Best and Worst Climate Friendly New Cars Ranked

50 Most Environmentally Friendly and Affordable Vehicles

These vehicles can save you cash at the dealership and the pump.

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: Oct. 8, 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

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.

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Best and Worst Climate Friendly New Cars Ranked

Source: https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/car/environmentally-friendly-affordable-cars/