For the past 31 years, Wards Auto has compiled an annual list of the 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems, recognizing the most innovative and high-performing powertrains on the market. Over the years, the list has featured everything from turbocharged four-cylinders and powerful V-8s to hybrids and fully electric systems.
This year, with the surge in electrified vehicles in the US, it’s no surprise that the list leans heavily toward hybrids and EVs. Unfortunately, that leaves little room for naturally aspirated engines, particularly V-8s.
Electric powertrains are well represented, with honors going to the Nissan Leaf, Lucid Gravity, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Dodge Charger Daytona. On the hybrid side, five vehicles made the cut: the BMW M5, Honda Civic, Ford F-150, Lexus LX, and Mercedes-AMG E53. Only two V-8-powered entries appear this year: the BMW M5’s plug-in hybrid setup and the Corvette ZR1’s 5.5-liter V-8. Here’s the full list:
- BMW M5 — 4.4L Turbocharged V-8 PHEV
- Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 — 5.5L twin-turbo V-8
- Dodge Charger Daytona — Electric Propulsion System
- Ford F-150 — 3.5L Turbocharged V-6 HEV (2024 returning winner)
- Honda Civic Hybrid — 2.0L I-4 HEV (2024 returning winner)
- Hyundai Ioniq 9 — Electric Propulsion System
- Lexus LX — 700h 3.4L Turbocharged V-6 HEV
- Lucid Gravity — Electric Propulsion System
- Mercedes-AMG E53 — 3.0L Turbocharged I-6 PHEV
- Nissan Leaf – Electric Propulsion System
Photo by: Chevrolet
“As the auto industry moves away from near-term timelines for all-electric propulsion, US consumers are more than ever embracing electrification, namely in the form of hybridization,” says Christie Schweinsberg, manager of Wards 10 Best awards programs and Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems’ judge.
According to Wards, this year’s selection process began with 28 nominees, including 10 hybrids and 10 EVs. Judges drove each vehicle before narrowing the field down to the final 10 winners. Wards does not rank the powertrains in any specific order, so all finalists are recognized equally on the list.
Some winners—like the Honda Civic’s impressive hybrid system or the Lexus LX’s excellent V-6—come as no surprise. Still, the lack of V-8s is a bit disappointing. It’s just a sign of the times.
