Kelley Blue Book has come out with its top 10 green cars for 2010.
The organization says a vehicle can be considered green and environmentally friendly by virtue of the gasoline it saves. Working with this criterion of gasoline-savings, KBB ranked its vehicles in order of combined EPA-estimated fuel economy.
The list, which includes hybrids and clean diesels as well as fuel-efficient gasoline models, features a variety of vehicle types because “not everyone who wants to get greener will have their transportation needs met by a small sedan.”
To be considered for the top 10 list, each vehicle was required to “offer fuel economy and CO2 emissions superior to the bulk of vehicles in its class and at the same time provide all the safety, creature comforts and driving enjoyment that would make it pleasant to own.”
Here is the list:
1. 2010 Toyota Prius - 50 mpg (51 city, 48 highway) “Although the third-generation Toyota Prius is the biggest, most powerful iteration yet, it's also the most fuel-efficient.”
2. 2010 Honda Insight - 41 mpg (40 city, 43 highway) “The most affordable hybrid available today, and second most fuel- efficient car on the road.”
3. 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - 39 mpg (41 city, 36 highway) “All the balance and comfort of a traditional mid-size sedan, but with far greater efficiency.”
4. 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI - 34 mpg (30 city, 42 highway) “Delivers a 30% increase in fuel economy over its gasoline counterpart.”
5. 2010 MINI Cooper - 32 mpg (28 city, 37 highway) “Delivers impeccable fuel economy.”
6. 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid - 32 mpg (34 city, 31 highway) “The most fuel-efficient SUV on the road today.”
7. 2010 Honda Fit - 31 mpg (28 city, 35 highway) “Lead-footed greenies can choose a sport model with performance-tuned suspension.”
8. 2010 BMW 335d - 27 mpg (23 city, 36 highway) “Immediate power, robust acceleration and 36 miles per gallon highway fuel economy.”
9. 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 26 mpg (27 city, 25 highway) “The most fuel-efficient three-row vehicle on the road.”
10. 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid - 22 mpg (21 city, 22 highway) “Returns six more miles per gallon in the city than its conventional counterpart.”
