Best Selling Green Cars: June 2010

June 2010 Sales: 168
Change vs. June 2009: Down 33.6%
MSRP: $50,720 - $53,525

MPG: 21 City / 22 Hwy

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was introduced in 2008 and it combines a purpose-built, full-size four-door, family-oriented SUV with the substantial increase in fuel economy typical of a hybrid vehicle.

GM's advanced 2-mode hybrid system conserves energy by using an electrically variable transmission, a 300-volt storage system and a 332-hp 6.0L Vortec V8 engine with Active Fuel Management. The Tahoe Hybrid is able to accelerate using only the electric motor. The nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery includes an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty. Efficiency is also aided by a liftgate and hood made of aluminum, improved aerodynamics, low-rolling resistance tires, and a 0.4-inch lower ride height.

June 2010 Sales: 212
Change vs. June 2009: N/A
MSRP: $55,000

MPG: 21 City / 24 Hwy

All five models are equipped with an automatic transmission and electronically managed 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The gasoline version of the ML350 is also available with rear-wheel drive. The ML350 BlueTEC is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 generating 210 horsepower. The ML350 is powered by Mercedes' latest-generation 3.5-liter gasoline V6, generating 268 horsepower. The ML550 includes a 5.5-liter, 382-hp V8 and the top of the line ML63 AMG uses a 6.3-liter, 503-hp V8. All non-hybrid models receive a seven-speed auto transmission. New for 2010, the ML450 is an advanced 2-mode hybrid. The 2-mode hybrid system uses an eight-speed continuously variable transmission, a 275-hp V6 engine, and a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery for a combined rating of 335-hp. The ML450 Hybrid is able to accelerate using only the electric motor. The extensively equipped M-Class includes standard features such as stability control and active front head restraints, as well as front, side, and side curtain airbags.

June 2010 Sales: 479
Change vs. June 2009: Down 28.1%
MSRP: $26,780 - $26,780

MPG: 35 City / 33 Hwy

The Nissan Altima Hybrid offers performance, comfort, safety, economy, and good looks in this environmentally friendly family sedan.

The front-wheel drive Altima Hybrid sedan comes with a standard 158 horsepower 2.5-liter engine coupled to an electric motor with a rechargeable battery pack and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to produce excellent fuel economy. The Altima Hybrid is well equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD, cruise control, power mirrors, windows and door locks with Intelligent Key. Safety features include traction and stability control, active front head restraints, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with panic assist, front and side airbags, with a side curtain airbag for both front and rear passengers.

June 2010 Sales: 485
Change vs. June 2009: Up 83%
MSRP: $30,250

MPG: 30 City / 42 Hwy

The Audi A3 is powered by either a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged (2.0T) four-cylinder gas engine; or a 140-hp 2.0-liter turbo-diesel (TDI) engine. The 2.0T comes standard with a six-speed manual or optional automatic S-tronic transmission that allows manual selection of gears. The only choice with the TDI is the S-tronic. Quattro all-wheel drive is also available with the 2.0T engine, but then your only transmission choice is the S-tronic. Some high-tech A3 features include Bluetooth phone connectivity, light and rain sensors, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic climate control. Passenger safety is provided by front, side and curtain airbags, active front head restraints, electronic stability control and optional rear side-impact airbags.

June 2010 Sales: 595
Change vs. June 2009: Down 62.4%
MSRP: $23,800 - $23,800

MPG: 40 City / 45 Hwy

The Civic Hybrid is the flagship example of Honda's hybrid technology in an efficient practical package. It is based off the regular gas-powered Civic that has been a best seller in the compact car market for years.

The Civic Hybrid is only available in a sedan model. It is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a light-weight, brushless electric motor that is sandwiched between the engine and the CVT transmission. Combined, the gas engine and electric motor produce 110 horsepower and close to 45 mpg on the highway. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, six airbags, tire pressure monitoring system and active front head restraints.

