When it comes to purchasing an environmentally-friendly car, hybrids are currently the best option, as they emit less CO2 and NOx. As explained in our article Factors to Consider in Selecting a Green Car, fuel efficiency, and greenhouse gas emission levels as well as NOx emission levels are what a consumer needs to look at when shopping for a green car. Other cars might emit less greenhouse gases and pollutants than the ones we selected, such as the futuristic, all electric-powered Aptera 2e (40% less greenhouse gas emissions). But as it is only available to California residents for pre-order, we chose to focus on cars more widely available. Read on to find out about the distinctive features of our top 5 SULEV hybrid cars and then take one for a test drive!

1.    Toyota Prius 2010

 
 

 

Introduced to the U.S. in 2001, the Toyota Prius remains the world’s best-selling hybrid car.  An icon of environmental conservation, it is the most fuel efficient gas-electric powered vehicle, with an average fuel cost of 5.2 cents /mile! It also is the most space-efficient hybrid, with plenty of backseat legroom and ample hatchback cargo capacity. There are 5 different models available for the 2010 Toyota Prius, called I, II, III, IV, and V. Overall, the 2010 Prius has more conventional interior controls and sleeker styling than its 2009 sister. Those who find parallel parking or backing in a pain will be happy to know that the Prius comes with an Intelligent Parking Assist that provides hands-free parallel parking. The system will simply steer for you. 

2.    Honda Civic Hybrid 2010

 
 

 

The Honda Civic Hybrid 2010 does not differ much from its 2009 predecessor, and is still a close competitor to the Prius when it comes to fuel efficiency and price. A sportier look and drive, it also comes with a reputable and trust-worthy name, and averages a fuel cost of 6.2 cents per mile. It features Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMAâ„¢) system, a mode where the engine and the electric motor work together to provide additional power. The vehicle is also equipped with an idle-stop feature to save fuel and minimize emssions: the engine shuts off when the vehicle stops, but when the driver releases the brake pedal, the electric motor rapidly spins the engine back up, all the while quiet and smooth. Its two-tiered instrument panel can be distracting for some, but quite practical for others to make quick visual checks of speed. Unlike the Prius, it has limited cargo space.

3.    Honda Insight Hybrid 2010

 

 
 

 

A newcomer to the hybrid market, the Honda Insight Hybrid is also the least expensive hybrid, making it very appealing. Its name was chosen “to denote that this new vehicle provides ‘insight” into a new era in which hybrid vehicles come within reach of most car buyers”. (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4090205All-New-Insight/)  Like its big sister the Honda Civic Hybrid, it averages an attractive fuel cost of 6.2 cents per mile and also features Honda’s IMA. But unlike the Civic, the Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist). One of the many functions of the Eco Assist is a driver-activated ECON button which, when pushed, optimizes control of the transmission, engine and other powertrain elements to conserve fuel. Space-wise, the Insight is smaller than the Prius.

4.    Ford Fusion Hybrid 2010

 
 

 

This American-made hybrid ranks very well, with most reviews rating it better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Roomier than the Prius or the Insight, the Ford Fusion Hybrid also features a techy interior: the SmartGauge with EcoGuide is an instrument cluster made for tech lovers that displays battery charge level, four gauge modes, and much more, but is also accessible to non-techies.

There is one ethical problem with Ford, however. Ford supports national clean car standards, but as the Union for Concerned Scientists points out, the American automaker is affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has taken an aggressive, anti-science stance on the issue of global warming. The Chamber has sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent action toward cleaner cars and other global warming solutions. Companies such as Apple Computers, Nike, Microsoft and PG&E have recently broken with the Chamber, but not Ford. The American Motor Company seems to have a conflict of interests which consumers should be aware of. Consumers should also know that Ford owns Mercury, placing the well-rated Mercury Mariner Hybrid under the same ethical scrutiny.

5.    Lexus HS 250h 2010

 
 

 

Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand and the HS 250h is the hybrid answer to those shopping in the entry-level luxury sedan-class. It averages a fuel cost of 7.4 c/mile and has very low NOx emissions. Its CO2 emission level is higher than the four previous cars, but it has been estimated that, over the lifecycle of the vehicle, the HS 250h will have about 20% fewer CO2 emissions as a result of using Ecological Plastics. Indeed, 30 % of this hybrid’s materials, including the door scuff plates, the seats and the cargo bay, are derived from plant-based materials. Moreover, 85% of the car is fully recyclable, including the batteries.  Feature-wise, the HS 250h uses an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) smart key and push-button start, has the Remote Touch hard-drive-based navigation system, Voice control, nav traffic and nav weather, LED taillights and much more.  

If you are in the market for a new car, test-driving one of JustLiveGreener.com's Top 5 Hybrid Cars For 2010 is an option to seriously consider. With better overall fuel efficiency, lower greenhouse gas emission and NOx emission levels, you can feel confident that you are having a better impact on the environment, your wallet, and your lifestyle.

For more information on factors to considerin selecting a Hybrid, see our article on'How To ChooseYour Next Green Car'.

Top 5 Hybrid Cars For 2010 (c) JustLiveGreener.com.
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