The auto industry is undergoing its most profound transformation in a century, driven by electrification and software-defined vehicles. As legacy automakers race to catch up with Tesla, and new players vie for market share, the heart of the vehicle—the powertrain—is being redefined. Nowhere is this more evident than in the prestigious Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards.
This year’s nominees showcase the full spectrum of this transition. We have the refinement of BMW’s twin-turbo V-8 plug-in hybrid in the M5, the brute force of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s twin-turbo V-8, and the elegant efficiency of the Mercedes-AMG E53 plug-in hybrid. Yet, the narrative is increasingly dominated by the silent revolution of battery electric vehicles. From the performance-oriented Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV9 GT Line to the luxury of the Cadillac Escalade IQ and Lucid Gravity, the BEV category is not just present—it’s defining the future.
The Wards 10 Best list has long been the industry’s bellwether, signaling not just what’s new, but what’s next. This year, the list confirms that the internal combustion engine, while far from extinct, is evolving rapidly through hybridization and turbocharging. Automakers are squeezing every ounce of efficiency and performance from gasoline engines before the full transition to electric.
This article will delve deep into the trends, innovations, and contenders that are shaping the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems. We’ll analyze the engineering marvels behind the nominees, explore the challenges facing the industry, and look ahead to what these powertrains mean for the future of driving.
The State of the Industry: A Tale of Two Powertrains
The automotive landscape in 2025 is characterized by a fascinating dichotomy. On one hand, we have the apex of internal combustion engine technology—highly optimized, turbocharged, and increasingly hybridized. On the other, we have the relentless march of electrification, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) moving from niche products to mainstream contenders.
WardsAuto, the arbiter of these powertrain awards for over three decades, has mirrored this industry shift. The 2025 list reflects a mature understanding that the transition won’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual evolution, not an abrupt revolution.
“The 2025 nominees demonstrate that automakers are exploring every available option to deliver performance, efficiency, and refinement,” notes Christie Schweinsberg, WardsAuto Lead Editor. “We’re seeing the culmination of years of development in internal combustion technology, while simultaneously witnessing the rapid maturation of electric powertrains. It’s a truly exciting time for powertrain engineering.”
The numbers tell the story. A significant portion of the 2025 nominees are BEVs, underscoring the industry’s commitment to electrification. However, the remaining vehicles showcase the ingenuity of engineers who are making gasoline engines more powerful and efficient than ever before. This balance is crucial for a market that still relies heavily on internal combustion.
The Contenders: A Deep Dive into the Engineering Marvels
The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list features a diverse range of technologies, each representing the cutting edge of its respective field. Let’s explore some of the most compelling nominees and the engineering innovations that set them apart.
Internal Combustion Engine Excellence
While the spotlight often shines on electric vehicles, the internal combustion engine continues to evolve. Turbocharging and hybridization are the key trends, allowing automakers to extract more power from smaller displacement engines while improving fuel economy.
The Acura ADX 1.5L turbo 4-cyl. exemplifies this trend. This compact engine delivers surprising performance for its size, showcasing Acura’s expertise in turbocharging technology. The engine’s efficiency is a testament to modern engineering, proving that gasoline power still has a vital role to play, especially in the compact luxury segment.
BMW continues to push the boundaries of V-8 technology with its 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 PHEV found in the M5. This powertrain combines the raw power of a twin-turbo V-8 with the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid system. The result is a vehicle that can deliver exhilarating performance when needed, yet operate as an electric vehicle for daily commutes. This dual-nature capability is a hallmark of modern high-performance vehicles.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s 5.5L twin-turbo V-8 represents the pinnacle of American muscle car engineering. This engine is designed for one purpose: ultimate performance. The twin-turbo setup allows for incredible power output, pushing the ZR1 into supercar territory. It’s a celebration of the internal combustion engine at its most potent, even as the world shifts toward electrification.
