10 Best Engines List Revealed by Ward's Auto for 2013
Each year, Ward’s Auto grabs ten of its editors to evaluate 40 new or significantly upgraded engines to determine the best engines of the model year. The list has just been revealed, with a continuing trend of four-cylinders finding their way onto the list. Here’s Ward’s Auto 10 Best Engines for 2013 in no particular order.
Powering the Audi S5 is a 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged V6 engine with 333 hp and is the fourth year in a row that the powerplant has made it onto the list. The engine can also be seen in other various Audi models, including its S4 and A8 and is also utilized in hybrid models for Porsche and Volkswagen.
BMW makes for two returns on the list this year, first with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s currently found in its 328i sedan models. Combining the best of both worlds: fuel efficiency and performance, the 240-hp engine is further benefited by a twin-scroll turbocharger providing plenty of low-end torque and driving pleasure. Best of all, the 328i gets close to 30 mpg thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission.
The second engine representing BMW is its more potent 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline-six that now packs 320 hp in the smaller 1-Series model. Now a three-time winner on the Ward’s Auto list, the engine still manages to get a respectable 23 mpg in the 1-Series while providing plenty of fun in a 3,373-lb package.
Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 powerplant is also a repeat winner on the Best Engines list but is the first time since 2009 that it’s found in a pickup truck. The eight-speed automatic transmission found in the 2013 RAM 1500 helps deliver best-in-class fuel economy while still having the ability to tow up to 6,000 lbs.
There was once a time that automotive enthusiasts wouldn’t believe Ford would have a potent four-cylinder engine outfitting its sports cars. But times have changed, and the American automaker’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder delivers plenty of fun in various models in its lineup. The Ford Focus ST packs 252 hp in a nimble hot hatch and is one of two Ford engines to make the list this year.
The other being what traditional Ford enthusiasts would consider acceptable. Powering the Shelby GT500 is a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 with 650 hp, 100-hp more than the 2012 model. It’s also backed by 600 lb-ft of torque and a top speed in excess of 200 mph, making it one of the most sought after and desirable Mustangs ever to hit the road.
As for General Motors, its 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo now powers its Cadillac ATS model offering 272 hp and helping it earn a nominee as 2013 AutoGuide’s Car of the Year. In fact, when we got our hands on the ATS at Atlanta Motorsports Park, it was undoubtedly more fun to drive than the BMW 3-Series. Packed with plenty of technology and luxury amenities, the engine isn’t all the Cadillac ATS has going for it.
Honda’s 2013 Accord also gives the Japanese automaker two engines on the Ward’s Auto list, first of which is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Accord Sport. It’s Honda’s first direct-injection engine in America packing 189 hp, respectable low-end torque, but plenty of fuel efficiency.
Those looking for more power can opt for Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. Over its generations, the 3.5L SOHC V6 engine has been tweaked and enhanced, helping it net 29 mpg in real-world testing, which is very impressive for a V6 engine with that much performance to offer.
Lastly – and keep in mind this list is in no particular order – is the 2.0-liter flat-four engine powering the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota GT86. The vehicle that has garnered more than enough attention since its release now has another accolade to go along with it. Though the vehicle was jointly developed between both automakers, Subaru gets credit for the engine despite Toyota aiding in the unique fuel system that powers it. Some have complained that on paper, the 2.0-liter with 200 hp is underpowered for a sports car like the BRZ, but those that have gotten behind the wheel realize why it succeeds in the car.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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