The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems honors will be revealed in mid-September, with a formal awards presentation set for October 22 in Dearborn, Michigan. This year’s panel of judges evaluating these crucial automotive innovations includes WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, WardsAuto Editor Jim Irwin, and WardsAuto Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia. Their collective expertise will help determine which powertrain technologies rise to the top in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
The nominees for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems showcase the industry’s diverse approaches to power and efficiency. Among the contenders is the Acura ADX with its 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine, representing the ongoing refinement of compact turbocharged powerplants. Audi’s Q5, equipped with a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder, enters the running, highlighting the premium segment’s focus on balanced performance and efficiency. A significant entry from BMW is the M5, featuring a potent 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), demonstrating the blend of traditional power and electric augmentation.
BMW’s X3 also makes an appearance with a 2.0L turbo I-4 engine augmented by a mild-hybrid system, showcasing how even mainstream luxury models are incorporating electrification to enhance performance and reduce emissions. Buick’s Enclave enters the competition with a 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder, signaling a shift towards more robust turbocharged offerings in the full-size SUV segment. The Cadillac Escalade IQ, a pure Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), represents the pinnacle of electric luxury and performance, though it is subject to testing and potential changes to its final configuration.
Chevrolet’s iconic Corvette ZR1 is nominated with a formidable 5.5L twin-turbo V-8, promising track-ready performance that continues the Corvette legacy. The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV represents a bold step into the future for the Charger nameplate, offering an all-electric performance experience. Ford’s F-150, a returning winner from 2024, continues to impress with its 3.5L turbo V-6 HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) powertrain, demonstrating the enduring appeal of electrification in the truck segment.
Genesis enters the fray with its GV80 Coupe, featuring a 3.5L turbo V-6 enhanced with an electric supercharger, showcasing advanced forced induction technology. The Honda Civic Hybrid, a returning 2024 winner, earns its spot with a 2.0L I-4 HEV powertrain, highlighting Honda’s commitment to hybrid technology in mainstream vehicles. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N BEV, another returning 2024 champion, continues to redefine the electric performance landscape.
Hyundai’s larger sibling, the Ioniq 9 BEV, enters the competition, representing the brand’s expansion into larger, all-electric SUV offerings. Kia’s EV9 GT Line BEV, a returning 2024 winner, further solidifies the Korean automaker’s position in the electric three-row SUV market. The Jeep Wagoneer S BEV represents Jeep’s foray into the electric future, promising off-road capability combined with electric propulsion.
Lexus enters the list with the LX 700h, a 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV, showcasing the integration of hybrid technology into traditional luxury SUVs. Lucid’s Gravity BEV, an all-electric luxury SUV, enters the competition, representing the next wave of EV innovation from the Silicon Valley automaker. Mazda’s CX-50 is nominated with a 2.0L 4-cylinder HEV, demonstrating Mazda’s focus on efficiency and driving dynamics in its compact SUV offerings.
Mercedes-Benz is represented by two compelling entries. The GLC 350e features a 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV powertrain, blending turbocharged efficiency with plug-in hybrid capability. The Mercedes-AMG E53 enters the running with a 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV, showcasing the brand’s commitment to performance hybrids. Nissan’s Armada NISMO, a high-performance variant of its full-size SUV, features a 3.5L turbo V-6 and is subject to testing. The Nissan Leaf BEV, a pioneering EV, continues to be a contender, though its future is evolving.
Polestar’s 4 BEV, an all-electric coupe SUV, represents the continued growth of the Polestar brand in the EV space. Ram’s RHO, a high-output 3.0L turbo I-6, is a returning 2024 winner, highlighting the enduring appeal of turbocharged inline-six engines in the truck segment. Rivian’s R1T Quad Max BEV, a performance-focused electric truck, continues to push the boundaries of electric utility and capability.
Subaru’s Forester enters the competition with a 2.5L Boxer 4-cylinder HEV, showcasing Subaru’s signature boxer engine architecture combined with hybrid technology. The Toyota GR Corolla, a returning 2024 winner, features a potent 1.6L turbo I-3, demonstrating that small displacement engines can deliver thrilling performance. Toyota’s 4Runner, an iconic off-road SUV, enters the running with a 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder HEV powertrain, signaling a new era of electrification for the venerable model.
Volkswagen’s Tiguan is nominated with a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder, representing the brand’s continued focus on efficient turbocharged gasoline engines in the compact SUV segment, though it is subject to testing. Finally, the Volvo EX90 BEV, an all-electric flagship SUV, enters the competition, representing Volvo’s commitment to safety and electrification.
The diversity of these nominations underscores the dynamic nature of the automotive industry as it navigates the transition to electrification while continuing to refine internal combustion engine technology. The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards will undoubtedly highlight the most innovative and compelling powertrains that will define the future of driving.
