The 10 Best Engines of 2026
For the first time since WardsAuto launched its annual propulsion awards in 1995, not a single pure internal-combustion engine earned a spot on the 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list.
Every single honoree selected from this year's field of 26 nominees features electrification in some form, split between four battery-electric vehicles, four hybrid-electric vehicles, and two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
"The sheer number of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles that made up this year’s nominees tells a story in its own right," said Robin Warner, manager of Wards 10 Best awards programs. "Even the hottest sports cars utilize electric help to engage drivers and, indeed, enhance the experience."
The lineup spans seven crossover utility vehicles, two sports cars, and one performance wagon across five manufacturing countries.
Price points range from the accessible $43,035 Nissan Rogue Hybrid up to the range-topping $242,060 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, which uses its front-mounted 186-horsepower electric motor alongside a twin-turbo V-8 to produce a staggering 1,250 combined horsepower. Seven of the ten winning vehicles carry price tags averaging under $55,000.
Here are the 10 best, as ranked by Wards:
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV):
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X (5.5L twin-turbo V8 HEV)
The headline act of the 2026 list, the Corvette ZR1X pairs a screaming 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 driving the rear wheels with an 186-horsepower electric motor on the front axle. Producing a staggering 1,250 combined horsepower, it uses electrification not for eco-credentials, but for instant torque fill and supercar-slaying all-wheel-drive traction.
Hyundai Palisade Hybrid (2.5L turbo I-4 HEV)
Hyundai’s flagship three-row family SUV adopts a new 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid setup, solving the classic balance between family-hauling torque and fuel economy. The gas-electric powertrain delivers smooth power delivery and highway passing power without the fuel consumption hit typical of large crossovers.
Nissan Rogue Hybrid (1.5L turbo I-3 HEV)
As the most affordable winner on the 2026 list ($43,035), the Nissan Rogue Hybrid pairs Nissan's clever variable-compression engine tech with a high-efficiency electric assist system. The result is class-leading fuel economy without sacrificing everyday drivability or cabin quietness.
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid (3.6L eTurbocharged Flat-6 HEV)
Porsche’s performance hybrid system incorporates an electric motor integrated directly into the turbocharger housing alongside a traction motor in the dual-clutch transmission. The setup eliminates turbo lag entirely, delivering immediate throttle response and relentless high-rpm pull worthy of the 911 badge.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV):
BMW M5 Touring (4.4L turbo V8 PHEV)
The high-performance M wagon pairs a twin-turbo V8 with a potent electric motor built into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid architecture provides usable pure-EV range for silent city commutes alongside explosive, combined V8 power when the road opens up.
Toyota RAV4 PHEV GR Sport (2.5L I-4 PHEV)
Toyota’s benchmark plug-in hybrid powertrain gets a sportier calibration for the GR Sport grade. Combining strong electric-only range with a robust dual-motor AWD setup, it delivers quick off-the-line sprint capability while maintaining class-leading overall efficiency.
Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEV):
Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic Electric
Mercedes-Benz brings its refined electric drive tech to the mainstream luxury crossover segment. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup delivers seamless, instant torque, exceptionally quiet highway cruising, and smooth power delivery that sets a benchmark for midsize luxury EVs.
Rivian R2 Performance
Rivian's more accessible adventure CUV proves that electric utility doesn't have to sacrifice performance. The dual-motor powertrain combines off-road-capable torque vectoring with impressive efficiency and rapid acceleration, bringing high-end EV performance down to a broader price point.
Subaru Trailseeker
Subaru’s dual-motor electric crossover balances rugged off-road capability with modern EV smoothness. Utilizing an electric all-wheel-drive setup tailored for dirt trails and bad weather, it delivers linear throttle control and instant low-speed torque for technical off-roading.
Volvo EX60 P10 AWD
Volvo’s electric midsize crossover centers on high-output efficiency and range optimization. The dual-motor AWD system offers swift, effortless acceleration paired with sophisticated thermal management, cementing Volvo's shift toward an all-electric lineup.
The Culmination of a Decade-Long Shift
Electrification first made the Wards list in 2001 with the original Toyota Prius. The organization officially renamed the award program in 2020 to "Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems" to reflect the rapid transition across the automotive landscape.
"The trend toward electrification reflects a marketplace that continues to evolve away from more than a century of dominance by pure internal-combustion propulsion," noted juror Bob Gritzinger. "Hybrids, in particular, are no longer niche vehicles, but are now considered integral to automakers’ product portfolios."
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No mention of the BMW B58 inline 6 but lists EVs? Seriously flawed list.
The only giant battery cables I'm interested in any of my cars are the ones from the battery to the starter. Pass on the rest.