10 Best Engines and Motors of 2020 According to Wards Auto
What are the best engines and motors money can buy in 2020? Once again, consumers can find the answers in the annual 10 Best list published by Wards Auto magazine.
For the first time in 11 years, three inline six-cylinder engines are ranked. In fact, across the industry we continue to see a move toward smaller-displacement engines—and of course electrified powertrains.
In alphabetical order, here are the 10 best engines and motors of 2020 according to Wards Auto.
2020 BMW M340i
No surprise here. Producing 47 more horsepower than its predecessor (for a total of 382), the turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine in the BMW M340i never runs out of steam at any point in the rev range. It also delivers 369 pound-feet of torque from just 1,800 rpm.
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The all-new Corvette impresses with its mid-mounted 6.2-litre LT2 V8 engine that delivers up to 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Big on thrills and feedback, it’s beautifully paired with a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission—but no manual this time.
2020 Ford Mustang
The Mustang EcoBoost now offers a High Performance Package that includes the 2.3-litre turbo engine from the late Focus RS. Running on premium fuel, it generates 330 horsepower (more than the Mustang’s V8 from a decade ago) and 350 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
This year, the Sierra 1500 added the option of a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 277 horsepower and, more importantly, 460 pound-feet of torque. Il also wows drivers with an average fuel consumption of just 9.1 L/100 km and a level of smoothness that old diesels could only dream of.
2020 Honda Accord Hybrid
The experts at Wards Auto liked the fuel economy, pleasant driving dynamics and affordable price of the Accord Hybrid. Combining a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with an electric motor, this sedan pushes 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque while burning just 5.0 L/100 km on average.
2020 Hyundai Kona EV
The electric motor in the Kona EV is rated at 150 kilowatts (201 horsepower) and 290 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is surprisingly lively and can even make the front tires chirp (no AWD option). Let’s not forget the 64-kWh battery that provides a zero-emission range of 415 kilometres.
2020 Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai is introducing a new family of engines and the turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder makes its debut in the 2020 Sonata. Highly refined and fairly strong (180 horsepower, 195 pound-feet of torque, it features the world’s first continuously variable valve duration system.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Powerful, quiet, smooth and equipped with an EQ Boost mild hybrid system (which provides an extra 184 pound-feet of torque), the new turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine available in the Mercedes-Benz GLE is a star. Who needs a big V8, really?
2020 Nissan Altima
The variable-compression, turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the Nissan Altima is a technological marvel, impressing with smooth power delivery and remarkable fuel economy for a non-hybrid midsize sedan. It’s available in the U.S. but not in Canada… except in the Infiniti QX50.
2020 Ram 1500
This is the seventh time since 2011 that FCA’s 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine is recognized by Wards Auto. In the Ram 1500, it produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The highlight is the 48-volt mild hybrid system called eTorque, which helps reduce fuel consumption and supplies an additional 90 pound-feet of torque.