Kelly Blue Book Lists 2010 Top Green Cars
The ultimate authority on vehicles and values, Kelly Blue Book, has issued its list of the Top 10 Green Cars. The list has foreign and domestic vehicles, and measures “green cars” on the basis of fuel economy, carbon dioxide emissions, safety and “driving enjoyment”. Just because the credibility of a vehicle’s “greenness” may be measured in many ways, this list tries to measure those vehicles that people might actually want to drive.
Hybrid Chevy Tahoe – #10
If you know someone who calls hybrids weak, they need to take a look at the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. This vehicle is able to tow 2,900 lbs. That’s not a fuel economy rating to write home about, but 6 mpg more than the non-hybrid version.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid : Nine
Though the company has faced recall problem after recall problem, Toyota vehicles offer some of the most well-tested hybrid technology. With seating for seven and 26 miles per gallon, the Highlander Hybrid is a family vehicle. Standard all-wheel drive means a stable ride throughout the entire year.
8 – BMW 335d
The BMW name means that the BMW 335d has creature comforts most people couldn’t even dream of having. The 6-cylinder engine runs on diesel, so with 36 mpg highway and 27 mpg overall, the BMW 335d rivals some hybrids for efficiency.
Honda Fit – #7
Even Kelly Blue Book admits that other Hondas get better gas mileage, but it gives the Honda Fit (31 mpg) a spot in its list for other reasons. The paddle shifters and powerful oomph behind the Fit Sport have driving fun and environmental cred.
Ford Escape Hybrid : Number 6
The Escape Hybrid, at 32 mpg, is a green ride that still has the room of an SUV. The drivability of the Ford Escape is greatly improved by the experience of vehicle builders at Ford. Parallel parking assistance, integrated blind spot mirrors, and the (perhaps controversial) infotainment system vault it up to number 6.
Mini Cooper – #5
One of the many jewels in Fiat’s vehicular family, the Mini Cooper gets 32 mpg. While the Mini E is being tested in a few U.S. cities, the Mini Cooper is available everywhere. This assumes that you can fit into the Mini Cooper, that is.
Volkswagen Golf TDI : Number Four
The high-efficiency diesel engine started with Volkswagen vehicles, so it is no surprised they have made it to the list. With both power and economy, the 34 mpg engine has enough torque to get any car lover’s heart going.
Ford Fusion Hybrid – #3
Ford Fusion Hybrid offers a 39 mpg average rating. The Fusion Hybrid has the room of a real mid-size sedan, and the LCD gauge panel is getting lots of attention from car lovers.
2 – Honda Insight Hybrid
A 41 mpg fully loaded Honda Insight comes with a suggested retail price of only $23,810. Forget making sacrifices, the Insight Hybrid has voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth, and a rocking audio system.
Toyota Prius – #1
The newest Toyota Prius plug-in model gets 50 mpg. The gas-assisted engine can go several hundred miles, and solar-powered ventilation gives the hybrid plenty of green credibility.