Winners announced for Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems 2020
January 9, 2020
WardsAuto has announced the 2020 recipients of its 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems awards. For the first time in eleven years, three inline 6-cyl. engines appear on the list, while four electrified powertrains were included for the third consecutive year.
This is the inaugural year of the renamed competition, formerly known as ‘10 best Engines’ awards, which since 1995 has been recognising new powertrains used in vehicles for the U.S market.To be eligible this year, vehicles must have a base price no higher than $65,000.
Wards’ editors chose the winners after evaluating twenty-six all-new or significantly improved engines and electric propulsion systems during everyday driving in Detroit in October and November 2019. Editors score each powertrain based on horsepower, torque, comparative specs, NVH management, observed fuel economy and the application of new technology.
This year’s winner powers two muscle coupes, three family sedans, two luxury cars, two pickups and an all-electric CUV. The winners, listed in alphabetical order by automaker, are:
- BMW 3.0L DOHC Turbocharged I-6 (M340i)
- Daimler 3.0L DOHC 48V Turbo I-6 (Mercedes-Benz GLE450)
- FCA 3.6L DOHC 48V eTorque V-6 (Ram 1500)
- Ford 2.3L DOHC High-Performance Turbo 4-Cyl. (Mustang)
- GM 6.2L OHV V-8 (Chevrolet Corvette Stingray)
- GM 3.0L DOHC Turbodiesel I-6 (Sierra)
- Honda 2.0L DOHC Atkinson i-VTEC 4-Cyl./HEV (Accord Hybrid)
- Hyundai 150-kW Propulsion System (Kona EV)
- Hyundais 1.6L DOHC Turbocharged 4-Cyl. (Sonata)
- Nissan 2.0L DOHC VC-Turbo 4-Cyl. (Altima)
Drew Winter, Wards Senior Content Director, stated, “The auto industry is making tremendous strides by continuing to develop innovative internal-combustion engines while simultaneously investing in hybrids, battery-electrics, 48V mild hybrids and hydrogen-powered fuel cells.”
“We’ve had years with several luxury brands making the list, but this year there were only two: BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It’s important that our winning picks remain within reach for American consumers and represent a wide range of internal-combustion and electrified propulsion sources.”
