The Best Car for the Environment Is Not an Electric Vehicle

If Mother Nature could talk, she’d probably ask if that gas guzzling Hummer is really necessary. Many car manufacturers would likely agree. However, even with a noted shift toward fully electric vehicle production in recent years, you may be surprised to learn that the most environmentally friendly car available isn’t fully electric at all — and that it’s based on a model that debuted in the late 1990s. If you’re one of the many prospective car owners hoping to lessen your carbon footprint without sacrificing safety or quality, then this may be the best vehicle for you.

Meet the Most Environmentally Friendly Car

According to a report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the greenest car available today is the Toyota Prius Prime SE. 2024 marks the third time this model has topped the list, having previously done so in both 2020 and 2022. This plug-in hybrid vehicle achieved a “Green Score” of 71, considering factors such as fuel economy, vehicular emissions, pollution generated from the manufacturing process, and other elements that contribute to general air pollution. This means that the Toyota Prius Prime SE is about 1.65 times more efficient than the average car on the road, and over four times better than the worst.

The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE runs on a combination of electricity and gasoline, and can travel for 44 miles on an electric charge before switching over to hybrid mode. According to the official rankings, the car generates 55 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway, which is hard for any other model to top. In terms of price, you’re looking at an MSRP of $32,975, placing it firmly between budget and luxury car models; however, the estimated annual $529 energy cost for gas and electricity is hard to beat.

The Best Electric Vehicles

For those looking to forego gasoline entirely and go fully electric, there are two equally good options to select from. 

The first is the Lexus RZ 300e with 18-inch wheels, which achieved an impressive Green Score of 67. Like other Lexus models, this is definitely considered a luxury vehicle with a hefty MSRP of $55,150, though you’ll only be paying around $651 in energy costs each year.

The Mini Cooper SE featuring a hardtop and two doors also netted a Green Score of 67, tying it with the Lexus. The biggest benefit for this model is definitely its affordability, coming in at an MSRP of $30,900 and annual costs of $747.

The Best Gas Hybrids

The most energy-efficient vehicle without any electric capabilities is the regular Toyota Prius, which boasts an astonishing 58 mpg in both the city and on the highway. These basic Prius models have a Green Score of 65, and start at just $27,650 MSRP. 

For a similar car from a different company, try the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue, another fantastic gas hybrid option with a Green Score of 64. This Hyundai model is also slightly cheaper with an MSRP of $26,250 and an annual fuel cost of roughly $864.

The Best Gas Only

If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly car for under $20k, then look no further than the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage, coming in with an MSRP of just $17,955. This gas-only vehicle is still expected to achieve an impressive mileage of 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, despite the lack of any electric or hybrid components. This is a great starter car if you’re a new car owner looking to promote greater air quality.

The Car With the Lowest Green Score

For all the wonderful options out there, there are some cars you should avoid if you’re concerned about your environmental impact. The worst option may be the Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 SUV, which comes in with a whopping MSRP of $184,000. On top of that, you’ll be shelling out $4,242 annually on gasoline, creating a hole in your wallet as big as that hole in the ozone layer. This Mercedes-Benz model earned a Green Score of just 20, and only gets 10 mpg in the city and 12 mpg on the highway.

There is one outlier with an even worse Green Score than the Mercedes-Benz: the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport. Only a handful of this limited-edition model were made, so you’d have a hard time buying one even if you wanted one. If you’re “lucky” enough to find someone selling this model, then expect to pay a price tag of around $5 million for a car with a Green Score of just 17.