10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems

Hyundai’s new battery-electric CUV rides on a modular architecture that will underpin more than a dozen new BEVs from the Korean automaker.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe – just like the Wrangler 4xe – delivers the best of both worlds to both sides of your brain: the logical side and the fun side.

The same battery that creates so much towing prowess can be used to power a household during a blackout with the equivalent of 10 standard car batteries; provide juice for a job site or remote campsite; or even recharge a BEV whose own battery is...

The Lucid Air lands on our 10 Best list in the first year of eligibility thanks to extraordinary on-road performance and technical innovations.

Nissan’s innovative VC-Turbo claims a third Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems trophy in the ’22 Rogue CUV.

The Mercedes AMG EQS’s rapid acceleration and quick charging time earn raves from the same Wards judges who honored the non-AMG version earlier this year with a 10 Best Interiors & UX award.

The 1.5L turbocharged engine delivers an impressive 200 hp and 192 lb.-ft. (260 Nm) of peak torque. Those are solid numbers for engines 30% bigger.

Electrified powertrains dominate the 2022 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list, but internal-combustion engines still earn recognition. Winners will be honored Oct. 27 at a trophy ceremony in Detroit.

A pro-and-con summation of all 39 powertrains evaluated in the 2021 competition. Many comments come directly from editor scoresheets.