The 10 Best Engines and Motors of 2025 According to Wards Auto
Five hybrid vehicles and four all-electric models have made it to U.S. magazine Wards Auto’s latest ranking of the 10 best engines and propulsion systems. This means that, for the first time, only one conventional vehicle powered by a combustion engine is among the award winners.
“Consumers are more than ever embracing electrification, namely in the form of hybridization,” said Christie Schweinsberg, one of the judges and also manager of Wards 10 Best awards programs. “The hybrid winners on our 2025 list strike a perfect balance of power, fuel economy and value. They are also some of the most technically complex powertrains we’ve ever tested, once again showcasing the talent of automotive engineers to deliver alluring specifications, oftentimes with limited budgets.”
Scoring is based on horsepower, torque, NVH management, observed efficiency and new technology onboard. There is no price cap, but value remains part of the criteria.
Another thing you should know is that only powertrains that are return winners from the previous year, all-new or significantly improved are eligible.
The top 10 for 2025 includes a pair of 2024 winners, namely from Ford and Honda. Without further ado, here's the full list in alphabetical order:
2025 BMW M5 (Plug-in Hybrid)
Twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 and electric motor, 717 hp, 738 lb-ft, 47 km of EV range
Click here to learn more about this vehicle.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (Gas)
Twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8, 1,064 hp, 828 lb-ft
Click here to learn more about this vehicle.
2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack (Electric)
Dual electric motors, up to 670 hp, 627 lb-ft, 388 km of range
Click here to learn more about this vehicle.
2025 Ford F-150 PowerBoost (Hybrid)
Twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 and electric motor, 430 hp, 570 lb-ft, 10.7 L/100 km
Click here to learn more about this vehicle.
2025 Honda Civic (Hybrid)
Naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, 200 hp, 232 lb-ft, 4.9 L/100 km
Click here to learn more about this vehicle.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Electric)
Dual electric motors, up to 422 hp, 516 lb-ft, 500-539 km of range
Click here to learn more about this vehicle.
2025 Lexus LX 700h (Hybrid)
Twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 and electric motor, 457 hp, 583 lb-ft, 11.7 L/100 km
Click here to learn more about this vehicle.
2026 Lucid Gravity (Electric)
Dual electric motors, up to 828 hp, 909 lb-ft, 575-725 km of range (estimated)
Click here to learn more about this vehicle.
2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 (Plug-in Hybrid)
Turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine and electric motor, up to 604 hp, 553 lb-ft, 69 km of EV range
Click here to learn more about this vehicle.
2026 Nissan LEAF (Electric)
Single electric motor, up to 214 hp, 261 lb-ft, 417-488 km of range (estimated)
Click here to learn more about this vehicle.