Hyundai dual-motor propulsion system makes Ioniq 9 quick, long-distance family hauler

Hyundai’s three-row all-electric CUV is a speed demon in disguise, thanks to a propulsion system with more than 400 hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque, plus boasting impressive range.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Oct. 22, 2025

ZR1 V-8 earns Corvette a rare three-peat win

As impressive as 1,064 hp is, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s ability to quietly cruise also caught our judges’ attention.

By Bob Gritzinger • Oct. 21, 2025

Leaf propulsion system more electrifying than ever

Power, affordability and efficiency put the Nissan battery-electric vehicle’s propulsion system on our 2025 Wards 10 Best winners list.

By Christie Schweinsberg • Oct. 20, 2025

Honda two-motor hybrid powertrain a well-balanced execution

Honda’s hybrid systems score well with our judges, with the propulsion system in the Civic Hybrid earning our 2025 kudos.

By Gary S. Vasilash • Oct. 17, 2025

Charger Daytona propulsion system redefines the muscle car

The Daytona’s propulsion system is about a culture change, and the audacious engineers and designers who put in time and fought battles to make this wild car a reality.

By Drew Winter • Oct. 16, 2025

Big V-8, powerful motor make BMW M5 electrifying

Adding a plug-in hybrid system to BMW’s venerable M5 only enhances the performance sedan’s motorsports-bred character.

By Bob Gritzinger • Oct. 15, 2025

Hybrid powertrain impressively propels diverse Lexus LX

The big Lexus SUV is a comfy driver, but the hybrid propulsion system means business.

By Gary S. Vasilash • Oct. 14, 2025

Lucid Gravity propulsion system proves resistance is futile

The electric powertrain gives the new Gravity a range of 430 miles, quick-charging capabilities, and allows it to hit 60 mph from a standstill in 3.4 seconds. So what’s not to like?

By Dave Zoia • Oct. 13, 2025

Staying power: Ford’s F-150 hybrid system remains a winner

Driving proves the F-150 hybrid lives up to the hype. Our Lariat tester returned more than 22 mpg in our longer mixed-driving runabouts.

By Dave Zoia • Oct. 10, 2025

Mercedes-AMG E 53 powertrain makes for a thrilling ride

The plug-in hybrid powertrain in the high-performance subsidiary’s mid-large luxury sedan generates a combined 604 horsepower, but is still fuel-efficient.

By Drew Winter • Oct. 9, 2025

Electrification in full force on Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems winners’ list

There is just one standard internal-combustion-engine winner on our 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems' winners list, with the rest employing either full or partial electrification.

By Wards Staff • Sept. 23, 2025

Wards 10 Best Engines Enters Its Fourth Decade, With Nominees from ADX to ZR1

Diverse nominees again are being tested by Wards 10 Best judges, including some of the most powerful engines and propulsion systems available in light vehicles on the market today.

By Wards Staff • Aug. 20, 2025

Light Cabins, Bold Colors and Google Proliferation Key Trends Among 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Winners

This year’s winning crop of vehicles has several repeat automakers and repeat brands from 2024, more mass-market than luxury vehicles, more battery-electric vehicles than last year and two models priced below $35,000.

By Wards Auto • June 6, 2025

Dodge Charger Daytona Interior, Tech Electrifies

The interior of this car is respectful of its roots while providing an acknowledgement of an electric future.

By Gary S. Vasilash • June 4, 2025

Volvo’s Sustainability-Minded EX90 Creates a New Definition of Luxury

The green materials in Volvo’s new battery electric vehicle, coupled with a strong Scandinavian aesthetic and the CUV’s advanced technologies, reset premium sector buyer expectations.

By Christie Schweinsberg • June 3, 2025

Precision Craftsmanship for the Country-Club Set

GMC rolls out the premium-grade carpet – and leather, wood and chrome trim – in the Yukon Denali Ultimate 3-row SUV.

By Bob Gritzinger • June 2, 2025

Toyota 4Runner Gets High Style to Match High Capabilities

While the sixth generation of Toyota’s stalwart 4Runner is engineered to go off the road, it has an interior design that is both purposeful and comfortable.

By Gary S. Vasilash • May 30, 2025

Buick Enclave Avenir Beautiful, Comfortable and Tech-Filled Delight

The latest iteration of the Buick’s Enclave’s top grade has premium interior design, materials, comfort and technologies but at a price thousands less than 3-row CUVs in the luxury sector.

By Christie Schweinsberg • May 29, 2025

K4 Proves Big Things Come in Small Packages

Kia’s next-generation compact sedan has nearly the same level of aesthetic and technological achievements as do our higher-priced 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX winners.

By Wards Staff • May 28, 2025

Ford Expedition: Innovation, Luxury and a Party Animal Personality

After experiencing all the luxurious materials, advanced technologies and attention to detail, it’s clear the 2025 Expedition has risen to a whole new level.

By Drew Winter • May 27, 2025

Nissan Kicks: Light at the End of the Affordability Tunnel

Despite the Kicks affordable price, Nissan has managed to create a miracle in today’s automotive world: a roomy compact CUV with high-quality interior materials and loaded with premium features that make it feel special.

By Drew Winter • May 23, 2025

Hyundai Does It Again With Ioniq 9 Family Hauler

The name Ioniq evokes both electrical charge and classic architecture, and those concepts are abundant in the vibrant displays and flowing lines of the Ioniq 9’s upscale and contemporary cabin.

By David Zoia • May 22, 2025

Cadillac Optiq: Eye Candy, and So Much More

Cadillac took some big swings with the Optiq – and didn’t miss. The all-electric CUV marks a huge departure from staid Cadillacs of old and may set the storied brand on a new design path.

By David Zoia • May 21, 2025

Year of the Hybrid

As we’ve seen in the past few years, most of the 2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems winners are electrified, but we’re witnessing a shift back to hybridization with six hybrids earning trophies.

By Wards Staff • Jan. 1, 2025

2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems Winner: Toyota GR Corolla – 1.6L Turbocharged I-3

This video clip highlighting the Toyota GR Corolla – 1.6L Turbocharged I-3 was played during this year’s ceremony celebrating the 2024 winners.

Dec. 30, 2024