Top 10 Environmentally Friendly Vehicles

Does a car labeled “hybrid” truly reduce environmental harm compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles? Eco-conscious technology aims to minimize our ecological footprint, but how can you accurately gauge your car’s environmental impact? As green vehicles grow in availability and popularity, how do they stack up against conventional cars and each other?

New Guides for Eco-Friendly Choices

The federal government is helping us embrace eco-friendly practices through new standards and regulations. Starting with the 2013 model year, vehicles will feature mandatory EPA labels, like the one shown above, on their window stickers. These labels aim to provide consumers with a clearer understanding of how environmentally friendly their new car truly is.

While these labels offer valuable insights into a vehicle's usage, they don't account for the environmental impact of the production process. However, on a vehicle-to-vehicle basis, these differences are minimal at this stage. Some argue that cars manufactured in countries with lax environmental regulations may not be as eco-friendly as those produced in the U.S. Critics might also highlight the benefits of factories powered by cleaner energy sources. Still, since a car's primary environmental impact stems from its use rather than its production, the labels remain a reliable indicator of eco-friendliness.

1: Mitsubishi i-MiEV (MSRP $27,990)

Leading the pack of the greenest vehicles is the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (shown at the top), boasting an impressive MPGe (Miles Per Gallon equivalent) of 112 (126 city and 99 highway) and an energy impact score of just 0.3 barrels of fuel annually. It’s also the most economical to run, costing only $0.90 for every 25 miles.

2: Nissan Leaf (MSRP $32,780)

Securing the second spot, the Nissan Leaf achieves a combined MPGe of 99 (106 city and 92 highway) and costs $1.02 for every 25 miles driven.

3: Chevy Volt (MSRP $41,000)

Running solely on electric power, the Chevy Volt ranks third among the greenest vehicles, boasting a combined MPGe of 94 and an energy-impact score of 0.4 barrels per year. When the gas engine kicks in, its fuel efficiency drops to 35 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

4: Smart fortwo electric drive (Lease only at $599/mo.)

The smart fortwo electric drive ranks third when the Volt’s gas engine is active, or fourth otherwise. It achieves a combined MPGe of 87 and costs $1.17 per 25 miles. However, U.S. consumers face limited availability, with only 250 units planned for the market.

5: Toyota Prius (MSRP $23,050)

The renowned Prius from Toyota leads the pack among hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles. It boasts impressive ratings of 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway (50 combined). Not far behind is the larger Prius V, achieving 44 mpg city and 40 mpg highway (42 combined).

6: Honda Civic Natural Gas (MSRP $26,155)

Tied for fifth place is the Honda Civic Natural Gas (previously known as the GX). Its availability has expanded to 35 states, up from just four, and it outperforms the Prius in green scores with a fuel economy equivalent of 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

7: Honda Insight Hybrid (MSRP $18,350)/Honda Civic Hybrid (MSRP $24,050)

Following closely is the 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid, tied with its sibling, the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. Both deliver 41 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, marking an improvement over the 2011 models, which achieved 40 mpg city and 43 mpg highway.

8: Lexus CT200h (MSRP $29,120)

The Lexus CT200h follows with 43 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, shared with Toyota/Lexus hybrids, excels in urban driving, while Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist system performs better on highways.

9: 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid (MSRP $25,900)

In ninth place is the newly updated 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid, which has been enhanced for better performance. Its fuel efficiency now stands at 43 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, thanks to weight reductions and more efficient design.

10: Chevy/GMC half-ton hybrid pickups (MSRP $38,725/$39,095)

Given that pickups dominate U.S. vehicle sales, it’s fitting to conclude this list with the most eco-friendly truck on the market. Since they represent a significant portion of vehicles in use, their environmental impact cannot be overlooked. General Motors leads with its Chevy/GMC half-ton hybrid pickups, delivering 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.