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The Future Under the Hood: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems
The automotive landscape is undergoing its most dramatic transformation in a century, moving away from the internal combustion engine (ICE) toward a hybrid and electric future. Yet, as technology evolves, the core of the driving experience—the propulsion system—continues to captivate and surprise us. In 2025, the judges at WardsAuto have once again scoured the industry, evaluating dozens of new and significantly improved powertrains to identify the cream of the crop.
This year’s list of nominees for the prestigious Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award showcases a thrilling battle between traditional engineering excellence and cutting-edge electrical innovation. From robust turbocharged V8s pushing the boundaries of performance to silent electric marvels redefining efficiency, the 2025 contenders represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering. As an industry veteran with a decade of experience navigating these very shifts, I’ve witnessed firsthand how manufacturers are grappling with the dual demands of performance and sustainability. The nominees this year tell a compelling story of a market in transition, where gasoline remains king in many segments, but the electric revolution is no longer a distant promise—it’s here, and it’s electrifying.
The winners of this year’s competition are set to be unveiled in mid-September, culminating in an awards ceremony on October 22nd in Dearborn, Michigan, the historic heartland of the American auto industry. But before the victors are crowned, it’s crucial to understand the contenders and the technological forces shaping them. This isn’t just about horsepower figures anymore; it’s about packaging, efficiency, software integration, and the driving character that makes a car truly special.
The Contenders: A Spectrum of Propulsion Technology
The 2025 Wards list features a diverse array of vehicles, spanning every segment of the market from economy cars to high-performance exotics. Let’s delve into some of the most notable nominations and the engineering philosophies they represent.
The ICE Evolution: Turbocharging and Hybridization
For many drivers, the familiar rumble of a gasoline engine remains the gold standard. However, manufacturers have been anything but stagnant in their development of internal combustion technology. Turbocharging has become the universal solution for extracting more power from smaller, more efficient engines. This trend is evident across the board, particularly in trucks and SUVs where low-end torque is king.
The Buick Enclave 2.5L turbo 4-cyl. represents a significant step forward for GM’s mainstream brands. This engine replaces the venerable V6 with a more efficient four-cylinder unit, proving that turbocharging can deliver the muscle required for larger vehicles without the associated fuel penalty. Similarly, the Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 demonstrates how forced induction can be used to enhance performance, providing the kind of immediate throttle response that enthusiasts crave.
However, the future of ICE isn’t just about turbocharging; it’s about hybridization. The combination of a gasoline engine with an electric motor is proving to be the sweet spot for many automakers, offering a bridge between pure electric and pure internal combustion power. The Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV is a prime example of this philosophy applied to the luxury SUV segment. By pairing a robust twin-turbo V6 with a hybrid system, Lexus delivers both effortless performance and improved fuel economy, a critical combination for buyers of large, premium vehicles.
Another compelling hybrid entry is the Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV. Mazda has long prioritized driving dynamics, and their approach to hybridization maintains that focus. This system proves that electrification doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the engaging feel that Mazda drivers expect. It’s a testament to the company’s “Jinba Ittai” philosophy—the unity of horse and rider.
The EV Takeover: Battery Electric Vehicles Dominate
While the internal combustion engine continues to evolve, the momentum behind Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is undeniable. This year’s Wards list is heavily populated with electric contenders, reflecting the industry’s rapid pivot toward electrification. These vehicles are no longer just niche products; they are mainstream offerings challenging established players across all segments.
The luxury and performance sectors are being reshaped by new electric entrants. The Lucid Gravity BEV, for instance, represents the pinnacle of current EV technology. Lucid has carved out a reputation for pushing the boundaries of range and efficiency, and the Gravity promises to deliver a compelling package of performance and luxury. Similarly, the Polestar 4 BEV enters the competitive coupe-SUV space with a focus on minimalist design and cutting-edge technology.
In the realm of performance EVs, the competition is fiercer than ever. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (2024 returning winner) continues to set the benchmark for what an electric hot hatch can be. With its innovative “N e-Shift” system that simulates gear changes and a sound generator that mimics the visceral thrill of a combustion engine, the Ioniq 5 N proves that EVs can be incredibly fun to drive. Its inclusion for the second year running underscores its significance in the evolving landscape of performance motoring.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 is a fascinating outlier—a pure V8 powerhouse that represents the current apex of ICE performance. However, even this icon is likely to face stiff competition from the silent speed of its electric counterparts. It highlights the ongoing debate: can a purely electric vehicle truly replicate the soul and theater of a high-performance ICE car?
Plug-in Hybrids: The Best of Both Worlds?
For many consumers, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) offer the ideal compromise, combining the ability to drive on pure electric power for daily commutes with the range security of a gasoline engine for longer trips. This segment is rapidly maturing, with manufacturers offering increasingly sophisticated PHEV systems.
The BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV is a prime example of a high-performance PHEV. By integrating electric motors with BMW’s legendary V8 engine, the M5 delivers staggering acceleration and performance figures, while still offering the potential for zero-emission driving. This approach caters to the enthusiast who wants it all—power, efficiency, and the latest technology.
In the mainstream luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV and the Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV demonstrate how PHEV technology is being deployed to enhance efficiency without compromising the refinement and performance expected of the brand. These vehicles represent the future of luxury transportation, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and environmental responsibility.
The Judging Process: A Rigorous Standard
The selection of the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems is not a simple popularity contest. The judging process is rigorous, transparent, and designed to reward genuine engineering excellence. For 2025, the esteemed panel of judges—including WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, WardsAuto Editor Jim Irwin, and Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia—has undertaken an exhaustive evaluation of the nominated powertrains.
The evaluation process begins months before the winners are announced. The judges spend weeks driving the nominated vehicles back-to-back, assessing them on a variety of criteria. These criteria go beyond mere horsepower and torque figures. The judges evaluate:
Performance: How does the engine feel during acceleration, cruising, and passing maneuvers? Is the power delivery smooth and linear, or is it jerky and unpredictable?
Efficiency: How does the powertrain perform in real-world driving conditions? Is the fuel economy (or electric range) competitive for its class?
NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness): How refined is the powertrain? Is it quiet and smooth at idle and under load, or does it introduce unpleasant noise and vibration into the cabin?
Technology and Innovation: Does the powertrain incorporate cutting-edge technology? Is the software integration seamless?
Packaging: How well is the powertrain integrated into the vehicle? Does it compromise interior space or cargo capacity?
Value: Does the powertrain offer a compelling value proposition for the price of the vehicle?
For electric vehicles, the criteria are adapted to the unique characteristics of BEVs. The judges evaluate not only the motor performance but also the battery management system, the charging speed, and the overall user experience. The software plays a crucial role, with features like regenerative braking, one-pedal driving, and thermal management all contributing to the overall impression.
It’s important to note that the Wards list is not a comparison of the engines in isolation. The judges evaluate the powertrain within the context of the entire vehicle. A technically brilliant engine in a poorly packaged or unrefined vehicle is unlikely to win. This holistic approach ensures that the winning powertrains are not just impressive on paper but deliver a genuinely superior driving experience in the real world.
The Impact of the 2025 Awards
The announcement of the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems
