What car has the best motor? A 2025 buyer’s guide across gas, hybrid, and electric

There isn’t a single “best” motor, because the answer depends on what you value. For internal-combustion performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s hybridized 120-degree V6 is a standout; for pure ICE character, the Porsche 911 GT3’s 4.0-liter flat-six is a benchmark; for efficiency and long-term dependability, Toyota/Lexus 2.5-liter hybrid systems lead; and among EVs, Lucid’s tri-motor Air, Tesla’s Plaid powertrain, and the updated 2025 Porsche Taycan deliver class-leading pace, efficiency, and repeatability.

Why “best motor” depends on how you drive

“Motor” can mean an electric traction motor, while many people use it to mean an engine. Either way, the ideal choice varies by use case: outright speed versus daily reliability, a visceral soundtrack versus low emissions, or track endurance versus long-range efficiency. Below, we break out the top powertrains by purpose, focusing on what’s on sale or recently refreshed for 2024–2025.

Top internal-combustion engines right now

The picks below highlight engines that set benchmarks for performance, character, or everyday usability, along with key facts that owners and enthusiasts care about.

• Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS — 3.0L twin-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid (MHELE): An ultra-wide 120° V6 paired with a compact e-motor delivers about 819 hp (830 CV) combined, ferocious throttle response, and a usable electric mode. It’s one of the most advanced and lauded performance powertrains on sale.
• Porsche 911 GT3 — 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six: A motorsport-derived, 9,000-rpm screamer with exceptional throttle fidelity and track durability. It’s the reference for purist feel and repeatable lap performance without forced induction.
• Chevrolet Corvette Z06 — 5.5L DOHC flat-plane-crank V8 (LT6): A 670-hp, 8,600-rpm exotic-spec V8 in an attainable supercar. High specific output, race-bred internals, and an addictive soundtrack make it a landmark American engine.
• BMW M5 (2025) — 4.4L twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid (S68 PHEV): The new G90 pairs a hot-vee V8 with an integrated e-motor for more than 700 hp, delivering massive shove and smoother low-speed manners than previous pure-ICE M5s.
• Toyota/Lexus 2.5L hybrid (A25A-FXS + e-motors): Found in Camry, RAV4, and several Lexus models, this system is a gold standard for reliability and real-world efficiency, routinely delivering 40–50 mpg with modest running costs.
• Honda Civic Type R — 2.0L turbo four (K20C1): A benchmark front-drive performance engine: responsive, robust on track, and supported by a deep aftermarket and strong reliability record.

From exotic V6 and V8 designs to humble hybrids, these engines show how different definitions of “best” coexist—some chase lap times and drama; others prioritize low cost, low stress, and long life.

Best electric motors and drivetrains

Electric “best” can mean raw thrust, efficiency per kWh, thermal durability on track, or charging performance. These EV setups lead in one or more of those areas.

• Lucid Air (Sapphire/Grand Touring) — compact PM motors + SiC inverters: Among the industry’s highest power density motors, with advanced cooling and silicon-carbide electronics. The tri-motor Sapphire (rated at about 1,234 hp) delivers extreme acceleration and strong efficiency for its performance class.
• Tesla Model S Plaid — tri-motor with carbon-wrapped rotors: Innovative carbon-fiber sleeves allow very high rotor RPM for sustained power. It’s a benchmark for straight-line speed paired with strong charging infrastructure convenience.
• Porsche Taycan (2025 refresh) — next-gen PM motors, 800V architecture: The updated lineup brings more efficient motors and power electronics, improved repeatability on track, and very fast 800V DC charging. The Turbo GT variant posts world-class acceleration with consistent performance.
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 N — dual motors with track-first thermal strategy: Not the most powerful here, but notable for repeatable track sessions, clever inverter control, and robust cooling that many mainstream EVs lack.
• Rimac Nevera — four-motor torque-vectoring hypercar system: An engineering showcase with independent motors at each wheel and breathtaking acceleration. It’s rare and expensive, but sets the outer limit of what EV drivetrains can do.

