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2025 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems: The Dawn of a New Powertrain Era
As the automotive industry hurtles into 2025, the landscape of propulsion systems is undergoing a seismic shift. The traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) is no longer the undisputed king; instead, a diverse ecosystem of technologies is emerging, vying for supremacy. This year’s Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards reflect this dramatic evolution, showcasing a thrilling blend of refined ICE power, sophisticated hybridization, and cutting-edge electric propulsion.
The winners, to be unveiled in mid-September and celebrated at a special ceremony on October 22nd in Dearborn, Michigan, represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering innovation. This year’s WardsAuto judges—Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, Editor Jim Irwin, and Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia—faced an unprecedented challenge: evaluating a lineup that spans the full spectrum of powertrain technologies. From robust V-8 muscle to hyper-efficient three-cylinders, and from plug-in hybrids to pure battery-electric vehicles, the competition has never been fiercer or more compelling.
The Shifting Power Dynamics
The most striking trend in this year’s Wards 10 Best selection is the blurring of lines between traditional and alternative powertrains. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), once niche curiosities, are now legitimate contenders, challenging established players on their home turf. Yet, rather than a complete capitulation of ICE technology, we’re witnessing a remarkable renaissance of the internal combustion engine, augmented by intelligent electrification.
“The Wards 10 Best list has always been a barometer of the industry’s pulse,” notes WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg. “What we’re seeing in 2025 is not just a transition, but a diversification. Manufacturers are no longer betting on a single solution. Instead, they’re developing a portfolio of technologies to meet the varied demands of a global market. The era of ‘one size fits all’ is definitively over.”
This diversification is driven by a confluence of factors. Regulatory pressures demanding lower emissions are pushing electrification forward, while consumer preferences for range, performance, and practicality continue to shape development priorities. The result is a fascinating interplay between proven ICE architectures and innovative electrification strategies, creating propulsion systems that deliver unprecedented levels of efficiency without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
ICE Reimagined: Efficiency Meets Power
While the headlines are often dominated by electric vehicles, the internal combustion engine is far from obsolete. In fact, 2025 marks a new zenith for ICE technology, as engineers have pushed the boundaries of thermal efficiency and power density. The key to this resurgence lies in intelligent hybridization and advanced engineering.
One of the standout trends is the widespread adoption of 48-volt mild-hybrid systems. These compact, cost-effective solutions integrate seamlessly with traditional ICEs, providing a seamless boost of torque, enhanced stop-start functionality, and improved fuel economy. They’re no longer just for luxury vehicles either, with mainstream brands increasingly offering mild-hybrid powertrains in their mass-market offerings.
The return of the inline-six engine is another testament to this trend. Often supplanted by the V-6 for packaging reasons, the inline-six is making a triumphant comeback, particularly in performance-oriented applications. Its inherent balance and smooth power delivery make it an ideal candidate for hybridization, offering a compelling alternative to V-8s for those seeking both power and refinement.
Even the humble four-cylinder engine has been elevated to new heights. Through advanced turbocharging, direct injection, and cylinder deactivation technologies, these compact powerplants are delivering performance figures that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago, all while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency.
Hybridization: The Best of Both Worlds
The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is arguably the unsung hero of the current automotive landscape. Offering the flexibility of electric driving for daily commutes and the range security of a gasoline engine for longer journeys, PHEVs represent the perfect compromise for many consumers. The 2025 Wards 10 Best lineup is replete with PHEVs that redefine expectations for performance and efficiency.
What sets this year’s PHEVs apart is their significantly expanded electric-only range. No longer are consumers forced to choose between a PHEV with limited electric capability and a full EV with range anxiety. Modern PHEVs are offering 40, 50, and even 60 miles of electric-only range, making them capable of handling the vast majority of daily driving needs on electricity alone.
The integration of these hybrid systems has also reached new levels of sophistication. Manufacturers are moving beyond simple bolt-on solutions, developing bespoke hybrid architectures that are integral to the vehicle’s design. This results in smoother power delivery, more intuitive energy management, and a driving experience that feels cohesive rather than compromised.
