Few engineering achievements in the modern automotive era have proven as durable — or as decorated — as a well-sorted V6. Yet one engine family stands above the rest when it comes to industry recognition: the Nissan VQ. If you follow powertrain engineering at all, you’ve likely heard of Ward’s 10 Best Engines (recently returned as the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems), the annual list published by Ward’s AutoWorld that has been a benchmark of powertrain excellence since 1994. Earning a spot requires rigorous evaluation by a panel of editors who weigh horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and the adoption of new technologies — and the Nissan VQ V6 has earned more spots than any other engine in the list’s history.
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