The Pros and Cons of 5 Types of Green Cars
Considering purchasing a green car? Here's what you should know before you hit the dealer's lot.
If fuel economy is high on your list of specs for your new car, a number of technologies can satisfy that need. Which is best for you depends on your other goals. For example, do you want to be as green as possible? An electric vehicle (EV) is the answer. Want superb fuel economy without worrying about plugging in? A hybrid is a good choice. Do you crave power and the feel of gears shifting as you accelerate? If so, hybrids and EVs are likely out of contention, but diesels and turbocharged gas engines are good candidates.
SEE OUR COMPLETE GUIDE: Best New Car Values, 2012
Check out the green options and the pros and cons of each car featured below. To compare ownership costs for traditional versus green cars, use our Green Car Calculator. To compute annual fuel costs for plug-in vehicles for our rankings, we assumed 15,000 miles of city and highway driving a year, evenly spread out over five days a week with a two-week vacation.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Electrics, such as the Nissan Leaf
How it works: A battery-powered electric motor runs all the car's systems. Charge the battery at home and you have about 100 miles to go before you need to recharge.
Why it's cool: Zero tailpipe emissions, plus pickup
Trade-offs: Limited range; few public charging stations
Nissan Leaf SV
Sticker price: $36,050*
Invoice price: $34,557
Annual fuel cost#: $612 (electricity costs)
Other popular models: Mitsubishi iMiev, Smart electric drive
*Qualifies for $7,500 federal tax credit. #Based on 15,000 miles of city and highway driving per year.
Plug-in Hybrids, such as the Chevrolet Volt
How it works: A battery-powered electric motor you can plug in at home operates for a limited number of miles. After the battery is depleted, a gas engine kicks in.†
Why it's cool: EV range, but without "range anxiety"
Trade-offs: High price premium; often underpowered
Chevrolet Volt
Sticker price: $39,995*
Invoice price: $38,429
Annual fuel cost#: $1,000**
Other popular models: Toyota Prius Plug-in
*Qualifies for $7,500 federal tax credit. †The Volt’s gas engine acts as a generator to power the electric motor. Other plug-ins revert to hybrid mode after the battery is depleted. #Based on 15,000 miles of city and highway driving per year. **Fuel-efficiency depends on how often you charge.
Hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius
How it works: The battery-powered electric motor assists the engine and can recapture energy from braking. The engine shuts down when you stop, saving fuel.
Why it's cool: Eco-friendly without high price of a plug-in
Trade-offs: Often underpowered; battery reduces cargo area
Toyota Prius II
Sticker price: $24,760
Invoice price: NA
Annual fuel cost#: $968
Other popular models: Ford Fusion, Honda Civic, Lexus RX
#Based on 15,000 miles of city and highway driving per year.
Diesels, such as the Volkswagen Jetta TDI
How it works: Small but powerful engines plus diesel fuel’s high energy content make these vehicles up to 35% more efficient than comparable gas-powered vehicles.
Why it's cool: Powerful, yet fuel-thrifty
Trade-offs: Diesel fuel costs more than gasoline
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Sticker price: $23,545
Invoice price: $22,634
Annual fuel cost#: $1,721
Other popular models: Audi A3, Mercedes E350 BlueTec
#Based on 15,000 miles of city and highway driving per year.
Turbocharged gas engines, such as the Chevrolet Cruze Eco
How it works: The exhaust from the engine powers a fan, which forces more air into the engine’s cylinders. This generates extra power, so smaller engines can be used.
Why it's cool: Cheapest way to go green
Trade-offs: Good but not stellar fuel economy
Chevrolet Cruze Eco
Sticker price: $19,995
Invoice price: $19,225
Annual fuel cost#: $1,457
Other popular models: Kia Optima 2.0T, Nissan Juke
#Based on 15,000 miles of city and highway driving per year.
-
-
What Is a Stock Split, and Why It Matters to You
A stock split can indicate that a company is healthy — but don't fall for the hype.
By Charles Lewis Sizemore, CFA • Published
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Rally on Debt Ceiling News, Manufacturing Data
A slow start turned into a strong finish for stocks thanks to encouraging debt ceiling updates and the latest economic data.
By Karee Venema • Published
-
Best Cash Back Credit Cards June 2023
Smart Buying Looking for the credit card that pays the most cash back? These lenders may pay hundreds of dollars, with minimum hassle.
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated
-
I-Bond Rate Is 4.30% for Next Six Months
Investing for Income Bonds issued May 1 to October 31 will have a rate of 4.30%.
By David Muhlbaum • Last updated
-
What Are I-Bonds?
savings bonds Inflation has made Series I savings bonds enormously popular with risk-averse investors. So how do they work?
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated
-
Car Buying in a Topsy-Turvy Market
You need a new car? Good luck with that! What should you do? We've got some answers.
By Katherine Reynolds Lewis • Last updated
-
Your Guide to Open Enrollment 2023
Employee Benefits Health care costs continue to climb, but subsidies will make some plans more affordable.
By Rivan V. Stinson • Published
-
Watch Out for Flood-Damaged Cars from Hurricane Ian
Buying & Leasing a Car In the wake of Hurricane Ian, more flood-damaged cars may hit the market. Car prices may rise further because of increased demand as well.
By Bob Niedt • Last updated
-
What You Need to Know About Life Insurance Settlements
life insurance If your life insurance payments don’t seem worth it anymore, consider these options for keeping the value.
By David Rodeck • Published
-
Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards June 2023
credit cards Business road warriors and leisure travelers can use travel rewards credit cards to turn miles logged into other things — including more travel.
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated