Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems 2025: A Deep Dive into Automotive Innovation
The automotive landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, moving inexorably toward electrification while simultaneously refining the internal combustion engine (ICE) to unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance. This dynamic tension is perfectly encapsulated in the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards, an annual benchmark for powertrain excellence. As the industry navigates the complexities of regulatory demands, consumer expectations, and technological breakthroughs, the contenders for this prestigious accolade represent the cutting edge of automotive engineering.
This year’s Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems competition brings together a diverse array of powertrains, from high-performance V-8s to groundbreaking electric vehicles, each pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The judges, a panel of seasoned automotive journalists including WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg and Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger and Gary Vasilash, face the unenviable task of selecting the ten most impressive systems from a field of over 30 nominees. Their deliberations, which will culminate in the winners’ announcement in mid-September and an awards ceremony in Dearborn, MI, on October 22nd, will shape the perception of automotive innovation for the coming year.
The Contenders: A Spectrum of Powertrain Excellence
The nominees for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems showcase a remarkable breadth of engineering approaches. On the traditional ICE front, we see the evolution of established powerplants, such as the Audi Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl., which continues to refine its blend of performance and efficiency. The BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV represents the pinnacle of hybrid performance, combining the raw power of a V-8 with the instant torque of electric motors. Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV demonstrates the viability of inline-six configurations in the modern performance landscape.
The American muscle car tradition is alive and well, albeit with a futuristic twist. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 promises a visceral driving experience, while the Dodge Charger Daytona BEV signals a bold new direction for American performance, replacing traditional V-8s with a pure electric powertrain. This transition is not without its challenges, as evidenced by the engineering feats required to deliver a compelling electric muscle car experience.
The mid-size SUV segment, a cornerstone of the American market, is also well-represented. The Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV and Jeep Wagoneer S BEV showcase the potential of electric architecture in larger vehicles, offering a glimpse into the future of luxury and capability. Meanwhile, traditional players like the Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV and the Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 demonstrate that ICE and hybrid technologies still have significant room for improvement.
The compact and mainstream segments, which account for the vast majority of vehicle sales, are equally compelling. The Acura ADX 1.5L turbo 4-cyl. and the Buick Enclave 2.5L turbo 4-cyl. highlight the ongoing refinement of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, which have become the workhorses of the modern automotive industry. The Honda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV and Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV demonstrate the growing sophistication of hybrid systems in smaller vehicles, offering compelling fuel economy without sacrificing driving dynamics.
The Electric Revolution: From Mainstream to Performance
Perhaps the most striking trend in this year’s competition is the sheer number of electric vehicles (EVs). From luxury offerings like the Lucid Gravity BEV and Volvo EX90 BEV to mainstream contenders like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV and Kia EV9 GT Line BEV, electric propulsion is no longer a niche technology but a dominant force in the automotive landscape. The Nissan Leaf BEV represents the long-term viability of affordable electric transportation, while the Polestar 4 BEV demonstrates the potential of minimalist design and electric performance.
The judges face the challenge of evaluating these electric vehicles not just on their efficiency but on their driving experience. The instant torque, quiet operation, and smooth acceleration of EVs offer a fundamentally different driving dynamic compared to ICE vehicles. The Wards 10 Best criteria extend beyond simple metrics to encompass factors like NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), responsiveness, and overall refinement, ensuring that EVs are judged by the same high standards as their gasoline-powered counterparts.
The Hybrid Renaissance: A Bridge to the Future
While EVs are capturing headlines, hybrid technology continues to evolve, offering a compelling middle ground between traditional ICE vehicles and pure EVs. The Ford F-150 3.5L turbo V-6 HEV demonstrates the potential of hybrid systems in full-size trucks, where fuel economy is a critical factor for commercial and consumer buyers alike. The Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger showcases the use of electric supercharging to eliminate turbo lag and improve low-end torque, a testament to the ongoing innovation in ICE technology.
The Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3, a returning winner from 2024, exemplifies the refinement of small-displacement turbo engines, while the Subaru Forester 2.5L Boxer 4-cyl. HEV highlights the unique attributes of the Boxer engine configuration in a hybrid application. The Toyota 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV demonstrates the integration of hybrid technology into a rugged, body-on-frame SUV, a combination that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
Performance EVs: The New Benchmark
The rise of performance-oriented EVs is one of the most exciting developments in the automotive industry, and the Wards 10 Best nominees reflect this trend. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV, a returning winner, has redefined expectations for electric performance, offering track-ready capabilities in a production vehicle. The Rimac R1T Quad Max BEV pushes the boundaries of electric hypercar performance, while the Kia EV9 GT Line BEV demonstrates that electrification does not require a sacrifice in luxury or utility.
These performance EVs challenge traditional notions of automotive performance. They offer acceleration that can humble even the most powerful ICE supercars, combined with a level of refinement and technological sophistication that is simply unattainable with traditional powertrains. However, they also introduce new challenges, such as battery thermal management and charging infrastructure, which must be addressed to realize their full potential.
The Evolution of ICE Technology: Efficiency Without Sacrifice
Despite the rapid rise of EVs, ICE technology continues to evolve. The BMW X3 2.0L turbo I-4 w/ mild hybrid system and the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. represent the ongoing refinement of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, which remain the backbone of the global automotive market. The Ram RHO 3.0L turbo I-6 high output, a returning winner, demonstrates the viability of inline-six configurations in the truck segment, offering a compelling blend of power and efficiency.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV and the BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV showcase the integration of electric motors with ICE technology, creating plug-in hybrid systems that offer the best of both worlds. These vehicles allow drivers to enjoy pure electric driving for daily commutes while retaining the range and convenience of gasoline power for longer trips.
The Challenges of Evaluation: A Moving Target
The Wards 10 Best evaluation process is not without its challenges. The criteria for “best” are constantly evolving as technology advances and consumer expectations shift. The judges must balance traditional metrics like fuel economy and emissions with newer factors like in-cabin technology, software integration, and user experience.
Furthermore, the sheer diversity of the nominees makes direct comparison difficult. How does one compare the performance of a V-8-powered muscle car with that of an electric hypercar? The Wards judges must develop a nuanced understanding of each powertrain’s strengths and weaknesses, evaluating them within the context of their intended applications.
The impact of software on vehicle performance is also becoming increasingly important. Modern vehicles are essentially computers on wheels, and the software that controls the powertrain can have a significant impact on driving dynamics. The judges must evaluate not only the hardware but also the software that brings it all together, ensuring that the entire system is greater than the sum of its parts.
The Future of Powertrains: A Blended Reality
The 2025 Wards 10 Best nominees paint a clear picture of the future of automotive powertrains: a blended reality where ICE, hybrid, and electric technologies coexist and complement each other. While EVs will undoubtedly continue to gain market share, ICE technology will not disappear anytime soon. Instead, we will see a continued refinement of ICE powertrains, with a greater emphasis on efficiency and integration with electric systems.
Hybrid technology will continue to play a crucial role as a bridge between traditional ICE vehicles and pure EVs. These vehicles offer a practical solution for consumers who are not yet ready to make the leap to full electrification, while also helping to reduce overall emissions.
The future of performance will be defined by the convergence of electric and ICE technologies.
