Ford, Honda, Toyota Headline KBB's List of Top Green Units

April 27, 2009

Email this story Printer Friendly Version

IRVINE, Calif. — In its Top 10 Green Cars for 2009, Kelley Blue Book examined not only how far various eco-friendly vehicles can go on a gallon of gas, but also how well they stacked up based on comfort, performance, utility and technology.

Placing two vehicles apiece on the list were Ford, Honda and Toyota. Earning the top spot as the most fuel-efficient unit was the 2010 Toyota Prius, which has been calculated to get 50 miles per gallon.

Toyota's other offering on the list was the 2009 Highlander Hybrid, getting 26 mpg.

Honda earned the second spot on Kbb.com's list with the 2010 Insight, a vehicle that gets 41 mpg. The Fit was Honda's other vehicle on the list coming in at 31 mpg.

Ford's two fuel-efficient vehicles mentioned by Kelley Blue Book included the 2010 Fusion Hybrid and the 2009 Escape Hybrid.

The rest of the vehicles that made this list were the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI, 2009 MINI Cooper, 2009 BMW 335d, and the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid.

Kelley Blue Book created the Top 10 Green Cars list last year when the combination of skyrocketing gas prices, a flagging economy and growing environmental consciousness prompted demand for fuel-efficient cars.

In the face of sagging sales numbers this year, Kbb.com editors remain confident that demand for fuel-efficient vehicles will remain strong.

"Despite the decline in auto sales and the stabilization of gas prices in recent months, we still think many new-car shoppers are interested in buying vehicles that are more fuel-efficient and better for the environment," explained Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and Kbb.com.

"More than ever, we're seeing a variety of environmentally friendly vehicles for the 2009 and 2010 model-years that offer intriguing technology," Nerad continued.

"No matter what you or your family's vehicle needs may be, we're confident there is a green option available to suit your preferences and lifestyle," he added.

Ford was especially pleased to have two of its vehicles on this list, according to David Finnegan, Ford's hybrid marketing manager.

"We are continuing to expand our portfolio to offer consumers a wider range of alternatives," Finnegan pointed out.

"Not only do we have the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet with the Ford Escape Hybrid but we also are committed to being a leader in the car segment. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid provides 41 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, making it North America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan," he went on to say.

Kelley Blue Book gave extended commentary about each of the vehicles listed as the Top 10 Green Cars for 2009.

2010 Toyota Prius

"The third-generation Prius has arrived with sleeker looks, added creature comforts, upgraded performance and even-better fuel economy. Despite a larger engine, 24 additional horsepower and quicker acceleration, the new Prius manages to deliver four more miles per gallon than its predecessor," officials noted.

"The coolest new option is a glass moonroof with a solar-powered ventilation system, but the list also includes voice-activated navigation and dynamic radar cruise control with lane keep assist," they added.

2010 Honda Insight

"With a starting sticker price of $20,470, the all-new Honda Insight is the least expensive full-production hybrid available in the United States. Even the top-level Insight EX with Navigation that includes features like a voice-activated navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity, upgraded audio system and electronic stability control is just $23,770," analysts pointed out.

"These figures should give the Insight a clear price advantage compared to the newest Prius, for which pricing has yet to be announced. But why does Honda's fuel-miser look so much like Toyota's? Is it because the consumer thinks that's what a hybrid looks like or for the same reason an Airbus looks so much like a Boeing?" they added.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

"The Ford Fusion is getting better with age, and perhaps the best addition is the hybrid version. For the 2010 model year, the lineup benefits from new exterior styling and an interior redesign, which grace the new hybrid version that handily out-economizes both the Toyota Camry Hybrid (33 city/34 hwy mpg) and the Chevy Malibu (26 city/34 hwy mpg)," analysts shared. "We were fans of the Fusion before, but even bigger believers after seeing and driving the latest iterations."

2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI

"In some circles, TDI is the sexiest acronym in all the automotosphere. Some months ago, Volkswagen's familiar diesel moniker disappeared from the automaker's top-selling Jetta, but it has made a triumphant return for the 2009 model year. This time, the Jetta TDI and Jetta Sportwagen TDI (and soon, Golf TDI) will be available in all 50 states, a development that surely helped the Jetta TDI take home the 2009 Green Car of the Year award," KBB noted.

"Returning fuel economy that's roughly 40 percent better than its gas-powered counterpart, the Jetta Sportwagen TDI combines utility on par with a small SUV, world-class fuel economy and European driving dynamics in one well-rounded green machine," editors continued.

2009 MINI Cooper

"The Mini Cooper balances fun and efficiency like nothing else on the road. Responsive steering, a sport-tuned suspension and diminutive dimensions combine to deliver a driving experience that instantly evokes allusions to the proverbial go kart," editors shared.

"Combine that kind of athleticism with highway fuel economy up to 37 miles per gallon — and a personality bigger than the car itself — and you've got a unique brand of feel-good fun," they added.

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

"We like compact crossovers for their smart mix of utility and efficiency, and the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV in the country. After undergoing a major overhaul for the 2008 model year, the Ford Escape Hybrid is improved again for 2009 with smoother braking and electric-to-gas transitions, plus a one-mile-per-gallon improvement in highway fuel economy," the publication stated.

2009 Honda Fit

"The Toyota Yaris remains the category's mileage champ, but the Honda Fit so handily outshines its competitors in our eyes that it's making the list again this year," editors noted. "We're especially fond of the Sport model and its performance-tuned suspension and paddle shifters, but even base models are fun. If you're more interested in pure practicality than driving pleasure, be sure to check out the Fit's flexible back seat and impressive cargo-carrying abilities. The Honda Fit may be a little car, but it's a lot of car."

2009 BMW 335d

"BMW's new diesel-powered 3 Series is one of those cars you really do have to drive to believe. First off, its zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds is only four-tenths slower than that of the category's gas-powered gold standard, BMW's own 335i," officials stated.

"For most buyers, that's a small performance price to pay for an increase in fuel economy of about 35 percent (the 335i is rated at 17 city/26 highway mpg)," they continued. "Throw in all the driving feel and cornering ability that have made the 3 Series a living legend, and you've got the greatest diesel car America's ever seen."

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

"The Highlander Hybrid remains the most fuel-efficient three-row vehicle available today, earning it an automatic bid at the top of many families' shopping lists," the publication pointed out. "On top of room for seven and exceptional fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid offers proven reliability and the added all-weather confidence of standard all-wheel drive."

2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

"If maximum fuel economy is your primary concern, then buying a pickup truck doesn't make much sense. But what if you need the utility of a pickup truck? Shouldn't you, too, be able to enjoy the benefits of modern hybrid technology? General Motors thinks so," editors stated.

"That's why GM's Two-Mode hybrid system is now available in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Despite delivering up to a 50-percent improvement in city fuel economy, GM's hybrid pickup retains its essential truckness by offering nearly 1,500 pounds of payload capacity, a 6,100-pound tow rating and a big full size bed. For those with more people to haul than cargo, the same gas-electric powertrain is available in the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid SUV," they added.

Retail