This paper presents a state of the art review on the research and development of conduction (thermal conductivity) and convection heat transfer characteristics of ethylene glycol-based nanofluids. Nanofluids preparation and stabilization methods are summarized and discussed. The effects of nanoparticles type, size and concentration as well as temperature on the thermal conductivity of available ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol/water mixture-based nanofluids have been critically and individually analyzed and discussed. Studies on convective heat transfer of these nanofluids have also been reviewed and results from different studies are compared. The review clearly demonstrates that these nanofluids possess considerably higher thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer characteristics compared to their base fluids i.e., ethylene glycol and its aqueous mixture. These thermal features of nanofluids are key factors for their performance in thermal management and energy applications. With the enhanced thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer coefficient nanofluids offer immense potential in energy harvesting and storage as well as to advanced cooling applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.