Since 1995, WardsAuto magazine has published its annual list of the 10 best engines globally. However, the 2026 ranking marks the first time no pure internal combustion engine made the cut. This historical shift underscores the increasing competitiveness of electrified propulsion systems and automakers' strategies to diversify their product lines.
Electrification dominates
The 2026 list comprises four battery electric vehicles (BEVs), four hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This trend mirrors 2025, when the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was the sole internal combustion engine representative to win. This year, the Corvette returns with its ZR1X variant, featuring a twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid engine producing 1,250 horsepower, contributing to WardsAuto's first 100% electrified powertrain ranking.
The winning vehicles and their propulsion systems are listed alphabetically below:
| Winning Vehicle | Engine | Propulsion System |
| BMW M5 Touring | 4.4 V8 turbocharged | PHEV |
| Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X | 5.5 V8 turbocharged | HEV |
| Hyundai Palisade Hybrid | 2.5 I4 turbocharged | HEV |
| Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic Electric | Two electric motors | BEV |
| Nissan Rogue Hybrid | 1.5 I3 turbocharged | HEV |
| Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid | 3.6 flat-6 eturbocharged | HEV |
| Rivian R2 Performance | Two electric motors | BEV |
| Subaru Trailseeker | Two electric motors | BEV |
| Toyota RAV4 PHEV GR Sport | 2.5 I4 | PHEV |
| Volvo EX60 P10 AWD | Two electric motors | BEV |
While an engine award list without pure gasoline cars may seem surprising, electrified vehicles have been a presence for a considerable time. The first electrified winner was the first-generation Toyota Prius in 2001, at a time when the Honda Insight was its only segment competitor in the US. In response to the powerful electrification trend, organizers renamed the award "Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems" in 2020.
This year, the judging panel evaluated 26 propulsion systems under real-world driving conditions, based on criteria including: power, torque, refinement, fuel efficiency, and innovative technology.
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The 4.4 V8 turbocharged engine of the BMW M5. Photo: BMW |
The pure gasoline vehicles that made the nomination list included: the Chevrolet Corvette (6.7-liter V8 LS6), Dodge Charger Scat Pack (3-liter inline-six hurricane twin-turbo), Infiniti QX65 (2-liter inline-four turbocharged), Ram 1500 TRX (6.2-liter V8 hemi supercharged), and Volkswagen Atlas (2-liter inline-four turbocharged).
Balancing performance and efficiency
The 2026 selection results indicate that electrification is not solely about fuel economy; it has also become a key focus for optimizing operational performance, exemplified by models like the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X and Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid. This technology is emerging as a primary force driving new advancements in automotive engineering.
The list of winners also spans seven CUVs, two sports cars, and one sport wagon, originating from five manufacturing countries: Germany (3), Japan (3), the US (2), South Korea (1), and Sweden (1). Prices range from 43,035 USD for the Nissan Rogue Hybrid to 242,060 USD for the Corvette ZR1X; notably, seven of the 10 winning models have an average list price under 55,000 USD.
The future landscape of the award promises several variables, particularly as automakers flexibly adjust their propulsion strategies. Some electric vehicle plans, such as the pure electric version of the Ram 1500, have been canceled due to decreased purchasing power, while many manufacturers are reaffirming their commitment to internal combustion engines.
My Anh
