Kelly Blue Book Names Top 10 Green Cars For 2010
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. This list, which includes all mass-market vehicles, scores green cars on the basis of carbon dioxide, fuel economy, 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. While the fuel economy isn’t anything exciting, it is 6 mpg 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 cozily seat seven and still get 26 mpg. Standard all-wheel drive means a stable ride throughout the entire year.
BMW 335d – #8
Because it is a BMW, the 335d has creature comforts worthy of the BMW name. With a 6-cylinder diesel engine, the 27 mpg rating rivals some hybrids.
Honda Fit : Number 7
At 31 mpg, the Honda Fit is listed above its better-mpg cousins because it is more fun to drive. 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. Made by SUV and crossover giant Ford, The Escape Hybrid has lots of “little touches” that make it a better ride. Blind spot mirrors, parallel parking assistance, and the perhaps controversial infotainment system all combine for better drivability.
5 – Mini Cooper
One of the many jewels in Fiat’s vehicular family, the Mini Cooper gets 32 mpg. While the Mini E is being tested in some cities, just about anyone can get this minuscule green car ride. That is, if you can fit in it.
Volkswagen Golf TDI – #4
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 : Number Three
Almost breaking the 40 mpg barrier, the Ford Fusion Hybrid gets a combined 39 mpg. 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. The Insight Hybrid doesn’t ask you to make sacrifices – it just asks you to enjoy the voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth connection, and rocking hot audio system.
Toyota Prius – #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.
