Study

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

EVs aren't included here because of limited access to charging facilities

Mar 14th 2024 at 5:00PM

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.”

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