June 2010 Sales: 603
Change vs. June 2009: N/A
MSRP: $34,650 - $37,420

MPG: 35 City / 34 Hwy

Lexus has introduced a new luxury hybrid model for 2010, the HS 250h.

The HS 250h is a luxury hybrid sedan with seating for five. It is available in two trims; Base and Premium. As a hybrid, the powertrain features a four-cylinder engine and electric motor which combined generate 187-hp. The power is sent through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) to the front wheels. The powertrain can operate in four drive modes: Normal, Power, Eco and EV (electric only). Interior amenities include leather trim, power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 137-watt ten speaker six-disc in-dash CD with steering wheel controls, Bluetooth and Homelink. Standard exterior features include a power moonroof, power mirrors with built-in turn signals, LED brake lights and 17" alloy wheels.

June 2010 Sales: 611
Change vs. June 2009: Down 44.4%
MSRP: $34,900 - $41,220

MPG: 27 City / 25 Hwy

The Highlander Hybrid is available in an all-wheel drive configuration only, with two trim levels: Base and Limited. It employs an advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system, a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator, producing 270 net horsepower and mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission. The five-passenger Base trim is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and a rearview camera monitor. The Limited trim adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a power rear liftgate, leather upholstery and heated front seats; it also includes a third row bench seat that brings total seating capacity to seven (available on the Base trim). Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic vehicle stability and traction control systems, active anti-whiplash front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and overhead curtain airbags for all rows. Hybrid-related components are backed by an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty.

June 2010 Sales: 1,097
Change vs. June 2009: Down 47.3%
MSRP: $26,400 - $26,400

MPG: 31 City / 35 Hwy

The Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan brings the quality and reliability of the Camry together with increased fuel efficiency.

The Camry Hybrid is a front-wheel drive four-door sedan that seats five passengers. Available in one well appointed trim it comes standard with Hybrid Synergy Drive, a combination electric motor/gasoline engine fitted with an efficient, continuously variable transmission. The standard warranty for hybrid-related components is 8 years/100,000 miles. A moonroof, navigation system, leather seats and heated front seats are optional. Standard safety features include stability and traction control, seven-airbags, and a tire pressure monitor.

June 2010 Sales: 1,260
Change vs. June 2009: Down 2.7%
MSRP: $29,860 - $34,120

MPG: 34 City / 31 Hwy

The Escape Hybrid is available in Base or Limited trims with either front or four-wheel drive. The Escape Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine linked to an electric motor. The net result is acceleration similar to that of a V6. As a full hybrid, the Escape Hybrid can provide truly guilt-free operation by running solely on electric power in low-load conditions. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission, also known as a CVT, that optimally matches the power and gearing. Standard safety features include front airbags, front seat mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. AdvanceTrac stability control with anti-rollover technology, four-wheel ABS and tire pressure monitoring round-out the impressive list. The Hybrid also offers a convenient AC outlet for powering small devices such as a laptop.

June 2010 Sales: 1,304
Change vs. June 2009: Up 147.4%
MSRP: $42,685 - $44,275

MPG: 32 City / 28 Hwy

The Lexus RX 450h is the newest version of the first full hybrid luxury utility vehicle. This crossover is impressively smooth, comfortable, responsive in all driving situations and flexible when it comes to hauling people or cargo.

As a full hybrid, the RX 450h can operate in electric only, gas engine only, or combine the power of both. The 3.5-liter V6 gas engine and electric motors provide a combined 295-hp. The hybrid drivetrain is said to offer V8 performance with four-cylinder fuel economy. All that power is fed through a six-speed Multi-mode automatic transmission with sequential shift control. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations are available. Standard features include automatic climate control, push-button start with smart keyless entry, automatic headlamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels, ten airbags, active front head restraints and leather trim on the steering wheel and shift knob.

