Finding ways to go green can feel like an expensive hassle.
But there are many cars out there that are good for the Earth and for your wallet.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEE), a nonprofit research organization, recently released its annual ranking of the most environmentally friendly vehicles. Their list is based on factors like emissions, fuel efficiency, vehicle weight and battery composition.
We compiled a list of the ACEE’s top greenest vehicles from 2024. Let’s take a look at which cars made it. And spoiler alert: They’re not all EVs, including the top-scoring model.
Kia EV6
ACEEE Green Score: 63
Type of powertrain: Electric vehicle
Starting manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP): $43,975
Estimated annual fuel cost: $689
The 2024 Kia EV6 has an EPA-estimated range of 252 miles. Its safety features include a blind-spot view monitor, surround view monitor and blind-spot collision avoidance.
Toyota Camry LE
ACEEE Green Score: 63
Type of powertrain: Gas Hybrid
Starting manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP): $28,855
Estimated annual fuel cost: $907
The Toyota Camry LE 2024 model has 208 horsepower and 15 cubic feet of storage.
Hyundai Kona Electric
ACEEE Green Score: 63
Type of powertrain: EV
Starting manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP): $34,050
Estimated annual fuel cost: $695
The standard SE trim 2024 Kona EV model has an EPA-estimated 200-mile range when fully charged.
It includes charging ports in both the front and second row and a hotspot. The standard model also includes driver-assist features like lane-keeping assist, driver attention warnings and smart cruise control.
Hyundai Elantra Blue
ACEEE Green Score: 64
Type of powertrain: Gas Hybrid
Starting manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP): $26,250
Estimated annual fuel cost: $864
The latest Hyundai Elantra Blue has a combined hybrid system 139 horsepower.
For convenience, it provides USB-C charging ports in the second row, a Wi-Fi hotspot and proximity key entry with push-button start.
Toyota RAV4 Prime
ACEEE Green Score: 64
Type of powertrain: PHEV
Starting manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP): $43,690
Estimated annual fuel cost: $741
The Toyota RAV4 Prime has an all-electric driving range of 42 miles. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
Toyota bZ4X
ACEEE Green Score: 66
Type of powertrain: EV
Starting manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP): $43,070
Estimated annual fuel cost: $689
The 2024 Toyota bz4x has an EPA-estimated range of up to 252 miles. This car purchase comes with 24-hour Roadside Assistance at no additional cost for three years.
Nissan Leaf
ACEEE Green Score: 66
Type of powertrain: EV
Starting manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP): $28,140
Estimated annual fuel cost: $741
The 2024 Nissan Leaf comes with a standard 40 kWh battery, or buyers can upgrade to the Plus model for a 60 kWh battery. The standard model has an EPA-estimated range of up to 149 miles.
The Nissan Leaf runs on 147 horsepower and also includes a 6.6 kW onboard charger.
Mini Cooper SE
ACEEE Green Score: 67
Type of powertrain: EV
Starting manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP): $30,900
Estimated annual fuel cost: $747
The 2024 Mini Cooper SE has acceleration times that rival its gas-powered Mini models. It also provides many of the standard driver-assist safety features.
It has an estimated driving range of 110 miles when fully charged, which is on the shorter side. The battery can be completely charged in about four hours at home, although fast charging can get you to about 80% in 35 minutes.
Lexus RZ 300e
ACEEE Green Score: 67
Type of powertrain: EV
Starting manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP): $55,150
Estimated annual fuel cost: $651
The 2024 model has up to 266 miles of manufacturer-estimated all-electric driving range. It doesn’t boast a silent cabin, instead, Lexus promotes its unique in-cabin sounds that will “heighten the exhilaration of driving.”
Toyota Prius Prime SE
ACEEE Green Score: 71
Type of powertrain: PHEV
Starting manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP): $32,975
Estimated annual fuel cost: $529
The Toyota Prius Prime SE has up to 44-mile EPA-estimated all-electric driving range. Its EPA-estimated mileage when including traditional fuel is 127 miles.
It also comes with three years of free 24-hour roadside assistance with no mileage cap.
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