The Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list has recognized 30 years’ worth of propulsion systems, with scoring based on horsepower, torque, NVH management, observed efficiency and new technology onboard. A price cap for nominees that had been in place since 1995 was removed in 2021; value remains part of the criteria, however. While evaluating the vehicles, only powertrains that are all-new or significantly improved are eligible for testing.
Wards editors evaluated 34 nominees for 2024: 25 electrified vehicles, including 13 BEVs, six HEVs and six PHEVs, along with nine ICEs. Most of the hybrids employed 4-cyl. support, but hybridization also was deployed with three 6-cyls. and two V-8s.
Congratulations to the 2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems Winners: (winners listed alphabetically) | 
