The most efficient gas or hybrid cars of 2024: Not the greenest, but still really green - Autoblog

14 Mar 2024, 17:00 by Stephen Williams · Autoblog

Not a single electric vehicle appears on the “greener choices” list assembled by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) in its annual compilation of the most environmentally friendly cars in the United States.

But for potential car buyers seeking an efficient, fairly affordable gasoline or hybrid vehicle this year, the list of 12 cars, trucks and SUVs can help with decision making. Topping this year’s list was the gas/hybrid Honda Accord, priced at $33,990 with an estimated annual fuel cost of $982.

Rank	Make & Model	Powertrain	Vehicle Class	Green Score	MSRP	Estimated Annual Fuel Cost*
1	Honda Accord	Gas Hybrid	Large Car	62	$33,990	$982
2	Kia Niro FE	Gas Hybrid	Compact SUV	61	$28,315	$885
3	Mitsubishi Mirage	Gas	Compact Car	59	$17,955	$1,189
4	Lexus ES 300h	Gas Hybrid	Midsize Car	59	$44,590	$1,073
5	Lexus NX 350h	Gas Hybrid	Midsize SUV	57	$43,465	$1,207
6	Ford Maverick	Gas Hybrid	Compact Pickup	55	$24,900	$1,297
7	Toyota Sienna	Gas Hybrid	Minivan	55	$39,080	$1,304
8	Mini Cooper Convertible	Gas	Subcompact Car	54	$35,700	$1,412
9	Toyota Highlander	Gas Hybrid	Large SUV	54	$40,720	$1,348
10	Kia Soul	Gas	Small Wagon	53	$21,565	$1,467
11	BMW Z4 sDrive30i	Gas	Two-Seater	50	$53,600	$1,626
12	Mercedes-Benz GLA250	Gas Hybrid	Large Van	49	$43,000	$1,596
13	Volvo V90CC B6	Gas Hybrid	Midsize Wagon	45	$59,800	$1,843
14	Ford Ranger	Gas	Standard Pickup	43	$32,670	$1,968
*ACEEE analysis using EIA data of the annual cost of driving 15,000 miles

In making its evaluations, the ACEEE examines each 2024 model based on its cost to human health from air pollution associated with vehicle manufacturing and disposal, the production and distribution of fuel or electricity, and vehicle tailpipe emissions. The group also takes into account air pollution associated with EV battery manufacturing.

The organization also ranks what it calls the “greenest” cars — it selected the Toyota Prius Prime SE plug-in hybrid is the greenest model of 2024. As well as the
“Meanest.’’ or least efficient vehicle. At the top of that list this year was Mercedes-Benz AMG G63.

The group says that the greener choices are those that are available nationwide “with among the lowest environmental impacts in each vehicle class but that didn’t make the Greenest List. The Greener Choices list does not include EVs (including PHEVs) because some drivers do not have adequate access to EV charging.”