The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems: A Deep Dive into Automotive Innovation
The automotive landscape is in a period of unprecedented transformation. As we navigate the complexities of electrification and the drive for sustainable mobility, the very definition of what powers a vehicle is being challenged. This evolution is nowhere more apparent than in the annual Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards, a benchmark for powertrain excellence in the industry. This year, the competition has brought together a diverse field of nominees that showcase the full spectrum of modern automotive engineering—from advanced internal combustion engines (ICE) to cutting-edge battery electric vehicles (BEV). The winners, set to be announced in mid-September and honored at a ceremony on October 22nd in Dearborn, Michigan, represent the pinnacle of performance, efficiency, and technological innovation.
The judges tasked with evaluating this year’s entries are a testament to the depth of expertise at WardsAuto. Led by WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, the panel includes WardsAuto Editor Jim Irwin and Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia. This group brings decades of combined experience in the automotive sector, providing a critical lens through which to assess the nuanced differences between a high-output diesel engine and a state-of-the-art EV drivetrain. Their evaluations go beyond simple horsepower figures; they consider the entire driving experience, including refinement, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), packaging efficiency, and the seamless integration of the powertrain with the vehicle’s chassis.
The Nominee Pool: A Cross-Section of Automotive Excellence
The list of nominees for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems reads like a who’s who of the automotive world. It is a roster that reflects the industry’s current trajectory, with a significant emphasis on electrification. However, it also demonstrates that the internal combustion engine, in its most refined forms, is far from obsolete.
Among the internal combustion engine contenders, we see a range of displacements and configurations. The Acura ADX 1.5L turbo 4-cyl. represents the push for smaller, more efficient engines in premium compact vehicles. This engine likely focuses on delivering a balance of fuel economy and responsive performance, leveraging turbocharging to extract maximum power from a compact displacement. Similarly, the Audi Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. and the BMW X3 2.0L turbo I-4 w/ mild hybrid system highlight the ongoing refinement of the four-cylinder turbo engine. These powerplants are the workhorses of the modern automotive industry, and their inclusion in the nominee list underscores the continuous improvements in efficiency and power delivery that manufacturers are achieving.
The Buick Enclave 2.5L turbo 4-cyl. points to a trend in larger SUVs where manufacturers are moving away from V-6 engines in favor of turbocharged four-cylinders to meet fuel economy standards without sacrificing towing capacity or passenger comfort. The Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger is a particularly interesting entry. The addition of an electric supercharger to a twin-turbo V-6 configuration suggests a focus on eliminating turbo lag and delivering instant torque, a hallmark of Genesis’s commitment to performance and luxury.
Returning winners such as the Ford F-150 3.5L turbo V-6 HEV (2024 returning winner) and the Honda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV (2024 returning winner) demonstrate the long-term viability of hybrid powertrains. The F-150’s hybrid system, in particular, has proven to be a game-changer in the truck segment, offering not only significant fuel savings but also the convenience of Pro Power Onboard, which turns the truck into a mobile generator. The Civic Hybrid’s continued presence on the list speaks to Honda’s mastery of hybrid technology, delivering a refined and efficient driving experience in a compact car.
The performance-oriented entries are equally compelling. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 represents the pinnacle of American V-8 engineering, promising a thrilling driving experience with the sound and fury that only a high-displacement, forced-induction V-8 can provide. On the more environmentally conscious side of the performance spectrum, the Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV showcases the potential of plug-in hybrid technology to deliver both exhilarating performance and the ability to operate on electric power alone. The inline-six configuration, a Mercedes-Benz specialty, combined with a turbocharger and electric assist, creates a powertrain that is both powerful and sophisticated.
Electrification Takes Center Stage
While the ICE entries are noteworthy, the sheer number of battery electric vehicles on the nominee list is a clear indicator of the industry’s direction. This year, we see a significant number of all-electric vehicles vying for a spot on the Wards 10 Best list, including the Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV, Dodge Charger Daytona BEV, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (2024 returning winner), Hyundai Ioniq 9 BEV, Kia EV9 GT Line BEV (2024 returning winner), Jeep Wagoneer S BEV, Lucid Gravity BEV, Nissan Leaf BEV, Polestar 4 BEV, Rivian R1T Quad Max BEV, and Volvo EX90 BEV.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV9 GT Line are returning winners, underscoring the success of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform. The Ioniq 5 N, in particular, has been praised for its ability to deliver an engaging driving experience that rivals that of traditional sports cars, complete with simulated gearshifts and a driving mode that mimics the sound of an internal combustion engine. This highlights a growing trend in the EV space: the focus is shifting from simply providing transportation to delivering a compelling driving experience that appeals to traditional car enthusiasts.
The Cadillac Escalade IQ and Jeep Wagoneer S represent the electrification of iconic American brands. The Escalade IQ brings Cadillac’s commitment to luxury and technology to the electric era, while the Wagoneer S aims to deliver the rugged capability and off-road prowess that Jeep is known for, all in a zero-emission package. These vehicles demonstrate that electrification is not limited to compact cars; it is permeating every segment of the market, including the large, luxurious, and capable vehicles that consumers demand.
The Lucid Gravity and Volvo EX90 represent the continued push for luxury and safety in the EV space. Lucid, known for its focus on efficiency and range, is expanding its lineup with the Gravity, a larger SUV that promises to combine long-distance cruising capability with the brand’s signature blend of performance and luxury. Volvo, with its long-standing reputation for safety, is pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving and passenger protection with the EX90, which features an advanced sensor suite and a focus on creating a safe haven for its occupants.
The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV is perhaps one of the most anticipated entries, as it represents Dodge’s reinterpretation of the iconic Charger nameplate for the electric era. This vehicle aims to deliver the performance and presence that the Charger is known for, while embracing the benefits of electric propulsion. The success of this model will be a key indicator of how traditional American muscle car brands can transition to electric power.
Hybrid Technology: The Best of Both Worlds
While the push for pure EVs is strong, hybrid technology continues to play a crucial role in the transition to sustainable mobility. The Lexus LX 700h and Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV demonstrate the versatility of hybrid systems across different vehicle segments. The Lexus LX 700h, a luxurious full-size SUV, likely uses its hybrid system to provide seamless power delivery and improved fuel efficiency in a vehicle that is traditionally known for its thirst. The Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, represents a more mainstream application of hybrid technology, aiming to make fuel-efficient driving accessible in a compact crossover.
The Toyota 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV is a particularly interesting entry, as it suggests a modernization of one of Toyota’s most iconic and rugged vehicles. The addition of a turbocharger and a hybrid system to the 4Runner could provide the best of both worlds: the legendary durability and off-road capability that the nameplate is known for, combined with the improved fuel economy and on-road manners that modern drivers expect.
The Role of Testing in the Wards Awards
The process by which these vehicles are evaluated is rigorous and comprehensive. The Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems judges spend months testing these vehicles in real-world conditions. This is not a static, lab-based evaluation; it involves driving the vehicles on public roads, in varying traffic conditions, and over diverse terrains. The judges are looking for more than just peak horsepower figures; they are assessing the entire powertrain experience.
One of the key criteria is refinement. A powerful engine that is coarse or unrefined will not win a spot on this list. The judges are listening for unwanted noises, feeling for excessive vibrations, and evaluating how smoothly the engine transitions between power sources in a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle. In the EV space, this translates to the smoothness of the power delivery and the quality
