10 Best Engines and Motors of 2021 According to Wards Auto
Wards Auto has just published its list of the 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems for 2021. Only powertrains that are all-new or significantly improved, as well as 2020 winners were eligible for this year’s competition.
For the first time ever, four battery-electrics, a hydrogen-powered battery-electric fuel cell, two plug-in hybrids and a full hybrid make the list, along with two turbocharged internal-combustion engines.
Here they are in alphabetical order. As you’ll see, at least one of them is a questionable choice and there are some major snubs, too.
BMW 330e
Plug-in hybrid – Turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, single electric motor
Wards Auto’s take: “The 330e delivers a first-rate drive experience that compromises nothing, reaffirming just how exciting and efficient driving a hybrid can be.”
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Turbocharged 1.3L three-cylinder engine
Wards Auto’s take: “We’ve dubbed it ‘the little engine that could.’ It elbowed its way onto our list through a combination of technology, tidy sizing and torquey response. Putting it over the top is an impressive output of 116 hp/L, outpacing its much bigger V8 brethren in the Corvette Stingray.”
Ford F-150 PowerBoost
Hybrid – Turbocharged 3.5L V6, one electric motor
Wards Auto’s take: “Ford’s PowerBoost explodes hybrid stereotypes and becomes F-150’s top powertrain. Compared with numerous super-powerful V8s and many highly capable V6s, this propulsion system stands out as a workhorse and luxury vehicle on weekends.”
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Battery electric – Single or dual motors
Wards Auto’s take: “Go ahead, mash the accelerator in the Mach-E. You’ll be glad there’s a head restraint to prevent whiplash. On top of the exhilarating drive experience is the fact that you’re not burning a drop of gasoline.”
Hyundai Kona Electric
Battery electric – Single motor
Wards Auto’s take: “The Kona Electric stands for a third straight time in our winners’ circle. It still has one of the longest ranges of any all-electric vehicle on sale. Even at half-open throttle in Normal or Eco modes you fly, while Sport mode with the accelerator floored is a startling event.”
Hyundai Santa Fe
Turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine
Wards Auto’s take: “Impressing us with its quickness, refinement and overall value equation is the 277-hp 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder in the Santa Fe. Hyundai reminds us how satisfying state-of-the-art internal-combustion engines can be.”
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Plug-in hybrid – Turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, two electric motors
Wards Auto’s take: “I think this is the superior Wrangler, given I’ve never liked how gruff most Wranglers sound. Wrangler buyers spend a lot of time outdoors and I presume they are pro-environment. They seem to be a natural buyer group for a hybrid off-roader. I hope the 4xe ushers in a new era of cleaner and greener SUVs.”
Polestar 2
Battery electric – Dual motors
Wards Auto’s take: “What makes the Polestar 2 a winner is its near-perfect blend of the BEV formulation. It’s not the one with the longest EV range or the highest output, but it’s still shockingly fast and a blast to drive.”
Porsche Taycan 4S
Battery electric – Dual motors
Wards Auto’s take: “The Taycan 4s a singular joy to drive, combining instant electric-motor torque with handling akin to its gasoline-powered 911 brethren. Supporting the drivetrain is an especially robust regenerative braking system and an 800V architecture that facilitates faster charging.”
Toyota Mirai
Fuel cell electric – Single motor
Wards Auto’s take: “I’ve been testing FCVs and writing about them for at least 15 years, and the progress embodied by the Toyota Mirai is breathtaking. With 182 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, the Mirai is fun to drive and extremely quiet. At more than 400 miles, the range is better than all but the most expensive versions of BEVs.”