Genesis is making waves with its 3.5L turbo V-6 w/ electric supercharger in the GV80 Coupe. The addition of an electric supercharger addresses the traditional weakness of turbochargers—lag—by providing instant boost at low RPMs. This results in a remarkably responsive and refined powertrain that competes with the best in the luxury segment.
The Mercedes-AMG E53’s 3.0L turbo I-6 PHEV showcases the German automaker’s commitment to performance hybrids. The inline-six configuration is known for its smoothness, and when combined with a turbocharger and electric assistance, it delivers a compelling blend of power and efficiency. This powertrain represents the sophisticated end of the hybrid spectrum, where performance and refinement are equally important.
The Rise of the Battery Electric Vehicles
The most striking trend in this year’s Wards 10 Best nominees is the sheer number of battery electric vehicles. From performance behemoths to luxury cruisers, BEVs are no longer just a novelty—they are serious contenders for the top spots.
The Cadillac Escalade IQ represents the electrification of a luxury icon. This all-electric SUV maintains the imposing presence and opulent interior of the traditional Escalade while offering the instant torque and silent operation of an EV. It’s a bold statement from Cadillac, demonstrating that luxury and electrification can go hand-in-hand.
The Dodge Charger Daytona BEV signals a new era for American muscle. While some purists may balk at an electric Charger, this vehicle represents Dodge’s commitment to electrifying its performance heritage. The Daytona BEV aims to deliver the thrilling acceleration and aggressive styling that Dodge fans expect, but with the instant torque of an electric powertrain.
Hyundai continues to impress with its Ioniq line. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (a returning winner) and Ioniq 9 BEV showcase the company’s ability to produce both high-performance and mainstream electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5 N, in particular, has been praised for its driver engagement and performance capabilities, proving that EVs can be fun to drive.
Kia is making a strong push in the electric space with the EV9 GT Line BEV (also a returning winner). This three-row electric SUV offers a compelling combination of space, luxury, and performance. It’s a testament to Kia’s rapid evolution as a major player in the automotive industry.
The Jeep Wagoneer S BEV represents the electrification of a legendary off-road brand. Jeep is known for its ruggedness and capability, and the Wagoneer S aims to bring those attributes to the electric era. It’s a significant move for the brand, signaling its commitment to a sustainable future without compromising its core identity.
Lucid Motors continues to impress with the Gravity BEV, its highly anticipated SUV. Following the success of the Air sedan, the Gravity promises to bring Lucid’s signature blend of luxury, range, and performance to a wider market. With its sleek design and advanced technology, the Gravity is poised to compete with the best in the luxury EV segment.
The Rivian R1T Quad Max BEV represents the pinnacle of electric adventure vehicles. With four electric motors, the Quad Max offers incredible performance and off-road capability. Rivian has carved out a unique niche in the market, and the R1T continues to be a benchmark for electric trucks.
The Volvo EX90 BEV is a testament to Volvo’s commitment to safety and sustainability. This flagship electric SUV is packed with advanced safety features and represents the company’s vision for the future of family transportation.
The Polestar 4 BEV offers a stylish and performance-oriented alternative in the crowded EV market. Polestar, Volvo’s electric performance brand, continues to deliver vehicles that balance design, performance, and sustainability.
Each of these electric vehicles represents a different facet of the EV revolution. Some are focused on performance, others on luxury, and still others on practicality. Together, they paint a picture of a diverse and rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.
The Role of Hybridization
While BEVs are capturing headlines, hybrid technology remains a critical bridge in the transition to electrification. The 2025 nominees demonstrate that hybridization is not just a stopgap measure—it’s a sophisticated technology that can deliver significant benefits in terms of performance and efficiency.
The Ford F-150 3.5L turbo V-6 HEV (a returning winner) is a prime example of this. The hybrid system in the F-150 provides instant torque for towing and hauling, while also improving fuel economy for everyday driving. It’s a practical application of hybrid technology that resonates with truck buyers who need both capability and efficiency.
The Honda Civic Hybrid (another returning winner) showcases the efficiency benefits of hybridization in a compact car. The hybrid system in the Civic delivers impressive fuel
