For the past 31 years, Wards Auto has annually unveiled its prestigious list of the top 10 best automotive engines and powertrains. This list is widely regarded as the industry benchmark, highlighting the most exceptional engines and powertrains each year. The engines featured in Wards Auto’s top 10 consistently excel in performance, fuel efficiency, refinement, and numerous other criteria.
As expected, Wards Auto has released its 2025 list of the 10 best automotive engines and powertrains. Remarkably, 90% of the entries this year are electrified, either partially or fully. In fact, among the 10 honored engines and powertrains, only one is not a hybrid or pure electric vehicle.
“While the automotive industry cannot fully transition to electric powertrains in the short term, American consumers are increasingly embracing electrification, particularly in the form of hybrid powertrains. The hybrid models on the 2025 list strike a perfect balance between power, fuel efficiency, and value. These powertrains are also the most technically complex we’ve ever tested, once again showcasing the ingenuity of automotive engineers in delivering impressive performance, even with limited budgets,” said Christie Schweinsberg, program manager for the Wards 10 Best awards.
BMW M5 Plug-in Hybrid Engine
The seventh-generation BMW M5 has been completely redesigned, featuring the latest M Hybrid powertrain. For the first time, BMW combines its proven 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor under the hood of this high-performance sedan.
BMW M5
This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain allows the vehicle to operate purely on electric power for short distances. Additionally, the electric motor significantly boosts the V8 engine’s power, pushing both maximum power and torque beyond the 700 mark.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 V8 Engine
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 is the only vehicle on the list not equipped with a hybrid or electric powertrain. Instead, it features a powerful 5.5L twin-turbo V8 engine.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
The combination of a lightweight twin-turbo system, a high-revving V8 engine, and advanced cooling and fuel delivery systems delivers an impressive 1,064 horsepower to the rear wheels.
Equipped with the largest turbochargers ever fitted to a production engine and exceptional charging efficiency, this powertrain exemplifies cutting-edge engineering.
Mercedes-AMG E53 Plug-in Hybrid Engine
The Mercedes-AMG E53 engine represents the “best of both worlds” that discerning customers seek. The latest Mercedes-AMG E53 features advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology, offering a smooth and quiet all-electric driving experience for short trips.
Mercedes-AMG E53
This powertrain allows drivers to enjoy the benefits of an electric vehicle for short distances while still delivering the performance of a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine. The vehicle can operate without gasoline and boasts a maximum power output of 604 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque.
Nissan Leaf Electric Powertrain
The new generation Nissan Leaf has been unveiled with modern design, features, and powertrain technology, aiming to provide an affordable and accessible electric vehicle experience for the masses.
Nissan Leaf
The vehicle features upgraded charging speeds, a more convenient charging experience, and a new liquid-cooled battery pack. It offers two power levels, with the highest reaching 214 horsepower.
The new Nissan Leaf powertrain supports fast charging up to 150 kW, reducing stops at public charging stations and accelerating long-distance travel. Additionally, the vehicle has two charging ports, providing flexibility and convenience in charging locations and methods.
Lexus LX 700h Self-Charging Hybrid Engine
The flagship SUV from Lexus features the next entry on the list. As the newest addition to the Lexus LX lineup, the LX 700h combines a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine with a hybrid system, enhancing maximum torque, power, and fuel efficiency.
Lexus LX 700h
Designed for top-tier performance and refinement, the electric motor is positioned between the engine and transmission, boosting power when needed, operating independently at low speeds, and regenerating energy to charge the battery.
With a maximum torque of 790 Nm, the throttle response of this large SUV is particularly impressive.
Lucid Gravity Electric Powertrain
Building on the technological breakthroughs of the Lucid Air, the Lucid Gravity is a new electric SUV from a brand already familiar in “best of” rankings.
Lucid Gravity
The Lucid Gravity offers a maximum range of approximately 724 km and supports fast charging up to 400 kW. With the right equipment, it can add about 322 km of range in less than 11 minutes of charging.
At the heart of this 926-volt platform is a 123 kWh battery pack. Additionally, the vehicle boasts a maximum power output of 828 horsepower, promising a thrilling driving experience.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Electric Powertrain
The Ioniq 9 is built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, featuring advancements in power electronics (PE) systems to optimize range, space, cost, and energy efficiency.
Hyundai Ioniq 9
All versions of the vehicle use an NCM battery pack with a capacity of 110.3 kWh. Maximum power and range depend on the electric motor configuration and version. The Long-Range RWD model features a rear-mounted electric motor with a maximum power output of 217 horsepower. The Long-Range AWD model adds a front electric motor with 90 horsepower for improved performance and traction. The Performance AWD model is even more powerful, with a 214 horsepower motor on both axles.
Dodge Charger Daytona Electric Powertrain
The Dodge Charger Daytona marks a new milestone, bringing the iconic American “muscle car” into the electric era. It boasts a maximum power output of 670 horsepower, a blend of modern and classic design, and an optional track package. It even features a Power Shot mode for temporary power boosts to the electric motor.
Dodge Charger Daytona
The Dodge Charger Daytona is equipped with high-performance hardware, including a mechanical rear slip differential and Brembo 6-piston front brakes. This captivating electric vehicle offers superior acceleration, outperforming most of its gasoline-powered predecessors.
Honda Civic Self-Charging Hybrid Engine
Honda’s hybrid engines are increasingly featured across the brand’s lineup, gaining recognition from customers.
Honda Civic
In the Honda Civic Hybrid, a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine is paired with two electric motors. These motors function as the engine, transmission, and generator.
The engine’s strong low-end torque, smooth refinement, and sporty throttle response are standout features. This affordable, mainstream engine allows drivers to go further and enjoy more with each tank of fuel.
Ford F-150 Self-Charging Hybrid Engine
Based on the successful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine, the Ford F-150 Hybrid adds a self-charging battery pack and electric motor to enhance performance, efficiency, smoothness, and versatility.
Ford F-150
Not only is the PowerBoost V6 hybrid powertrain more powerful, smoother, and more fuel-efficient than the standard EcoBoost V6, but it can also generate enough electricity to power a campsite, trailer, construction site, or even charge another electric vehicle.
“Mazda’s Strategic Shift: Hybrids Take Center Stage, with a Cautious Approach to Electric Vehicles.”
Mazda has unveiled its long-term product strategy for the coming years, offering a glimpse into its future plans and vision. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the company aims to chart a new course for the automotive industry.
Porsche Macan Leads in Sales: Nearly 60% Are Electric Vehicles
Porsche has witnessed a significant surge in the electrification of its fleet, with an impressive spike in sales during the first half of 2025.
The Electric Vehicle Revolution in Vietnam 2025: The Great Acceleration Race
The Vietnamese automotive market is poised for a pivotal shift in the latter half of 2025, with a projected surge in the popularity of electrified vehicles. This includes a diverse range of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
The Electric Vehicle Revolution in Vietnam: The Great Acceleration in H2 2025
The Vietnamese automotive market is poised for a pivotal shift in the latter half of 2025, with a projected surge in the popularity of electrified vehicles. This includes a diverse range of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are set to revolutionize the industry.
The Ultimate Supercar: Aston Martin Valhalla Delayed for Vietnamese Enthusiast
According to our exclusive sources, the Aston Martin dealership in Vietnam has refunded Mr. Dang Le Nguyen Vu’s deposit as they are unable to deliver the Aston Martin Valhalla supercar. The entrepreneur had patiently waited for three years and agreed to a price of nearly VND 100 billion for the vehicle.
