.
Spotlight on Key Contenders
While the final list of winners will not be announced until mid-September, several nominees stand out as particularly compelling examples of the trends shaping the 2025 awards.
The Performance Hybrids
The BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV and the Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L
