The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems: A Preview of Automotive Excellence
The automotive industry is on the cusp of another electrifying year, as we eagerly await the mid-September announcement of the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems. This prestigious accolade, a benchmark for powertrain innovation and refinement, recognizes the most advanced and compelling engine and propulsion technologies available to consumers. The winners will be officially honored at a celebratory event on October 22 in Dearborn, Michigan, the historic heart of American automotive manufacturing.
This year’s competition has drawn a remarkable field of contenders, showcasing the industry’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and electrification. From the latest advancements in internal combustion engines to the rapidly evolving landscape of hybrid and fully electric powertrains, the 2025 list represents a fascinating cross-section of automotive engineering prowess. The judging panel, comprised of seasoned WardsAuto editors and contributing editors—Christie Schweinsberg, Jim Irwin, Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia—brings a wealth of experience and critical insight to the evaluation process. Their collective expertise ensures that the selected winners truly represent the pinnacle of current automotive technology.
As we delve into the nominees for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems, we gain a deeper appreciation for the trends shaping the future of driving. The list reveals a clear industry trajectory toward electrification, with a significant number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) vying for recognition. However, this shift is not a wholesale abandonment of the internal combustion engine (ICE); rather, it is a testament to the continued refinement of gasoline and diesel powertrains, often enhanced with mild-hybrid or turbocharging technologies to improve efficiency and performance. The 2025 nominees demonstrate that the path to a sustainable automotive future is not a single road but a diverse landscape of technological solutions, each offering unique advantages depending on the application and consumer needs.
The Contenders: A Glimpse into the 2025 Automotive Landscape
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems nominees represent a truly global field of automotive excellence, with manufacturers from North America, Europe, and Asia all vying for a coveted spot on the list. This diversity underscores the international nature of automotive innovation, where advancements in powertrain technology are occurring simultaneously across the globe. Each nominee brings its own unique engineering philosophy and technological approach to the table, making the judging process a compelling exercise in comparative analysis.
Among the North American contenders, we see a strong showing from domestic brands that have embraced electrification while maintaining their heritage of performance and capability. General Motors, for instance, has put forward the Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV, representing the pinnacle of its electric luxury SUV offerings. This all-electric behemoth showcases GM’s Ultium battery platform, which promises impressive range and performance characteristics. Similarly, Chevrolet’s Corvette ZR1 with its 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV represents a bold statement about the future of high-performance vehicles, demonstrating that electrification can enhance, rather than detract from, the visceral thrill of driving a supercar. Dodge is also making its mark with the Charger Daytona BEV, signaling a new era for one of America’s most iconic muscle car names. Ford’s F-150 3.5L turbo V-6 HEV (a returning winner from 2024) highlights the continued evolution of the full-size pickup truck, a segment where hybrid technology is proving to be a game-changer for fuel efficiency and towing performance. Stellantis brands are also well-represented, with the Jeep Wagoneer S BEV and the Ram RHO 3.0L turbo I-6 high output (another returning winner) demonstrating the company’s commitment to both electric and advanced ICE powertrains.
European manufacturers continue to push the envelope in terms of engineering sophistication and performance. BMW has submitted two compelling entries: the M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV, which exemplifies the brand’s dedication to performance hybrids, and the X3 2.0L turbo I-4 with mild-hybrid system, showcasing the integration of electrification into more mainstream models. Mercedes-Benz is also competing with the GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV and the AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV, both of which represent the brand’s expertise in combining turbocharged engines with electric assistance for optimal performance and efficiency. Audi’s Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. entry demonstrates the company’s focus on refinement and technology in its SUV offerings. Polestar, the electric performance brand from Volvo, is competing with the Polestar 4 BEV, a stylish and technologically advanced electric coupe SUV. Volvo itself is represented by the EX90 BEV, a flagship electric SUV that underscores the company’s commitment to safety and sustainability. Volkswagen’s Tiguan 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. entry highlights the brand’s continued refinement of its popular compact SUV, with the asterisk indicating that it is subject to testing and may be updated before the final judging.
From Asia, we see a strong contingent of manufacturers demonstrating their leadership in both traditional and electrified powertrains. Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury arm, is competing with the GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 with electric supercharger, a technologically advanced powertrain that combines turbocharging with an electric supercharger for enhanced performance. Honda’s Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV (a returning winner from 2024) showcases the company’s long-standing expertise in hybrid technology, offering impressive fuel efficiency in a compact sedan. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N BEV (another returning winner from 2024) and the Ioniq 9 BEV represent the brand’s commitment to fully electric performance and family-oriented EVs, respectively. Kia’s EV9 GT Line BEV (a returning winner from 2024) demonstrates the company’s success in bringing stylish and well-equipped electric SUVs to market. Lexus is competing with the LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV, showcasing the brand’s application of hybrid technology to its flagship luxury SUV. Mazda is represented by the CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV, which highlights the brand’s focus on driver engagement and efficiency in its compact SUV offerings. Nissan is competing with the Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 and the Leaf BEV, showcasing the brand’s versatility in offering both high-performance ICE and electric vehicles. Subaru’s Forester 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV demonstrates the company’s commitment to its signature Boxer engine design combined with hybrid technology for improved efficiency and capability. Toyota, a long-standing leader in hybrid technology, is competing with the GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3 (a returning winner from 2024), representing the pinnacle of performance in its compact lineup, and the 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV, which showcases the evolution of its legendary off-road SUV with the addition of hybrid power.
The asterisk next to several vehicle names indicates that they are scheduled to be tested and are subject to change, a standard practice in the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems competition. This ensures that the judging is based on the most current and representative versions of the vehicles. The sheer diversity of this nominee list—encompassing everything from high-performance V-8s to efficient inline-threes, and from full-size electric SUVs to compact hybrid sedans—underscores the dynamic and exciting state of the automotive industry in 2025.
The Evolution of Powertrain Technology: Trends Shaping the 2025 Competition
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems nominees are a testament to the ongoing evolution of powertrain technology, a field that has witnessed dramatic changes in recent years. The most prominent trend is, undoubtedly, the accelerating shift toward electrification. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are no longer a niche market but a significant force in the automotive landscape, with manufacturers investing heavily in battery technology and charging infrastructure to support the transition. This shift is driven by a combination of factors, including tightening emissions regulations worldwide, growing consumer demand for sustainable transportation options, and the increasing affordability and capability of electric vehicles.
The nominees for 2025 reflect this trend with a substantial number of BEVs vying for a spot on the list. From the luxury performance of the Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV to the mainstream appeal of the Jeep Wagoneer S BEV and the compact efficiency of the Nissan Leaf BEV, the competition showcases the breadth of the electric vehicle market. However, the judging panel will be looking beyond mere electrification; the most compelling BEVs will be those that offer a well-rounded package of performance, range, charging speed, and overall driving experience. The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems has always emphasized the “best,” not just the “newest,” so BEVs that fail to deliver on these fundamental aspects will likely be overlooked, regardless of their technological sophistication.
Alongside the rise of BEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) continue to play a crucial role in the automotive industry’s transition to electrification. PHEVs offer the best of both worlds, combining the ability to drive on all-electric power for daily commutes with the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer journeys. This dual-nature makes them an attractive option
