Fuel-efficient cars have again flourished in the automotive market as we approach Earth Day 2009, although gas prices have come back to earth. The reason is that the shaky economy is trumping most other concerns and causes that results in far fewer car buyers.
This year’s arrivals include an all-new Toyota Prius that’s even more fuel-efficient than its world-beating predecessor, a new Prius alternative in the Honda Insight and a range of new 50-state clean-diesel cars, among others.
In addition to these newcomers, this year’s list highlights some familiar faces, and it was again compiled to include a variety of vehicle shapes and sizes because not everyone who wants to get greener (more fuel-efficient) can go smaller.
Below are the Top 10 Green Cars for 2009:
2010 Toyota Prius | 50 mpg (51 city, 48 highway)
The third-generation Prius has arrived with sleeker looks, added creature comforts, upgraded performance and even-better fuel economy.
2010 Honda Insight | 41 mpg (40 city, 43 highway)
With a starting sticker price of $20,470, the all-new Honda Insight is the least expensive full-production hybrid available in the US.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 39 mpg (41 city, 36 highway)
The Ford Fusion is getting better with age, and perhaps the best addition is the hybrid version. For the 2010 model year, the lineup benefits from new exterior styling and an interior redesign.
2009 VW Jetta SportWagen TDI | 34 mpg (30 city, 41 hwy)
Not long ago, VW’s familiar diesel moniker vanished from the automaker’s top-selling Jetta, but it has made a proud return for 2009.
2009 MINI Cooper | 32 mpg (28 city, 37 highway)
The MINI Cooper balances fun and efficiency like nothing else on the road. It has responsive steering, a sport-tuned suspension and diminutive dimensions.
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid | 32 mpg (34 city, 31 highway)
If you want a mix of utility and efficiency, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV in the country. After undergoing a major overhaul for the 2008 model year, the Ford Escape Hybrid is improved again for 2009 with smoother braking and electric-to-gas transitions, plus a one-mile-per-gallon improvement in highway fuel economy.
2009 Honda Fit | 31 mpg (28 city, 34 highway)
The Toyota Yaris remains the category’s mileage champ, but the Honda Fit so handily outshines its competitors in our eyes that it’s making the list again this year.
2009 BMW 335d | 27 mpg (23 city/36 highway)
BMW’s new diesel-powered 3 Series is one of those cars you really have to drive to believe. First off, its zero-to-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds is only four tenths slower than that of the category’s gas-powered gold standard, BMW’s 335i.
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 26 mpg (27 city, 25 highway)
The Highlander Hybrid remains the most fuel-efficient three-row vehicle available today, earning it an automatic bid at the top of many families’ shopping lists.
2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid | 21 mpg (21 city, 22 hwy)
If fuel economy is a major concern, then buying a truck does not make much sense. But what if you need the utility of a truck and want the benefits of hybrid technology, GM has made two-mode hybrid system is available in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. Despite delivering up to a 50% improvement in city mpg, this pickup retains its essential truckness by offering nearly 1,500 pounds of payload capacity, a 6,100-pound tow rating and a big full size bed.
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