Kelley Blue Book has released its choices for the 2010 Top 10 Green Cars. Toyota##s 50-mile-per-gallon Prius tops the list–despite the recall woes plaguing the company for the better part of this year. Kelley Blue Book, which reviews new cars but is probably best known as the source for prices of used cars, recognized the Prius for its amazing fuel efficiency, solar-powered ventilation system, high tech navigation and other features.
The list is not simply the 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles in America. Instead Kelley Blue Book chose to include a variety of vehicles because Toyota##s Prius isn##t always going to be the best choice for everyone who wants a more environmentally friendly vehicle.
“To be considered for the green Top 10, each vehicle was required to offer fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions superior to the bulk of vehicles in its class and at the same time provide all the safety, creature comforts and driving enjoyment that would make it pleasant to own,” says Kelley Blue Book. So while the top 10 green vehicles are listed in order from most fuel-efficient to least fuel-efficient, fuel ratings weren##t the sole reason for inclusion on the list.
No. 10, the least fuel-efficient vehicle chosen, is the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. With a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg, this hybrid can fit a large family while still towing 5,900 pounds. The 21 mpg city rating on the hybrid is up from the 15 mpg city rating the standard Chevrolet Tahoe gets.
Here##s the rest of the 2010 Top 10 list:?? No. 2: Honda Insight Hybrid, 41 mpg combined. ??No. 3: Ford Fusion Hybrid, 39 mpg combined. ??No. 4: Volkswagen Golf TDI, 34 mpg combined. ??No. 5: MINI Cooper, 32 mpg combined??. No. 6: Ford Escape Hybrid, 32 mpg combined. ??No. 7: Honda Fit, 31 mpg combined??. No. 8: BMW 335d, 27 mpg combined. ??No. 9: Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 22 mpg combined.
??Looking at this list, there is a vehicle to fit nearly every purpose, from the subcompact to a full-sized SUV and everywhere in between. While a 22-mpg vehicle may not be the epitome of fuel efficiency, it is a noted improvement over its non-hybrid version. ??To be sure, the debate over green and greener will carry on. Is a 22-mpg vehicle worthy of inclusion on a “best green cars” list?
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Forbes