In 2025, the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list marks a milestone in automotive history, as it features the highest number of electrified powertrains ever seen in the award’s 31-year history. The list, which highlights the most innovative and efficient propulsion systems, includes a diverse range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric systems. Notably, only one standard internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain made the cut this year, underscoring the significant shift in the industry toward electrification.
The Rise of Electrified Powertrains
For the first time, a staggering 90% of the powertrains on the 2025 Wards 10 Best list are either fully or partially electrified, signaling a new era for the automotive industry. The shift toward electrification, which has been slowly gathering pace over the last decade, is now in full force. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have become increasingly popular, as consumers and automakers alike recognize the benefits of fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved performance.
Christie Schweinsberg, manager of the Wards 10 Best awards programs and a judge for the Engines & Propulsion Systems category, explains, “As the auto industry moves away from near-term timelines for all-electric propulsion, U.S. consumers are more than ever embracing electrification, mainly in the form of hybridization.” She added that the hybrid powertrains on the 2025 list provide an optimal balance of power, fuel economy, and value, showcasing the technical ingenuity of automotive engineers.
The 2025 awards featured five hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as four all-electric propulsion systems. This mix highlights the continued interest in both hybridization as a transitional technology and the full-scale electric revolution that is underway in the industry. While hybrid vehicles remain a staple of the automotive market, all-electric models are starting to show their full potential, offering not just environmentally friendly alternatives but also impressive power output and efficiency.
Hybrid Powertrains Lead the Way
Among the 2025 winners, hybrid powertrains are the most prevalent, with five hybrid or plug-in hybrid models making the list, compared to just four battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Some of these hybrid powertrains have become notable for their technical sophistication, offering an excellent combination of performance, efficiency, and user-friendly features. Many of the nominated hybrids employ 4-cylinder engines, but there are also models featuring more powerful V-6 and V-8 configurations.
One standout is the BMW M5 PHEV, which combines a V-8 engine with a plug-in hybrid system, providing exhilarating power and an efficient driving experience. Other hybrids on the list, like the Ford F-150 and Honda Civic, represent a more mainstream approach to hybridization, with systems designed to appeal to consumers seeking a balance of fuel economy and power.
Fully Electric Powertrains Compete with V-8 Engines
Fully electric vehicles (EVs) have seen dramatic improvements in performance, with some models now delivering power outputs traditionally associated with V-8 engines. Among the 10 BEVs tested this year, half of them boast propulsion systems generating 600 horsepower or more, a feat that would have been unimaginable for electric vehicles just a few years ago.
The Cadillac Escalade IQ, for example, features an all-electric powertrain that delivers impressive performance, while the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack offers a 670-hp output. Meanwhile, the Lucid Gravity and Rivian R1T Quad Max, two of the other winners, push the boundaries of what’s possible with electric propulsion. These vehicles demonstrate that EVs can match or exceed the performance of traditional combustion engines while offering the added benefit of zero emissions.
Electric propulsion systems are also gaining ground in the crossover and SUV segments, with models like the Jeep Wagoneer S and the Rivian R1T proving that full-size electric vehicles can provide the same or even better performance than their gas-powered counterparts.
The Future of Internal Combustion Engines
While the list is dominated by electrified powertrains, the traditional internal combustion engine still has a place on the 2025 Wards 10 Best list. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, for instance, features a twin-turbo V-8 engine that delivers an astounding 1,064 horsepower, earning it a spot on the coveted list. This V-8 engine is part of the last generation of high-performance internal combustion engines before the full transition to electric powertrains.
Other ICE nominees include the Toyota GR Corolla, which stands out for its small but mighty 1.6L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, producing a remarkable 300 hp. While the future of the ICE is increasingly uncertain as automakers pivot toward electrification, models like the Corvette ZR1 and Toyota GR Corolla serve as reminders of the performance potential that still exists in traditional powertrains.
Growing Presence of Electric Vehicles
As the auto industry shifts toward electrification, automakers are increasingly investing in the development of new electric powertrains. Many of the 10 BEVs on the 2025 list are equipped with extremely powerful propulsion systems, rivaling or surpassing the performance of traditional gasoline engines. Electric vehicles are no longer just about eco-friendliness—they are becoming serious contenders in the performance car market.
The Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list has long been a platform for recognizing the most innovative powertrains, and in 2025, it reflects the seismic shift toward electric propulsion. The BEVs that made the cut this year have achieved impressive power levels, with half of them producing over 600 horsepower. This includes the 828-hp Lucid Gravity and the 670-hp Dodge Charger Daytona, both of which represent the next step in the evolution of electric vehicles.
Hybrid Powertrain Successes
While the industry makes a strong push toward all-electric vehicles, hybrid powertrains remain a popular choice for those seeking a balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and practicality. The five hybrid or plug-in hybrid models on the 2025 Wards 10 Best list illustrate the continued relevance of hybridization in the automotive landscape.
The Ford F-150’s 3.5L turbocharged V-6 hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid’s 2.0L I-4 hybrid powertrain have proven to be popular among consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance. These hybrid systems are designed to offer the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of electric power with the reliability and performance of internal combustion engines.
The Road Ahead for Automotive Propulsion
Looking ahead, the automotive industry will continue to focus on the development of hybrid and electric powertrains. With advancements in battery technology and electric drivetrains, we can expect to see even more powerful and efficient electric vehicles in the coming years. Automakers are already investing heavily in electric vehicle infrastructure, and the development of more efficient hybrid systems will remain a priority as consumers seek more sustainable alternatives to traditional gas-powered vehicles.
As the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list continues to evolve, it is clear that electrification will play a central role in the future of automotive propulsion. With the rapid advancement of electric vehicle technology and the continued refinement of hybrid systems, the next decade promises to be an exciting period for automotive engineering and innovation.
