What Are the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems?

Wards’ “10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” is a prestigious award that has recognized innovative powertrains in vehicles sold in the North American market for over 30 years.

Each year, editors and analysts at WardsAuto rigorously evaluate a wide range of vehicles based on horsepower, torque, fuel economy, noise, vibration, harshness (NVH), and the integration of innovative technologies. The 2024 winning engines lineup reflects a broad spectrum of technological advancements, from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains.

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Honored with Prestigious Award

Among the winners, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid’s 3.0-liter turbo V6 PHEV system was selected.
This award highlights the high regard for Porsche’s innovative powertrain technology within the industry.

I have personally owned a Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid before, and it’s incredibly easy to drive—and fast.
Personally, I believe that for both the Cayenne and Panamera, the E-Hybrid is the best buy compared to other trims.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a high-performance gasoline engine with an electric motor, successfully balances excellent fuel efficiency with powerful driving performance. It’s not just a hybrid for fuel economy—it’s the best hybrid for driving fast.

Reasons for the Award: Outstanding Performance and Efficiency

The Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems selection committee praised the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid powertrain for the following reasons:

1. Excellent fuel efficiency: The plug-in hybrid system significantly improves fuel economy during city driving.
2. Powerful driving performance: The combination of the 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine and electric motor delivers acceleration worthy of a sporty SUV.
3. Smooth electric driving: Even when running solely on the electric motor, the quietness and smoothness stand out.
4. Advanced control technology: The sophisticated coordination between the engine and electric motor provides a seamless driving feel.

Thanks to these features, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is recognized as a vehicle that achieves a high level of both environmental performance and driving capability.

What Are the Other Top 10 Engines?

In 2024, WardsAuto dubbed it the “Year of the Hybrid,” as hybrid systems made a strong showing among the winning engines.

Six out of the ten winners use hybrid technology, including both conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Among them, three feature 3.0L turbo engines paired with hybrid systems: the BMW X5 xDrive50e, Ford F-150 PowerBoost, and Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid—symbolizing the trend toward hybridization in premium gasoline engines.

Looking Ahead: Expectations for Further Evolution

Winning the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems award demonstrates that Porsche’s hybrid technology is among the industry’s best. However, Porsche is unlikely to rest on its laurels and will continue striving for further advancements.

Future improvements are expected in areas such as extending electric driving range through better battery technology and enhancing performance via further weight reduction. Meanwhile, development of fully electric models is progressing in parallel, signaling an accelerating electrification strategy for Porsche.

The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid’s award shows that Porsche has found its own solution to the challenging task of balancing environmental performance with driving enjoyment. We can look forward to more high-performance, appealing electrified models true to Porsche’s spirit.

For Porsche fans, this era of technological innovation promises new thrills behind the wheel. It’s encouraging news that a traditional sports car brand continues to assert its unique presence in the electrification era, reassuring many Porsche enthusiasts.