Wards has revealed its annual “10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” list for 2025, highlighting the rapid shift in the automotive industry toward electrification. For more than 30 years, this respected ranking has celebrated innovation in performance and efficiency.
This year, the majority of winners are hybrid and fully electric powertrains, signaling the growing adoption of electrified mobility. However, enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief: two iconic V8 engines still hold their ground, proving there’s still room for traditional muscle.
Key Highlights
- 28 contenders were evaluated, including 10 hybrids and 10 EVs.
- Each nominee underwent real-world testing before the judges finalized the top 10.
- Unlike a traditional ranking, all winners are considered equal honorees.
- The BMW M5 and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 showcase how V8s continue to thrive despite the electrification wave.
The 2025 Top 10 Engines & Propulsion Systems
| Vehicle | Powertrain | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| BMW M5 | 4.4L V8 Biturbo PHEV | Blends traditional muscle with plug-in hybrid efficiency. |
| Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 | 5.5L V8 Biturbo | Iconic V8 power standing tall amid EV dominance. |
| Dodge Charger Daytona | 100% Electric | Classic American muscle reborn as an EV. |
| Ford F-150 Hybrid | 3.5L V6 HEV | America’s best-selling pickup, winning for the 2nd consecutive year. |
| Honda Civic Hybrid | 2.0L I4 HEV | Efficient, practical, and back on the list. |
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | Electric | Expands Hyundai’s EV SUV lineup with a premium touch. |
| Lexus LX 700h | 3.4L V6 HEV | Combines luxury, power, and off-road capability. |
| Lucid Gravity | Electric | Premium SUV from the American EV startup. |
| Mercedes-AMG E53 | 3.0L I6 PHEV | Marries performance and electrified efficiency. |
| Nissan Leaf | Electric | A pioneer EV that remains relevant in the market. |
What This Means for the Market
🔋 Hybrids as the current balance point
According to Wards, hybrids dominate because U.S. consumers are increasingly comfortable with electrified solutions, but adoption of fully electric cars is still not the majority.
🇺🇸 In the U.S. – Pickup trucks like the Ford F-150 Hybrid remain crucial, while performance cars like the Dodge Charger Daytona prove that heritage muscle can evolve into an EV era.
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CLICK HERE🇧🇷 In Brazil – The Honda Civic Hybrid and Nissan Leaf are already familiar to consumers. While V8 models like the Corvette ZR1 and BMW M5 cater to niche enthusiasts, they highlight that the roar of big engines hasn’t vanished completely.
Conclusion
The 2025 Wards list confirms a global trend:
- Hybrids continue to lead the transition.
- Electric vehicles are steadily gaining momentum.
- Traditional combustion engines, especially large V8s, are becoming rarer but remain symbols of passion and heritage.
In other words, the automotive world is not abandoning its past—it’s simply rewriting it for a sustainable future.
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