The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems: A Deep Dive into Automotive Innovation
The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by electrification, sustainable materials, and evolving consumer expectations. At the forefront of this transformation stands WardsAuto, a revered institution that has shaped automotive discourse for decades. The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards, a coveted accolade in the industry, serve as a bellwether for technological innovation, performance excellence, and environmental responsibility. This year’s nominees represent a compelling cross-section of the industry’s evolution, showcasing the ingenuity of automakers as they navigate the complexities of the electric era.
The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards have long been a benchmark for automotive excellence, recognizing the most sophisticated and efficient powertrains on the market. This year’s nominees, announced by WardsAuto in mid-September, reflect the industry’s pivot towards electrification, with a significant representation of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The awards ceremony, scheduled for October 22 in Dearborn, MI, will bring together industry leaders, engineers, and automotive enthusiasts to celebrate the pinnacle of powertrain technology.
A Glimpse into the Judging Panel
The integrity of the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards rests on the shoulders of its distinguished judging panel. This year, the panel comprises WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, WardsAuto Editor Jim Irwin, and WardsAuto Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia. These seasoned automotive journalists bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the evaluation process, ensuring that the awards remain a credible and respected benchmark of automotive excellence. Their collective insights, honed over years of covering the industry, provide a comprehensive perspective on powertrain trends, technological advancements, and market dynamics.
The nominees for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards represent a diverse range of vehicles, from mainstream sedans to high-performance sports cars, and from luxury SUVs to rugged off-roaders. Each nominee has been selected based on a rigorous evaluation process that considers factors such as power output, efficiency, refinement, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), packaging, and technological innovation. The awards are not limited to any single powertrain type; they recognize excellence across the full spectrum of automotive propulsion systems.
The 2025 Nominees: A Detailed Analysis
Acura ADX 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl.: The Acura ADX represents Acura’s entry into the competitive compact luxury SUV segment. Its 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivers a compelling blend of performance and efficiency. The engine’s compact size and turbocharging technology allow for optimal packaging within the vehicle’s dimensions while providing brisk acceleration and responsive power delivery. The ADX’s powertrain exemplifies Acura’s commitment to delivering a refined and engaging driving experience, even in its entry-level offerings.
Audi Q5 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl.: The Audi Q5 has long been a benchmark in the compact luxury SUV segment, and its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine continues this tradition of excellence. This powertrain delivers a smooth and refined driving experience, with ample torque for confident acceleration and effortless cruising. The engine’s sophisticated calibration and integration with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system ensure optimal traction and handling in diverse driving conditions. The Q5’s powertrain reflects Audi’s commitment to engineering excellence and its ability to deliver a premium driving experience.
BMW M5 4.4L Twin-Turbo V-8 PHEV: The BMW M5, a legendary performance sedan, enters the 2025 awards with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain. This innovative setup combines a powerful 4.4L twin-turbocharged V-8 engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output that rivals traditional sports cars. The PHEV system allows for pure electric driving for shorter commutes, while the V-8 engine provides exhilarating performance for spirited driving. The M5’s powertrain exemplifies BMW’s commitment to electrification without compromising performance, offering drivers the best of both worlds.
BMW X3 2.0L Turbo I-4 w/ Mild Hybrid System: The BMW X3, a mainstay in the compact luxury SUV segment, features a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine augmented by a mild hybrid system. This powertrain delivers a seamless blend of performance and efficiency, with the electric motor providing subtle torque assistance during acceleration and enabling smoother engine restarts. The mild hybrid system enhances fuel economy without the need for plugging in, making it an ideal solution for drivers seeking to reduce their environmental impact without the added complexity of a PHEV. The X3’s powertrain exemplifies BMW’s commitment to providing a refined and efficient driving experience.
Buick Enclave 2.5L Turbo 4-Cyl.: The Buick Enclave, a three-row SUV known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, features a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powertrain delivers ample power for hauling passengers and cargo, while the turbocharging technology ensures responsive acceleration. The engine’s calibration emphasizes refinement and NVH reduction, consistent with Buick’s brand positioning. The Enclave’s powertrain exemplifies the ongoing trend of downsizing and turbocharging in mainstream vehicles to improve efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV: The Cadillac Escalade IQ represents a bold step into the all-electric future for one of America’s most iconic luxury SUVs. This battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain delivers instant torque and silent, smooth acceleration, transforming the Escalade experience. The electric motors provide all-wheel drive capability, while the large battery pack ensures competitive range. The Escalade IQ’s powertrain demonstrates Cadillac’s commitment to electrifying its flagship model while maintaining the luxury and presence expected of the Escalade nameplate.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L Twin-Turbo V-8: The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the pinnacle of Corvette performance, features a formidable 5.5L twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. This high-performance powerplant delivers breathtaking acceleration and track-ready performance, solidifying the Corvette’s position as a world-class sports car. The engine’s advanced engineering and forced induction technology allow for exceptional power output while maintaining a relatively compact and lightweight design. The ZR1’s powertrain exemplifies Chevrolet’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance engineering.
Dodge Charger Daytona BEV: The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV marks a significant moment in the evolution of the Charger nameplate, as Dodge transitions to an all-electric future for its iconic muscle car. This battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain delivers instant torque and exhilarating acceleration, capturing the spirit of the Charger while embracing electrification. The Daytona BEV’s powertrain demonstrates Dodge’s commitment to maintaining the Charger’s performance heritage while embracing sustainable technology.
Ford F-150 3.5L Turbo V-6 HEV (2024 Returning Winner): The Ford F-150’s hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain continues its winning streak from the previous year, demonstrating its enduring appeal in the competitive pickup truck segment. The 3.5L turbocharged V-6 engine, augmented by an electric motor, delivers impressive towing capability and fuel efficiency. The hybrid system provides seamless power delivery and allows for electric-only driving at lower speeds. The F-150’s HEV powertrain exemplifies Ford’s leadership in the truck segment and its commitment to offering a range of powertrain options to meet diverse customer needs.
Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L Turbo V-6 w/ Electric Supercharger: The Genesis GV80 Coupe showcases Genesis’s commitment to technological innovation with its 3.5L turbocharged V-6 engine augmented by an electric supercharger. This advanced system provides instant torque and eliminates turbo lag, delivering a responsive and exhilarating driving experience. The electric supercharger enhances performance at low engine speeds, while the turbocharger provides additional power at higher RPMs. The GV80 Coupe’s powertrain exemplifies Genesis’s focus on delivering a premium and technologically advanced driving experience.
Honda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV (2024 Returning Winner): The Honda Civic Hybrid, a returning winner from the previous year, continues to set the standard for hybrid efficiency in the compact car segment. The 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine, paired with Honda’s advanced two-motor hybrid system, delivers exceptional fuel economy without compromising performance. The hybrid system provides seamless power delivery and allows for electric-only driving at lower speeds. The Civic Hybrid’s powertrain exemplifies Honda’s long-standing leadership in hybrid technology and its commitment to providing practical, efficient vehicles for everyday driving.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (2024 Returning Winner): The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, a returning winner from the previous year, represents the high-performance variant of Hyundai’s award-winning electric vehicle. This battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain delivers track-ready performance with instant torque and exhilarating acceleration. The Ioniq 5 N’s powertrain demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance and offering engaging driving experiences for enthusiasts.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 BEV: The Hyundai Ioniq 9, a new entrant in the three-row electric SUV segment, showcases Hyundai’s expanding electric vehicle lineup. This battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain delivers the spaciousness and practicality expected of a three-row SUV while providing the benefits of electric propulsion. The Ioniq 9