EV leaders now combine power with efficiency and heat management; the most impressive systems don’t just post big numbers—they repeat them without fade and recharge quickly between stints.

How to decide which “best motor” fits you

Use the following checklist to match the right powertrain to your budget, driving style, and ownership needs.

1. Define your priority: Peak performance, efficiency, reliability, towing, or emissions footprint.
2. Quantify your use: Daily commuting, weekend track days, long highway trips, urban stop‑start, or mixed.
3. Set the budget: Include insurance, maintenance (or battery/charging for EVs), and potential upgrades.
4. Check independent data: Look for instrumented tests (acceleration, range/MPGe, track repeatability) and owner-reported reliability.
5. Consider support: Dealer/service network for ICE/hybrid; charging infrastructure for EVs.
6. Test drive: Evaluate response, refinement, heat management (if tracking), and real-world efficiency.

A clear set of priorities—and a test drive against a strong rival—usually reveals which “best” actually suits your life.

Context and caveats

Engines vs. motors

Technically, engines burn fuel and motors use electricity. Many shoppers use “motor” to mean either. This guide covers both, with an emphasis on what’s currently sold or newly updated for 2024–2025.

Why awards don’t settle it

Independent juries frequently recognize Ferrari’s hybrid V6 for performance innovation, Toyota’s hybrid systems for efficiency and durability, and leading EV makers (Lucid, Tesla, Porsche) for motor/inverter tech. Still, your charging access, budget, and driving style can outweigh any trophy case.

Bottom line

If you want the most advanced performance engine, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s hybrid V6 is the current reference; for an emotive, high-revving ICE, the Porsche 911 GT3 remains the purist’s choice; for affordable efficiency and long-term peace of mind, Toyota/Lexus 2.5L hybrids are hard to beat; and for EVs, Lucid Air, Tesla Model S Plaid, and the refreshed 2025 Porsche Taycan set the pace in their respective niches.

Summary

There’s no universal “best motor,” but there are clear leaders by mission: Ferrari’s 296 GTB V6 hybrid for cutting-edge ICE performance, Porsche’s GT3 for naturally aspirated feel, Toyota/Lexus 2.5L hybrids for dependable efficiency, and Lucid/Tesla/Porsche for state-of-the-art electric drives. Choose based on how—and where—you drive, and the right “best” will be obvious.

Which car has the least engine problems?

Cars known for having the least engine problems are often Toyota and Lexus models, particularly the Corolla, RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus NX Hybrid, due to their conservative engineering and extensive testing. Other reliable brands include Honda (especially their hybrids) and Mazda (with their Skyactiv-G engines). For those interested in used cars, brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru also offer models with strong reliability scores.
 
You can watch this video to learn about 17 cars that are known for their reliability: 58sCar Care CluesYouTube · Jan 29, 2025
Top Brands and Models for Engine Reliability

• Toyota & Lexus: . Opens in new tabThese brands are consistently ranked among the most reliable, with models like the Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus NX Hybrid earning top reliability scores. They achieve this through conservative engineering and thorough testing. 
• Honda: . Opens in new tabHonda, particularly their hybrid vehicles, are known for reliability. Hybrids reduce engine wear and tear by relying less on the traditional internal combustion engine. 
• Mazda: . Opens in new tabMazda’s Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engines are a strong point of reliability across many of their models. 
• Hyundai: . Opens in new tabThe Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is noted for its reliability, making Hyundai a strong contender. 
• Subaru: . Opens in new tabSubaru also holds high reliability rankings, with models like the Impreza and Legacy showing good reliability. 

Why These Models Are Reliable

• Proven Engines: Opens in new tabBrands like Toyota have a long-standing reputation for durability and quality, with engines that are designed to last for hundreds of thousands of miles. 
• Conservative Engineering: Opens in new tabA philosophy of building robust, less-complex engines can contribute to long-term reliability, as there are fewer high-tech systems to potentially fail. 
• Hybrid Technology: Opens in new tabHybrids can be more reliable in some aspects because the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, and there are fewer traditional components like alternators and transmissions. 

