Chrysler/Dodge makes 2009 Best Engines List

Ward's Auto named its top 10 engines for 2009. In making the 10 Best Engines list, Ward's tested 32 different engines, which consisted of the 2008 winners and all-new or significantly improved engines. The stipulations for the engines are that they must be available in a U.S.-production vehicle on sale no later than the first quarter of 2009 and must be priced no higher than $54,000.
Making the list for the domestics were Chrysler's 5.7L Hemi V-8, Ford's 2.5L I-4 HEV, and GM's 3.6L V-6. The engines powered the Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Cadillac CTS for Ward's testing, respectively. Ford's hybrid-electric powertrain powers not only the Escape Hybrid, but the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Mazda Tribute HEV as well. While the Escape Hybrid was rated to get 34 city/31 highway mpg, Ward's testing revealed the Escape easily surpassed the official ratings.

Thanks to additional refinement, power, and new variable-valvetrain and induction technology for 2009, Chrysler's vaunted Hemi V-8 engine easily makes the top 10 list. GM's direct injection V-6 engine has been noted for its features and efficiency, making the list for the second time. On January 14, a ceremony will be held in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show to honor the top 10 engines. The list of winners is shown below.

Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2009 (engine and tested vehicle)

* Audi: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
* BMW: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
* BMW: 3.0L DOHC I-6 turbodiesel (335d)
* Chrysler: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
* Ford: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
* GM: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
* Honda: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
* Hyundai: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
* Toyota: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
* Volkswagen: 2.0L SOHC I-4 turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)