The performance aspect of PHEVs has also been dramatically enhanced. By combining the instant torque of electric motors with the power of internal combustion engines, these vehicles are delivering supercar-rivaling acceleration. The days of PHEVs being seen as merely “eco-friendly” alternatives are over; they are now legitimate performance machines in their own right.
Electric Evolution: Range, Power, and Refinement
The Wards 10 Best list wouldn’t be complete without a strong showing from battery electric vehicles. However, 2025 marks a significant maturation of the EV segment. The initial wave of EVs focused on simply proving that electric propulsion was viable. The current generation is focused on delivering a complete and compelling product that can genuinely compete with, and often surpass, its gasoline counterparts.
Range anxiety, once the Achilles’ heel of EVs, is rapidly becoming a relic of the past. With many new models offering ranges in excess of 300 miles, and some pushing toward 400 miles, the practical limitations of EV ownership are diminishing rapidly. This expanded range is coupled with the continued rollout of high-speed charging infrastructure, making long-distance travel more feasible than ever before.
But range alone isn’t enough to win over consumers. This year’s EV contenders are excelling in areas that matter most to drivers: performance, refinement, and technology. The instant torque of electric motors provides exhilarating acceleration, while the quiet nature of EV propulsion offers a level of cabin serenity that is unmatched by ICE vehicles.
Furthermore, the software-defined nature of EVs allows for continuous improvement. Manufacturers are able to deliver over-the-air updates that enhance performance, expand features, and improve efficiency long after the vehicle has left the showroom. This dynamic evolution ensures that an EV purchased today will continue to improve over its lifespan, offering a compelling value proposition for early adopters.
Decoding the Nominees: A Cross-Section of Innovation
The 2025 Wards 10 Best nominees offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of automotive propulsion. Let’s delve into some of the most compelling entries and explore what makes them stand out:
Acura ADX 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl.: Acura’s foray into a more mainstream segment is marked by a sophisticated 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerplant demonstrates how even smaller displacement engines can deliver refined performance when paired with modern turbocharging technology and efficient transmissions.
Audi Q5 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl.: Audi has long been a leader in four-cylinder turbo technology, and the Q5’s engine continues this legacy. It represents the sweet spot of the premium compact SUV segment, offering a blend of efficiency, refinement, and ample power for daily driving.
BMW M5 4.4L Twin-Turbo V-8 PHEV: This is where the lines between performance and efficiency truly blur. BMW’s M division has taken its legendary twin-turbo V-8 and augmented it with a potent electric motor and battery pack. The result is a PHEV that delivers supercar-level performance with the ability to cruise silently on electric power alone. It’s a testament to the fact that hybridization doesn’t mean sacrificing excitement.
Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV: Cadillac’s all-electric reimagining of its iconic Escalade is a bold statement. This full-size luxury SUV proves that EVs can deliver the presence, space, and opulence that consumers demand from a flagship vehicle. With its massive battery pack and powerful electric motors, the Escalade IQ offers a glimpse into the future of electric luxury.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L Twin-Turbo V-8: For the traditionalists who believe that pure ICE power still reigns supreme, the Corvette ZR1 offers a compelling counter-argument. Its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 is a masterpiece of engineering, pushing the boundaries of internal combustion performance to new heights. This nomination demonstrates that the internal combustion engine, when pushed to its absolute limits, can still deliver an unparalleled driving experience.
Dodge Charger Daytona BEV: Dodge’s embrace of electrification with the Charger Daytona BEV is a bold move that has resonated with performance enthusiasts. This electric muscle car proves that the spirit of the Charger can live on in the electric era, offering brutal acceleration and a compelling driving experience that honors its heritage.
Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L Turbo V-6 w/ Electric Supercharger: Genesis has quickly established itself as a purveyor of luxury and innovation, and this powertrain is a prime example. The inclusion of an electric supercharger demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to ICE technology, providing instant torque and eliminating turbo lag for a seamless and exhilarating driving experience.
Honda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV: Honda has long been a leader in hybrid technology,
