The Greenest Non-Hybrid Small Cars
Going green with your next automobile doesn't necessarily mean you need to buy a hybrid. Sure, hybrid vehicles can't be beat when it comes to miles per gallon, but there are plenty of non-hybrid options out there that deliver great gas mileage and an even better price.
For the 2009 model year, the greenest non-hybrid car is the smart fortwo. However, it's fair to say that this two-seat buggy may not actually be considered a traditional car in many driving circles. Taking this into account, some might award the title of "greenest non-hybrid car" to the 2009 Toyota Yaris (due to its more widespread appeal and larger production volume). For the sake of fairness, we'll discuss both of them here.
2009 Smart Fortwo (33 mpg city / 41 mpg highway)
The 2009 Smart ForTwo is the first model year that the diminutive city car is available in America. Despite the fact that the latest model has more interior space than the previous generation, no one is going to call the ForTwo a roomy vehicle. With just two front seats, the subcompact comes in either coupe or convertible body style. Both models come equipped with a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine. Depending on the model, horsepower ranges between 60-hp and 84-hp.
While the small size and engine virtually eliminate the Smart ForTwo from long-distance highway driving, it also makes the vehicle incredibly efficient. The EPA lists the ForTwo's estimated fuel efficiency at 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. As such, the Smart FoTtwo is definitely worth a look for those who have short commutes or require minimal performance needs in a vehicle. Base MSRP for the vehicle is $11,900.
2009 Toyota Yaris (29 mpg city / 36 mpg highway)
For those who want a more traditional vehicle, the 2009 Toyota Yaris is the greenest non-hybrid on the market. The base model of Toyota's smallest car plugs along at an estimated 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. For those who prefer the optional automatic transmission, you'll lose one mpg on the highway.
Though larger than the Smart ForTwo (what isn't?), the Yaris is still classified as a subcompact. Available models include a two-door or four-door coupe and a four-door sedan. All models earn the same fuel efficiency and come standard with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that musters 106 horsepower. Base MSRP for the lilliputian auto is $11,500.
Greenest Non-Hybrid Car Runner-Ups
The Yaris and ForTwo beat out a number of efficient 2009 subcompacts to earn the title of greenest non-hybrid vehicle. The Honda Fit falls just short with EPA ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. However, if you're looking for a vehicle with a few more features and comfort, the Fit is a solid option. Base MSRP for the Honda subcompact is $13,950. Other fuel-efficient 2009 subcompacts include the Hyundai Elantra (24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway) and Pontiac Vibe (25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway).
Greenest Non-Hybrid by Vehicle Class
Of course, not everyone is in the market for a subcompact vehicle. If you need a little more room, but still want a green non-hybrid, then take your pick from the greenest non-hybrid vehicles in each class:
- Greenest non-hybrid compact car: Volkswagen Jetta (30 mpg city / 41 mpg highway)
- Greenest non-hybrid mid-size car: Nissan Versa (26 mpg city / 31 mpg highway)
- Greenest non-hybrid full-size car: Hyundai Sonata (22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway)
- Greenest non-hybrid SUV: Jeep Compass/Jeep Patriot (23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway)