50 Most Environmentally Friendly and Affordable Vehicles
Dealers across the country have responded to the coronavirus crisis with special deals and deferred financing offers, which means anyone in the market for a new car, truck or SUV could be able to find a silver lining in an otherwise bad situation.
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This is especially true for anyone in the market for an eco-friendly electric vehicle or hybrid. According to Consumer Reports, Tesla recently lowered prices on some of its EVs and a few other automakers followed suit by slashing prices on some of their own environmentally-friendly models.
Not only are electric vehicles, hybrids and the most fuel-efficient traditional vehicles good for the environment, but they’re good for your wallet, too — at least in the long run. These types of vehicles often cost more to buy upfront, but make up for the difference with dramatic savings in fuel costs over time.
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No matter what kind of vehicle you want, and no matter what category of fuel efficiency that vehicle falls into, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to learn about the most affordable cars that pollute the least and get the best gas mileage.
Last updated: Sept. 14, 2021
Electric
Electric vehicles (EVs) do not have internal combustion engines and instead are propelled by a rechargeable electric battery or, in some cases, more than one battery. Drivers can recharge them by plugging them in at home or stopping at public charging stations.
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Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus
EPA size class: Midsize cars
MSRP: $37,990
Combined mpg: 141
Annual fuel cost: $450
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 0.1
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 0
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Chevrolet Bolt EV
EPA size class: Small station wagons
MSRP: $36,620
Combined mpg: 118
Annual fuel cost: $550
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 0.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 0
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BMW i3
EPA size class: Subcompact cars
MSRP: $44,450
Combined mpg: 113
Annual fuel cost: $600
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 0.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 0
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BMW i3s
EPA size class: Subcompact cars
MSRP: $47,650
Combined mpg: 113
Annual fuel cost: $600
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 0.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 0
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Tesla Model Y Performance
EPA size class: Small SUVs
MSRP: $60,990
Combined mpg: 121
Annual fuel cost: $550
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 0.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 0
Tesla Model X Long Range
EPA size class: Large cars
MSRP: $74,990
Combined mpg: 111
Annual fuel cost: $600
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 0.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 0
Tesla Model X Standard Range
EPA size class: Standard SUVs
MSRP: $79,990
Combined mpg: 101
Annual fuel cost: $650
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 0.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 0
Hybrids
Hybrid vehicles run on both electricity and gas. Unlike an electric vehicle, you will have to fill these cars up at the pump occasionally. Plus, they can’t be plugged in to charge. The battery gets charged by its internal combustion engine and what's known as “regenerative braking.”
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
EPA size class: Midsize cars
MSRP: $26,500
Combined mpg: 52
Annual fuel cost: $550
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 2.8
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 74
Toyota Prius Prime
EPA size class: Midsize cars
MSRP: $27,900
Combined mpg: 54
Annual fuel cost: $550
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 3
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 78
Hyundai Ioniq Blue
EPA size class: Large cars
MSRP: $23,200
Combined mpg: 58
Annual fuel cost: $550
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 5.7
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 154
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Toyota Prius L Eco
EPA size class: Midsize cars
MSRP: $23,325
Combined mpg: 56
Annual fuel cost: $550
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 5.9
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 158
Honda Insight
EPA size class: Midsize cars
MSRP: $22,930
Combined mpg: 52
Annual fuel cost: $600
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 6.3
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 170
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
EPA size class: Compact cars
MSRP: $23,100
Combined mpg: 52
Annual fuel cost: $600
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 6.3
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 170
Kia Niro FE
EPA size class: Small station wagons
MSRP: $24,590
Combined mpg: 50
Annual fuel cost: $600
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 6.6
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 177
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
EPA size class: Minivans
MSRP: $39,995
Combined mpg: 48
Annual fuel cost: $900
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 4.5
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 119
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
EPA size class: Small SUVs
MSRP: $35,145
Combined mpg: 35
Annual fuel cost: $800
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 5.5
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 151
Ford Escape HEV
EPA size class: Small SUVs
MSRP: $28,265
Combined mpg: 41
Annual fuel cost: $750
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 8
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 220
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
EPA size class: Small SUVs
MSRP: $28,350
Combined mpg: 40
Annual fuel cost: $750
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 8.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 223
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Lexus UX 250h
EPA size class: Compact cars
MSRP: $34,500
Combined mpg: 42
Annual fuel cost: $750
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 7.8
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 209
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
EPA size class: Small SUVs
MSRP: $36,295
Combined mpg: 25
Annual fuel cost: $1,050
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 6.8
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 174
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
EPA size class: Standard SUVs
MSRP: $38,200
Combined mpg: 35
Annual fuel cost: $850
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 9.4
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 254
Lexus NX 300h
EPA size class: Small SUVs
MSRP: $39,420
Combined mpg: 31
Annual fuel cost: $1,000
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 10.6
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 285
Volvo XC60 PHEV
EPA size class: Small SUVs
MSRP: $54,595
Combined mpg: 27
Annual fuel cost: $1,350
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 7.1
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 192
Volvo XC90 PHEV
EPA size class: Standard SUVs
MSRP: $67,000
Combined mpg: 27
Annual fuel cost: $1,350
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 7.1
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 193
Ford Explorer HEV
EPA size class: Standard SUVs
MSRP: $52,280
Combined mpg: 28
Annual fuel cost: $1,100
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 11.8
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 322
Cars
Cars are more fuel-efficient than they’ve ever been, but these common passenger vehicles are powered by internal combustion engines and they do burn gas. Unlike hybrids, a car’s battery powers only the vehicle’s electrical system and is not capable of propelling the car.
