Green cars are definitely the in-thing in the auto industry and now consumer website kbb.com (part of the Kelley Blue Book) has named its Top 10 Green Cars for 2010.
Now before you wonder where the likes of the Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt are on the list – they are not yet available and this list only includes cars that are on the market now. So, which vehicles made the top 10?
- Toyota Prius – It’s no surprise to see the Prius at the top of the list even with the recall issues surrounding an alleged brake pedal fault. Toyota introduced the third generation last year with EPA ratings of 51mpg as the vehicle continues to feature a full hybrid system and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack.
- Honda Insight Hybrid – Another vehicle that arrived last year, it is the lowest priced hybrid in the US market with official EPA ratings of 40mpg city/43mpg highway achieved with a four-cylinder petrol engine with intelligent variable valve timing and an electric motor.
- Ford Fusion Hybrid – Also new for 2010 it has a clone under the Mercury brand known as the Milan Hybrid. Its EPA ratings are 41mpg city/36mpg highway and a Lincoln version is expected in 2011.
- Volkswagen Golf TDI – A three- or five-door hatchback with a very efficient four-cylinder clean diesel engine that achieves 30mpg city/42mpg highway.
- MINI Cooper – Featuring a petrol engine that delivers 28mpg city/37mpg highway, this is a cute fun car with a surprising amount of space for front seat occupants.
- Ford Escape Hybrid – A drive system similar to the Fusion Hybrid, but this vehicle is a compact crossover rather than a saloon car. A Mercury version is also available – known as the Mariner Hybrid.
- Honda Fit – Another vehicle to make the list that is neither a hybrid nor a diesel it instead has a small petrol engine with EPA ratings of 28mpg city/35mpg highway with a five-speed automatic transmission.
- BMW 335d – This saloon car has a six-cylinder diesel engine and EPA ratings of 23mpg city/36mpg highway.
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid – A midsize crossover utility vehicle with seating for up to seven and ratings of 27mpg city/25mpg highway.
- Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid – A surprise inclusion at number 10, this SUV has seating for up to eight people and ratings of 21mpg city/22mpg highway.