Which car brand has the best engine?

There is no single “best” engine brand, as it depends on your priorities, but brands like Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Chevrolet are consistently recognized for producing some of the most reliable and durable engines in the industry, with Lexus and Toyota often leading in overall vehicle dependability studies. For high-performance engines, brands such as Porsche and their renowned flat-six engines, or Chevrolet’s powerful and easily maintainable LS V8s, are highly regarded. 
For Reliability and Longevity

• Toyota/Lexus: Opens in new tabLexus consistently tops J.D. Power’s dependability studies, with Toyota close behind, thanks to their durable and long-lasting engines that often feature advanced technologies like direct and port fuel injection to prevent carbon buildup. 
• Honda: Opens in new tabKnown for their VTEC technology and dependable, high-revving engines, Honda produces excellent naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines that are well-regarded for their reliability and longevity. 
• Chevrolet: Opens in new tabAmong General Motors brands, Chevrolet is notable for its powerful and trouble-free engines, particularly the popular LS V8 series, which has proven easy to maintain and exceptionally durable. 

For Performance

• Porsche: Opens in new tabThe brand’s flat-six engines are considered remarkable, with the GT3 engine often cited as one of the best ever made. 
• Chevrolet: Opens in new tabBeyond reliability, Chevrolet’s V8 engines, like the LS series, are legendary for their power and performance, finding their way into many iconic models. 

Other Noteworthy Mentions

• Nissan: Known for its no-frills engineering, Nissan produces robust engines that contribute to the legendary performance of vehicles like the GT-R. 
• BMW: The brand’s M50 inline six-cylinder engines, with their iron blocks and aluminum heads, are renowned for their durability and robustness, offering a great combination of performance and reliability. 

What car has the strongest motor?

The Devel Sixteen claims to have the world’s most powerful engine in a car, with a reported 5,007 horsepower. However, this is a theoretical output for a track-only version, and there have been questions about the engine’s viability, with working prototypes using less power. For a more practical, high-output option, the Hennessey Venom F5 features a 1,817 horsepower gas-powered engine, while the hybrid Bugatti Tourbillon offers a combined 1,775 horsepower. 
High-Horsepower Cars and Their Engines 

• Devel Sixteen: Opens in new tabThe brand claims a 5,007 hp quad-turbo V16 engine for its track-only model, though a working prototype reportedly used a 2,000 hp V8. 
• Koenigsegg Gemera: Opens in new tabThis hybrid hypercar boasts 2,300 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful production cars. 
• Bugatti Tourbillon: Opens in new tabA new hypercar featuring a Cosworth-developed naturally aspirated V16 engine, combined with three electric motors, for a total of 1,775 hp. 
• Hennessey Venom F5: Opens in new tabIts “Fury” engine is a 6.6L twin-turbocharged V8 producing 1,817 horsepower, making it a powerful internal combustion option. 

Factors to Consider

• Production vs. One-Off/Track-Only: Some cars, like the Devel Sixteen, have theoretical or track-only versions that may not be fully realized in production. 
• Hybrid vs. Internal Combustion: Many high-output cars use hybrid systems, which combine a gas engine with electric motors to achieve their power figures. 
• Engine Type: The engines vary from V8s and V16s to hybrid systems, each offering different characteristics and power delivery. 

What is the most reliable motor car?

Top 10 Most Reliable Used Cars According to Mechanics

1. Toyota Yaris (2015-2020)
2. Honda Jazz (2014-2019)
3. Volkswagen Golf (2016-2021)
4. Mazda MX-5 (2015-2020)
5. Kia Sportage (2016-2021)
6. BMW 3 Series (2017-2021)
7. Ford Focus (2015-2020)
8. Lexus RX (2016-2020)