The Definitive Analysis of the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems: A Benchmark for Automotive Excellence
In the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive engineering, where the transition from internal combustion to electrification is reshaping industry standards, the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards continue to serve as the ultimate arbiter of powertrain innovation. As we approach the mid-September announcement of the 2025 honorees, scheduled to culminate in a prestigious Oct. 22 award ceremony in Dearborn, MI, the automotive industry holds its breath. This accolade, bestowed by the esteemed judges at WardsAuto, represents more than just a list of top performers; it is a definitive benchmark of engineering prowess, efficiency, and the seamless integration of mechanical and electrical systems that will define the next generation of vehicles.
This year’s competition features a slate of nominees that perfectly encapsulates the industry’s dynamic pivot. From the refined refinement of traditional gasoline engines to the groundbreaking performance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the 2025 list reflects a powertrain ecosystem in flux. The judging panel—comprising WardsAuto Lead Editor Christie Schweinsberg, Editor Jim Irwin, and Contributing Editors Bob Gritzinger, Gary Vasilash, Drew Winter, and Dave Zoia—brings a combined century of automotive expertise to the rigorous evaluation process. Their assessments delve beyond simple horsepower figures, scrutinizing efficiency,NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), drivability, packaging, and the often-overlooked technological sophistication that underpins each system.
For the seasoned industry observer, the 2025 nominees offer a fascinating study in contrasts. We see the continued refinement of established turbocharged four-cylinder and V-6 architectures, proving that the internal combustion engine, often declared on the verge of obsolescence, remains a formidable force when paired with modern hybridization and turbocharging technologies. Simultaneously, the list is dominated by BEVs and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), reflecting a market increasingly swayed by range, charging infrastructure, and the raw, instant torque that electric powertrains deliver.
The selection criteria for these awards are notoriously stringent. Unlike consumer-driven awards that may prioritize style or brand cachet, Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems focuses purely on the mechanics and engineering. Each vehicle must spend significant time on public roads, subjected to the daily grind of commuting, the rigors of highway cruising, and the demands of spirited driving. The judges evaluate how a powertrain performs under load, how smoothly it delivers power, how intelligently it manages its energy sources, and whether it enhances the overall driving experience or detracts from it. This hands-on, real-world testing methodology ensures that the final list represents systems that are not just theoretically impressive but practically exceptional.
The Contenders: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Nominees
The 2025 nominee pool reads like a who’s who of automotive innovation, spanning legacy automakers and disruptive newcomers alike. Understanding the strengths and potential pitfalls of each category is crucial to appreciating the significance of the eventual winners.
The Advanced Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Hybrid Mainstays:
Even in an electrified era, the ICE, particularly when augmented by mild-hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid systems, continues to demonstrate remarkable viability. The Acura ADX 1.5L turbo 4-cyl. represents the evolution of Honda’s proven turbocharged four-cylinder, likely offering a compelling blend of efficiency and performance for a premium compact SUV. Similarly, the Audi Q5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. and the BMW X3 2.0L turbo I-4 w/ mild hybrid system showcase the German luxury brands’ ability to extract refinement and power from relatively small displacement engines, leveraging advanced thermal management and electrification to minimize lag and maximize efficiency.
Perhaps the most intriguing ICE entrant is the BMW M5 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV. This represents the pinnacle of performance engineering, where the thunderous torque of a V-8 is combined with electric assistance to deliver supercar-level acceleration while theoretically improving fuel economy. The challenge for the judges here will be assessing the seamless integration of these disparate power sources—does the PHEV system enhance the M5’s legendary driving dynamics, or does it add unnecessary complexity and weight?
The domestic titans also make a strong showing. The Buick Enclave 2.5L turbo 4-cyl., likely marking a shift from the V-6 architectures of previous generations, signals GM’s commitment to turbocharging for efficiency in its mainstream SUVs. The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV, while a BEV, often draws comparisons to the V-8 muscle cars of its predecessors due to its instant torque, though its classification as a BEV places it in a different category for this analysis. On the truck front, the Ford F-150 3.5L turbo V-6 HEV (a returning winner from 2024) demonstrates the ongoing dominance of the hybrid powertrain in the full-size truck segment, offering a compelling blend of towing capability and fuel savings.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger is a technological marvel, showcasing Hyundai Motor Group’s willingness to experiment with cutting-edge solutions like electric supercharging to eliminate turbo lag and broaden the powerband. This represents a fascinating intersection of electrification and ICE optimization.
The Japanese contingent is equally robust. The Honda Civic Hybrid 2.0L I-4 HEV (another returning winner) and the Mazda CX-50 2.0L 4-cyl. HEV highlight the Japanese manufacturers’ long-standing expertise in hybrid technology. These systems are known for their bulletproof reliability and exceptional refinement, making them strong contenders for the efficiency-focused aspects of the Wards awards. The Lexus LX 700h 3.4L turbo V-6 HEV represents the apex of luxury hybridization, combining the rugged capability of the Land Cruiser platform with Lexus’s sophisticated hybrid powertrain for a blend of opulence and efficiency.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV and the Mercedes-AMG E53 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV demonstrate the German luxury brands’ commitment to PHEV technology, offering a taste of electric driving with the security of a gasoline engine. The AMG E53, in particular, represents a high-performance application of this technology.
Representing the more traditional, robust ICE designs, the Nissan Armada NISMO 3.5L turbo V-6 stands out. While the asterisk indicates it may be subject to change, it represents the ongoing relevance of the V-6 engine in large, capable SUVs, likely optimized for towing and off-road performance. The Ram RHO 3.0L turbo I-6 high output (another returning winner) continues the legacy of the Stellantis EcoDiesel engine, now in a higher-output configuration, proving that diesel, even in a hybridized form, remains a compelling option for heavy-duty applications.
Finally, the Toyota GR Corolla 1.6L turbo I-3 (a returning winner) and the Toyota 4Runner 2.4L turbo 4-cyl. HEV showcase Toyota’s engineering versatility. The GR Corolla is a testament to the potential of the three-cylinder engine in a performance application, while the 4Runner’s hybrid powertrain ensures the longevity of this off-road icon.
The Electric Revolution: BEVs and PHEVs dominate the conversation:
The sheer number of electric vehicles on the 2025 nominee list underscores the seismic shift occurring in the automotive industry. The Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8, Dodge Charger Daytona BEV, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (a returning winner), Hyundai Ioniq 9 BEV, Kia EV9 GT Line BEV (a returning winner), Jeep Wagoneer S BEV, Lucid Gravity BEV, Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 2.0L turbo I-4 PHEV, Nissan Leaf BEV, Polestar 4 BEV, Rivian R1T Quad Max BEV, and Volvo EX90 BEV represent the vanguard of this transition.
The Cadillac Escalade IQ BEV and Hyundai Ioniq 9 BEV are pushing the boundaries of electric SUV design, offering three-row seating and luxury amenities that were once the exclusive domain of gasoline-powered vehicles. The challenge for these behemoths will be managing battery weight and ensuring that the driving experience lives up to the Cadillac and Hyundai brands’ reputations.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L twin-turbo V-8, while listed, is an interesting anomaly in this electrified context. It represents the pinnacle of ICE performance and will be fascinating to see how it stacks up against pure electric competitors in terms of raw acceleration and driving engagement. The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV represents the future of American muscle, aiming to deliver the visceral thrill of a Charger without the V-8.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N BEV (a returning winner) and Kia EV9 GT Line BEV (a returning winner) highlight the continued excellence of the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, which has been widely praised for its fast-charging capabilities and balanced driving dynamics. The Jeep Wagoneer S BEV