June 2010 Sales: 1,491
Change vs. June 2009: Down 28.3%
MSRP: $19,800 - $21,300

MPG: 40 City / 43 Hwy

The Insight is powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, which is a combination of a 1.3-liter gas engine and a 13-hp electric motor, all attached to a continuously variable transmission. The engine and motor combined generate 98-hp and 123-lb.ft of torque, and provide 40-plus mpg fuel economy. The LX trim offers six airbags, anti-lock brakes, automatic climate control, power windows, locks and mirrors, keyless entry and a four-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary input. The EX trim adds electronic stability control, alloy wheels, cruise control, six-speaker audio system with USB interface, heated exterior mirrors and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. A voice activated navigation system is available on the EX trim, and includes Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use.

June 2010 Sales: 1,605
Change vs. June 2009: N/A
MSRP: $19,800 - $21,300

MPG: 40 City / 43 Hwy

The Volkswagen Jetta is the least expensive German sedan/wagon in the North American market, available in sedan or wagon bodystyles, the Jetta offers something for everyone.

The Jetta is powered by three different engines, a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine generating 170 horsepower, a 140-hp 2.0L TDI clean-diesel engine for those looking for maximum fuel economy, or a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbo in the Wolfsburg Edition. Buyers that go with the 2.5-liter engine can choose between either a five-speed manual transmission or six-speed Tiptronic automatic; while TDI and 2.0T buyers select from either a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed DSG auto with Tiptronic. All Jetta's come standard with many safety features including six air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, traction control and tire pressure monitoring.

June 2010 Sales: 2,010
Change vs. June 2009: Down 2.3%
MSRP: $27,950 - $27,950

MPG: 41 City / 36 Hwy

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid offers buyers an earth-friendly alternative to regular mid-size sedans. Its hybrid system shines with reduced emissions and increased fuel economy, while still providing all the normal useful mid-size sedan features.

The Fusion Hybrid uses a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine in combination with an electric motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery. To link the gas engine and electric motor together, a continuously variable transmission, also known as a CVT, is used to optimally match the power and gearing. Safety features include electronic stability and traction control, security system, dual front and side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

June 2010 Sales: 2,628
Change vs. June 2009: N/A
MSRP: $19,800 - $21,300

MPG: 30 City / 41 Hwy

The Volkswagen Jetta is the least expensive German sedan/wagon in the North American market, available in sedan or wagon bodystyles, the Jetta offers something for everyone.

The Jetta is powered by three different engines, a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine generating 170 horsepower, a 140-hp 2.0L TDI clean-diesel engine for those looking for maximum fuel economy, or a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbo in the Wolfsburg Edition. Buyers that go with the 2.5-liter engine can choose between either a five-speed manual transmission or six-speed Tiptronic automatic; while TDI and 2.0T buyers select from either a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed DSG auto with Tiptronic. All Jetta's come standard with many safety features including six air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, traction control and tire pressure monitoring.

June 2010 Sales: 10,998
Change vs. June 2009: Down 15.4%
MSRP: $21,400 - $28,070

MPG: 51 City / 48 Hwy

The Prius is available in four trim levels - Prius II, Prius III, Prius IV and Prius V - with a base Prius I trim scheduled to arrive later in the model year. All trim levels employ Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, a hybrid powertrain technology that unites a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a powerful electric drive motor to generate 134 combined horsepower, mated to a continuously variable transmission. Every Prius is equipped with a high level of standard equipment: Prius II trims feature 15-inch alloy wheels, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with driver door Smart Key passive entry, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, MP3 capability and driver's seat height adjustment; Prius III trims add Bluetooth wireless connectivity, satellite radio and upgraded audio with a 6-disc CD changer; Prius IV trims are further outfitted with heated front seats and leather upholstery, while the Prius V boasts 17-inch alloy wheels and auto-leveling LED low-beam headlights. Standard safety technologies include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control and a tire pressure monitor, as well as dual front, front side-impact and front and rear overhead curtain airbags. An optional Advanced Technology Package offers progressive features such as a pre-collision system, radar cruise control, lane keep assist and intelligent parking assist. Hybrid-related components are backed by an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty.