Downsized powertrains dominate Wards best engine awards
December 21, 2016
WardsAuto has announced the 2017 recipients of its 10 Best Engines awards. The winners include three electrified drivetrains, making the list for the second time in as many years, and seven turbocharged units. WardsAuto reported that for the first time in 23 years of testing a V8 unit has failed to make the list, illustrating the industry trend towards downsized powertrains with forced induction and direct fuel injection.
Since 1995 the competition has recognised outstanding engines and electrified propulsion systems, as well as the technology and engineering behind them. This year’s field of 40 nominees included all new or significantly improved powertrains, as well as last year’s 10 returning winners.
“Automakers see downsizing, turbocharging and electrification as key strategies for delivering no-compromise powertrains that also are fuel efficient, and this year’s list clearly affirms that strategy,” stated WardsAuto Senior Content Director Drew Winter.
WardsAuto editors evaluated the 40 vehicles in October and November 2016, driving to and from home, work, school, the hardware store and on weekend roadtrips. There is no instrumented testing and vehicles must have a base price no higher than $62,000 to be eligible. Editors score each powertrain based on horsepower, torque, comparative specs, noise attenuation, observed fuel economy and the application of new technology.
The 2017 winners (in alphabetical order):
3.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW M240i)
- 1.5L DOHC 4-cyl./Dual Motor EREV (Chevrolet Volt)
- 3.6L DOHC V-6/Dual Motor PHEV (Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid)
- 2.3L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (Ford Focus RS)
- 2.0L DOHC 4-cyl./Dual Motor HEV (Honda Accord Hybrid)
- 1.4L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (Hyundai Elantra Eco)
- 3.0L Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Infiniti Q50)
- 2.5L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (Mazda CX-9)
- 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cyl. (Mercedes-Benz C300)
- 2.0L Turbo/Supercharged DOHC 4-cyl. (Volvo V60 Polestar)
