For 31 years, Wards Auto has been publishing an annual list of its powertrain award winners, commonly referred to as the 'Wards 10 Best Engines' list. This annual list is widely regarded as an industry standard for identifying the best engines and powertrains of the year, particularly those that go above and beyond in efficiency, performance, refinement, and other metrics.If you're wondering, here's a list of 10 automakers that have won Engine of the Year honors the most number of times, where you'll see engines from Mustang to M5 to Maxima well represented over the years. After taking a sabbatical and renaming the awards to the Best Engines & Propulsion Systems to fit in with the modern era, the best propulsion systems were announced late last year. 90 percent of the winners are either partially or fully electrified. In fact, of the ten engines and powertrains we'll be highlighting below, just a single entry isn't some form of hybrid or full electric. 4.4L Turbocharged V8 PHEV BMW M5 2025 BMW M5 Touring engineThis completely redesigned, seventh-generation BMW M5 is home to the latest M Hybrid powertrain, which combines a highly proven twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor for the first time under the hood of this extreme-performance sedan. The hybrid system enables short-range all-electric driving, while the electric motor also serves as a significant power boost to the V8 engine, resulting in horsepower and torque figures that push well past the 700 mark. 5.5-Liter Twin-Turbo V8 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 front, three-quarterHere's the only non-electrified entry on your page. The twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 from the latest Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 is next on our list. Combining a compact and lightweight twin-turbo setup with a fast-revving V8 and advanced cooling and fuel delivery systems, the result is 1,064 horsepower sent to the rear wheels. This engine is a technological showcase of bar-raising engineering, featuring two of the largest turbochargers ever fitted to a production engine, and volumetric efficiency that's off the charts. Wondering where the ZR-1 fits in with the rest of the current Corvette lineup? Give this a read. 3.0-Liter Straight Six Turbo PHEV Mercedes-AMG E53 2023 - 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan (34)Here's the sort of win-win engineering that deep-pocketed customers expect. The latest Mercedes-AMG E53 runs the latest plug-in hybrid technology for an all-electric, whisper-quiet experience on the driver's shorter trips. This powertrain gives drivers the benefits of a short-range EV backed by the full performance firepower of a turbocharged straight-six, with hybrid hardware that enables fuel-free driving but also helps crank out 604 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Nissan Electric Propulsion System Nissan Leaf 2026 Nissan Leaf Platinum+ Exterior 17 Side ProfileThe latest Nissan Leaf is fresh out of a redesign with new styling, features, and driveline tech that intend to bring an effortless and affordable EV experience to the masses. Improved charging rates, a more streamlined charging experience, and a new liquid-cooled battery pack are part of the package. Two horsepower levels are available, with up to 214 horsepower on tap. The Leaf's next-generation powertrain can charge at up to 150 kW, speeding up road trips by reducing the amount of time needed to stop at public chargers. Its dual charging ports give owners convenience and flexibility in how and where they recharge, making it a breeze to juice up. 3.4-liter Turbocharged V6 Hybrid Lexus LX 700h 2025_Lexus_LX_700h_UltraLuxury_NoriGreenPearl_001Lexus's flagship SUV is the home of the next winner on your page. The LX 700h hybrid runs a 3.4-liter twin-turbo hybrid V6 to give drivers improved torque, power, and fuel economy. Designed to achieve world-class levels of efficiency and refinement, the electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission boosts power when required, drives the vehicle on its own at low speeds, and generates power to recharge the battery automatically as you drive around. With 583 lb-ft of torque on demand, throttle response is particularly impressive for a machine of this size. Lucid Electric Propulsion System Lucid Gravity 2026 Lucid Gravity - exteriorBuilding on innovations launched in the Air, the new Lucid Gravity is an electric SUV from a brand that's no stranger to our best-of lists. Look for up to 450 miles of range, and fast charging capability of up to 400kW. That's good for a 200-mile range boost in less than 11 minutes with the proper hardware. The heart of the 926-volt platform is a 123 kWh battery pack, delivering up to 828 horsepower. Hyundai Electric Propulsion System Hyundai Ioniq 9 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 side at gas stationThe Ioniq 9 is built on Hyundai's E-GMP architecture and features enhancements to various Power Electronics (PE) systems to optimize range, packaging, interior space, affordability, and energy efficiency. The 110.3kWh NCM lithium-ion battery powers all models, with output and range dictated by the trim grade and electric motor configuration. Long-Range RWD models get a 160-kW rear motor, and the Long-Range AWD model adds a 66.1-kW front motor for extra performance and traction. The Performance AWD models get a potent 157.3-kW motor on each axle. Stellantis Electric Propulsion System Dodge Charger Daytona 2024 - 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona Sedan (11)The Dodge Charger Daytona aims to put America on the map with a modern, all-electric take on the Mopar muscle car. This high-performing model ships with 670 horsepower, modernized retro styling, an available track package, and even a Power Shot function that can momentarily over-boost the output of its electric motors. A full range of performance hardware backs up the electric thrills, including a mechanical limited-slip rear differential and six-piston Brembo brakes up front. This highly engaging EV is built to thrill, and can out-accelerate virtually any gas-powered production Mopar ever built. 2.0-Liter Inline Four-Cylinder Hybrid Honda Civic Hybrid 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback sport Touring HybrdHonda's hybrid engine is rolling out across more and more of their model range, and collecting plenty of recognition in the process. The 2-liter four-cylinder and integrated dual electric motors work as the Civic Hybrid's engine, transmission, and generator. Highly responsive low-rev torque, excellent refinement, and eager, sporty power delivery are among the key assets. This affordable and widely available engine delivers more miles and smiles on every tank. 3.5-Liter Turbocharged V6 Hybrid Ford F-150 2023 Ford F-150Built with the highly-proven 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 engine as its heart, the F-150's hybrid engine choice adds a self-recharging battery pack and electric motor to the mix to improve performance, efficiency, refinement, and especially functionality. Not only are hybrid-powered F-150's more powerful, quieter, and easier on fuel than those with the standard non-hybrid EcoBoost V6, the PowerBoost V6 hybrid engine can also export enough power to run a campsite, trailer, construction site, or even recharge an EV. To see where the F-150's hybrid V6 sits within its engine lineup, give this a read.
