Diesels and turbos dominate 2014

Wards Automotive released its 20th annual top 10 list of the best engines for 2014, with turbocharged, supercharged and diesel engines claiming the top spots as well as one electric motor. To be eligible, the new or improved engine must be on sale in a production vehicle during the first quarter of 2014. This powertrain revolution features world-class engine technology so compelling that they’re actually becoming the selling points for most buyers.

The automotive market recognizes that there’s a high demand from car buyers for exceptional fuel economy, as well as power, and continue to deliver engines that achieve both criteria. The 2014 list was marked by the widespread emergence of diesel power and turbocharged engines. Only three of the 10 winners were naturally aspirated, and there were only two engines that made it on the list from last year.

A panel of eight WardsAuto editors evaluated 44 engines throughout the course of their daily commutes around the metro Detroit area, and this is what they came up with.

The Audi S5 earns the top spot on the list with its 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged DOHC V6 engine. This is Audi’s fifth time making it onto Wards list and fourth time with this engine. The 3.0-liter V6 delivers 333-hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The S5 has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. According to Wards, the S5 has, “brute strength, luscious torque and supreme refinement.”

Taking home the second spot is BMW’s 3.0-liter turbodiesel DOHC I6. BMW has always been a favorite among the Ward editors as this is its 30th engine to make it on the top-10 list in the past 20 years. An earlier version of the engine made it on the 2009 and 2010 list, but it has since been re-engineered. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel delivers a respectable 413 lb-ft of torque and editors doing the test drives observed an average fuel economy of 35 mpg.

The Ram 1500 slides into the third spot with its 3.0-liter turbodiesel DOHC V6 engine. This is the only light-duty full-size pickup to offer a diesel. This same engine is also available in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV. In this application, it’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which got an average fuel economy of 24 mpg.

Fiat 500e 83-kw electric motor earned a spot on the coveted list scoring big points with the Wards editors. This zero emissions electric motor has an estimated range of 85 miles running solely on electric power. The motor packs a punch, using 100 percent of its 147 lb-ft of torque off the line.

Ford Motor Company turned some heads, owning the first three-cylinder engine to make it on the list. The Ford Fiesta’s tiny 1.0-liter EcoBoost DOHC I3 delivers 120-hp and has an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 45 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet’s Cruze diesel is the third one of its kind to earn a spot on the list. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel delivers 45 mpg on the highway and Ward’s believes can hold its own against four-cylinder diesels in German luxury cars that are twice its price.

Chevrolet’s 2014 Corvette Stingray was a true stand out, not only for its looks, but for its 6.2-liter OHV(!) V8 engine. The Corvette has some of the latest advancements such as direct injection and active cylinder deactivation. These technologies combine to maximize its 460-hp and still attain an estimated 29 mpg on the highway.

Honda makes its way on the list for a second consecutive year with the Accord’s 3.5-liter SOHC V6 engine. Wards raves that this is the best naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine on the market today. The Accord comes with automatic cylinder deactivation and an EPA-rated 34 mpg on the highway.

Porsche makes a comeback after an 11-year dry spell on the Wards list. The Cayman’s 2.7-liter DOHC H5 boxer engine makes 275-hp and 213 lb-ft of torque, all while delivering respectable fuel economy. Porsche last made a showing on the list back in 2002 with an earlier version of the 2.7-liter flat six in the Boxster.

Volkswagen rounds out the top 10 with its latest generation Jetta, sporting a 1.8-liter turbocharged DOHC I4 engine under the hood. Wards quotes the Jetta as being “efficient and a riot to drive in sport mode.” This affordably priced VW achieved an average 30 mpg combined and about 36 mpg for highway driving.

All engines were scored based on a combination of power, torque, technology, observed fuel economy, relative competitiveness, vibration and harshness characteristics. Wards will award the top 10 engine winners Jan. 15 in Detroit, during the North American International Auto Show.

By Natalie Sejnost