Kelly Green
Top 10 Green Cars, According To Kelly Blue Book
Kelly Blue Book, ultimate authority on all things with four wheels and an engine, has come out with its Top 10 Green Cars for 2010. The scoring system attempts to be all-inclusive, measuring fuel economy and carbon dioxide along with driving enjoyment and safety. 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.
Ten: Chevy Tahoe Hybrid
Anyone who calls hybrid vehicles “weenie” or “weak” needs to meet the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. This hybrid can tow almost 3 tons with the heavy-duty engine and 22 mpg. The Tahoe’s mpg rating isn’t amazing, but it does provide 6 miles per gallon more than the non-hybrid Tahoe.
9 – Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Though the company has faced recall problem after recall problem, Toyota vehicles offer some of the most well-tested hybrid technology. The Highlander Hybrid will reportedly seat seven (though cozily) and gets up to 26 mpg. Standard all-wheel drive and multi-year reliability make it a good family car choice without the pain at the pump.
BMW 335d – #8
Because it is a BMW, the 335d has creature comforts worthy of the BMW name. More efficient than some hybrids, the diesel engine gets 26 mpg on the freeway.
Honda Fit – #7
More fun to drive than other, higher-mpg Honda vehicles, the 31 mpg Honda Fit gets a spot on the list. The paddle shifters and powerful oomph behind the Fit Sport have driving fun and environmental cred.
Ford Escape Hybrid – #6
With the room of an SUV but 32 mpg, the Escape Hybrid is a full-size vehicle. Built by SUV specialists at Ford, the Escape has lots of little touches that improve drivability. Blind spot mirrors, parallel parking assistance, and the perhaps controversial infotainment system all combine for better drivability.
Mini Cooper : Number 5
The Mini Cooper is a large part of the Fiat family of vehicles. While the Mini E is being tested in a few U.S. cities, the Mini Cooper is available everywhere. That is, if you can fit in it.
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. An LCD gauge cluster is getting plenty of attention, but there is also plenty of room in the mid-size sedan.
Honda Insight Hybrid : Number Two
The least expensive hybrid on the market, the Honda Insight tops out at $23,810 and 41 mpg, fully loaded. A decent audio system, voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth and more can make you forget that your ride is helping cut down on fuel usage, too.
Toyota Prius : Number 1
The grandfather and still champion of hybrid efficiency, the newest Toyota plug-in Prius gets 50 mpg. Solar-powered ventilation and other green technology gives this hybrid plenty of green cred – and the gas-assisted engine won’t die out a third of the way through your road trip.
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