Report: Hybrid, Diesel and Forced Induction Engines Dominate Ward's 10 Best Engines

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Ward's Auto has just released its top 10 engines for 2010 and the list is dominated by hybrid, diesel and forced induction (turbocharged, supercharged) powerplants. Among the winners are two turbodiesels, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder fond in the Jetta TDI and the 3.0-liter inline-six found in the BMW 335d. Two hybrids also make the list, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and its 2.5-liter hybrid motor, as well as the Toyota Prius and it's 1.8-liter hybrid motor. The Prius also took the spot as the most fuel-efficient engine with a rating of 55 mpg as tested by Ward's.

Other notable engines include the 2.0 TFSI as found in the Audi A4 (a perennial favorite) and the 2.5-liter four-cylinder found in the Chevy Equinox.

"This year's list embodies how the industry is responding to demands for higher fuel economy and lower emissions without shortchanging performance," Ward's AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter said. "Auto makers are using innovative designs and advanced technology to boost horsepower and torque while downsizing engines and increasing efficiency."

In fact, 2010 marks the first time in 16 years of the Best Engine awards there was only one V8 engine on the list – the 4.6-liter Tau V8 as found in the Hyundai Genesis Sedan.

There were other high-performance engines on the list, notably the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in Audi's S4 (which replaced an older 4.2-liter V8), the 265-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four found in the Subaru Legacy GT and the 365-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as found in the Ford Taurus SHO.

The Ward's 10 Best Engines list is decided by six editors from Ward's Automotive Group who tested 34 vehicles from 13 automakers. The engines are rated on horsepower, torque, refinement, technical relevance and comparative data. Engines nominated had to be either all-new, significantly updated or be a previous winner. They also must come in a vehicle that will go on sale in or before the first quarter of 2010 and be valued at no more than $54,000.

More: Report: Hybrid, Diesel and Forced Induction Engines Dominate Ward's 10 Best Engines List on AutoGuide.com