Mitsubishi Mirage
EPA size class: Compact cars
MSRP: $13,995
Combined mpg: 39
Annual fuel cost: $800
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 8.5
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 228
Mitsubishi Mirage G4
EPA size class: Compact cars
MSRP: $14,995
Combined mpg: 37
Annual fuel cost: $850
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 8.9
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 236
Hyundai Accent
EPA size class: Compact cars
MSRP: $15,295
Combined mpg: 36
Annual fuel cost: $850
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 9.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 248
Kia Rio
EPA size class: Compact cars
MSRP: $15,850
Combined mpg: 36
Annual fuel cost: $850
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 9.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 249
Honda Civic 4Dr
EPA size class: Midsize cars
MSRP: $20,650
Combined mpg: 36
Annual fuel cost: $850
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 9.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 248
Honda Civic 2Dr
EPA size class: Compact cars
MSRP: $21,050
Combined mpg: 35
Annual fuel cost: $850
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 9.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 248
Toyota Corolla Hatchback
EPA size class: Compact cars
MSRP: $20,290
Combined mpg: 35
Annual fuel cost: $850
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 9.4
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 250
Chevrolet Spark
EPA size class: Subcompact cars
MSRP: $13,220
Combined mpg: 33
Annual fuel cost: $950
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 10
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 269
Chevrolet Spark ACTIV
EPA size class: Subcompact cars
MSRP: $14,395
Combined mpg: 33
Annual fuel cost: $950
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 10
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 269
Toyota Camry
EPA size class: Midsize cars
MSRP: $24,425
Combined mpg: 34
Annual fuel cost: $900
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 9.7
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 264
Honda Accord
EPA size class: Large cars
MSRP: $24,020
Combined mpg: 33
Annual fuel cost: $950
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 10
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 266
Nissan Altima
EPA size class: Midsize cars
MSRP: $24,100
Combined mpg: 32
Annual fuel cost: $950
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 10.3
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 278
Mini Cooper Convertible
EPA size class: Minicompact cars
MSRP: $28,400
Combined mpg: 31
Annual fuel cost: $1,300
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 10.6
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 281
Fiat 124 Spider
EPA size class: Two-seaters
MSRP: $25,390
Combined mpg: 30
Annual fuel cost: $1,350
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 11
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 298
Mazda MX-5
EPA size class: Two-seaters
MSRP: $26,580
Combined mpg: 30
Annual fuel cost: $1,350
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 11
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 299
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Subaru BRZ
EPA size class: Minicompact cars
MSRP: $28,845
Combined mpg: 27
Annual fuel cost: $1,500
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 12.2
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 322
SUVs and Minivans
SUVs and minivans are bigger, more powerful and roomier than cars, but they also tend to get fewer miles per gallon. Many of them — particularly SUVs — incorporate features usually associated with off-road vehicles. Both types of vehicles are usually designed to accommodate more passengers and more cargo than traditional cars.
Subaru Outback
EPA size class: Small SUVs
MSRP: $26,645
Combined mpg: 29
Annual fuel cost: $1,050
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 11.4
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 308
Mazda CX-9
EPA size class: Small SUVs
MSRP: $33,890
Combined mpg: 24
Annual fuel cost: $1,300
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 13.7
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 363
Honda Pilot
EPA size class: Small SUVs
MSRP: $31,650
Combined mpg: 23
Annual fuel cost: $1,350
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 14.3
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 388
Chrysler Voyager
EPA size class: Minivans
MSRP: $26,985
Combined mpg: 22
Annual fuel cost: $1,400
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 15
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 401
Honda Odyssey
EPA size class: Minivans
MSRP: $30,790
Combined mpg: 22
Annual fuel cost: $1,400
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 15
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 394
Trucks
Like SUVs, trucks are designed to haul gear, but their storage compartments are open beds in the rear as opposed to being incorporated into the vehicle’s interior. They’re not known for being great on gas, but they’re powerful, off-road capable and designed with towing and payload capacity in mind.
Ford Ranger
EPA size class: Standard pickup trucks
MSRP: $24,410
Combined mpg: 23
Annual fuel cost: $1,350
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 14.3
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 387
Chevrolet Colorado
EPA size class: Small pickup trucks
MSRP: $21,300
Combined mpg: 22
Annual fuel cost: $1,400
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 15
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 406
GMC Canyon
EPA size class: Small pickup trucks
MSRP: $22,200
Combined mpg: 22
Annual fuel cost: $1,400
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 15
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 406
Ford F150 Pickup
EPA size class: Standard pickup trucks
MSRP: $28,745
Combined mpg: 22
Annual fuel cost: $1,400
Energy impact (annual petroleum consumption in barrels): 15
Greenhouse gas emissions (tailpipe CO2 in grams/mile): 402
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Photos are for illustrative purposes only. As a result, some of the images may not reflect the exact model, trim, or year listed in this article.
Methodology: In order to find the most environmentally friendly and affordable car models of 2020, GOBankingRates first looked to the U.S. Department of Energy's website Fueleconomy.gov and Edmunds.com’s rankings of the most fuel-efficient vehicles of 2020. Rankings captured the “best in class” models across a variety of categories, including cars, SUVs and trucks. GOBankingRates then analyzed each of the 67 unique models included in these rankings across five factors: (1) MSRP, (2) combined MPG, (3) annual fuel cost, (4) annual petroleum consumption and (5) greenhouse gas emissions. Factors No. 2-5 were sourced from Fueleconomy.gov's profile for each model and factor No. 2 was sourced directly from manufacturer websites. Each vehicle was scored on factors No. 1-5 and ranked against all others based on its cumulative score. Factor No. 1 was given triple the weight of the other factors. The 50 overall highest ranking vehicles were then included in a final showcase. Cars are grouped by type to allow for like comparison. All data was collected on and up to date as of June 16, 2020.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 50 Most Environmentally Friendly and Affordable Vehicles
