As part of the annual engine competition, the winners were traditionally chosen by Ward's Auto editors, evaluating the units for efficiency, environmental friendliness, vibration/noise levels, and performance. In addition, the innovativeness of the applied technologies was taken into account.
Only engines of car models that cost no more than $61,000 in the base were eligible to participate in the competition. The jury excluded Volkswagen powertrains from the competition, which is related to the diesel scandal. In total, 21 engines competed for the title of the best. A third of the prize places went to hybrid powertrains.
