Skyrocketing gas prices, a weak economy, growing environmental consciousness… it’s no surprise that we’re seeing America’s roads getting greener by the day. While automakers are working feverishly to increase fuel efficiency across the board, there are already enough economical standouts in enough categories to meet the needs of almost any new-car shopper. We’ve picked the top 10.
In putting together our 2008 list of the Top 10 Green Cars, we looked at more than just fuel economy and price. As would any new-car buyer, we considered factors like comfort, performance, utility and technology. In addition to the three most fuel-friendly cars available today -- Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and smart fortwo -- the list includes exceptionally efficient vehicles from a variety of categories, all the way up to a full-size SUV. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid returns not even half the fuel economy of the gas-champ Prius, for instance, but for a family that really needs all the capability only a full-size SUV can offer on a per-person-transported basis, the gasoline-electric Tahoe is as green as it gets.
Here, presented in order of combined EPA-estimated fuel economy, is Kelley Blue Book's 2008 list of the Top 10 Green Cars:
1. 2008 Toyota Prius | 46 mpg (48 city, 45 highway)
2. 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid | 42 mpg (40 city, 45 highway)
3. 2008 smart fortwo | 36 mpg (33 city, 41 highway)
4. 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid | 34 mpg (35 city, 33 highway)
5. 2008 MINI Cooper | 32 mpg (28 city, 38 highway)
6. 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid | 32 mpg (34 city, 30 highway)
7. 2008 Honda Fit | 31 mpg (28 city, 34 highway)
8. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC | 26 mpg (23 city, 32 highway)
9. 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 26 mpg (27 city, 25 highway)
10. 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid | 21 mpg (21 city, 22 highway)
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