10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems

This powertrain is one smooth operator, delivering power and torque in such seamless fashion that it may have you asking, “Is this really a hybrid?”

What clinches it for the Wards judges is the 26 mpg we observed while logging about 800 miles in an F-150 SuperCrew 4x2. That’s the best fuel economy we’ve ever seen in a fullsize pickup.

A pro-and-con summation of all 34 powertrains evaluated in the 2019 competition. Many comments come directly from editor scoresheets. (Winners in red.)

Before the big V-8s disappear into the dustbin of history, let’s enjoy one more blast from the Mustang’s canon of 5.0L excellence.

The 3.6L gasoline V-6 comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system that boosts power and improves fuel economy.

The engine uses Dynamic Fuel Management to achieve a 1 mpg increase in fuel economy in the EPA city cycle and 2 mpg real world but retains its monstrous output of 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. (623 Nm) of torque.

Honoring the finest powertrains was the goal of former Wards Technical Editor Bill Visnic, who recognized in the mid-1990s that certain new engines were so good, they were capable of sealing the deal once a potential customer took a test drive...

This engine’s so good, BMW expects 90% of X5 volume in the U.S. to carry the improved B58. It strikes the ideal balance between power and efficiency, propelling the generously proportioned X5 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds.

“I never thought I’d live to see the day when a fuel-cell car and a battery EV would make the list the same year as two burly V-8s and a sophisticated 4-cyl. engine with variable compression,” says WardsAuto editor Drew Winter.