Taking the guesswork out of green transportation, this is a list of the 10 most environmentally friendly cars you can buy new in 2015.
The list is based on Greenercar.org’s “Green Score,” which incorporates both the car’s tailpipe emissions and its environmental impact during manufacturing. The site also has a list of the “meanest” cars, which have the worst environmental impact. We’ll have that list up very soon, but in the meantime, check out this list of cars that your inner hippie will fall in love with.
With a green score of 54 (out of 100) the Mitsubishi Mirage emerges as the number 10 most environmentally friendly car. That’s quite a feat for the gas-powered subcompact. With an impressive combined fuel-economy rating of 40 mpg (when equipped with a CVT) the Mirage is the only conventional car on this list. Read our review of the Mitsubishi Mirage.
Natural gas powered cars are also environmentally friendly, as proven by the NG powered Honda Civic, which scored a 54. Capable of getting 31 MPG combined and travelling a total of 193 miles on a single fill up of natural gas, this Civic burns clean natural gas in order to get that score.
Another Civic makes the cut, this time the Hybrid model which is capable of getting 45 MPG combined. Keep in mind that the site also takes into consideration the impact of battery disposal, something that has been an environmental issue in the past. Interestingly enough, despite the change of powertrain, the Civic Hybrid has the same 54 green score as its natural gas cousin.
The compact Lexus CT200h hybrid is next on the list with a 42 mpg combined rating. It’s also the only luxury car on the list, although we wonder if the optional leather seating has any impact on the car’s green score, which currently sits at 54. Read our comparison of the Lexus CT200 h versus the Acura ILX Hybrid.
Of course, a list of green cars just wouldn’t be complete with the popular Toyota Prius hybrid. Both the plug-in model and conventional hybrid model featured the same score of 54, but sixth place just doesn’t look right for a car we all think of when we talk about hybrids and green cars. Check out our Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid review.
When it comes to being green, you can’t miss the Nissan Leaf, which arrives at the number five spot with a green score of 57. The Japanese EV is capable of driving up to 84 miles before needing a recharge. One of the best-selling electric cars, the Leaf puts out 107 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque, making it a fairly energetic car on the road. Read our latest review of the Nissan Leaf.
The smaller Toyota hybrid has always been an interesting car thanks to its brilliant 50 MPG combined rating. Its low carbon footprint lands it on the number four spot on this list and makes it the highest ranking non-electric vehicle here with a green score of 57. Read our Toyota Prius c review.
The Fiat 500e is more than just spunky looking, subcompact EV, it’s also one of the greenest cars on sale with a score of 59. Although it’s only available in a few markets (like many other EVs) the 500e is hard to ignore with its 87 mile driving range. A combined MPGe of 116 makes the Italian EV one of the most efficient cars in its class, topped only by the car in the number two spot. Read our Fiat 500e review right here.
With its 82 miles of range, the Spark EV is just shy of the Fiat 500e in that category, but it still manages to earn a 59 green score. With an impressive 119 MPGe rating, the Spark EV is the most efficient car on this list. Read our review of the Chevrolet Spark EV
The tiny, electric powered smart fortwo holds the numbers one spot this year for greenest car, earning a 61 green score. It may not have a long range with just 68 miles on a charge, and it might not feature a ton of power with just 76 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque, but the small car is the most environmentally friendly choice you can make when it comes to buying a new car. Read our smart fortwo electric drive review.
[Source: greenercar.org]