It’s that time of the year again where the best eco-friendly cars are unveiled by renowned vehicle valuation and trusted resource, Kelley Blue Book. This 2015, the lineup of eco-cars is an interesting one, but it’s not a complete shocker to see BMW’s eco-brainchild topping the list due to its superior fuel efficiency. The i3 has been dominating the hybrid car market ever since it burst into the scene in 2013.
Rank 1: BMW i3
For the second year in a row, the BMW i3 took home the crown for the best eco-friendly car award. This compact little electric monster has the capacity to sprint to 60 mph in just 7 seconds. Furthermore, it was made in a facility powered entirely by four wind turbines, and if that is not eco-friendly, we don’t know what is. Sceptics will be glad to know that the i3 is equipped with a small gas generator, thus ensuring that you won’t get stranded without electricity in the middle of nowhere. This is a truly deserving vehicle to top the best eco friendly cars list.
Rank 2: Volkswagen e-Golf
The Volkswagen e-Golf sounds like a virtual golf game, and it’s anything but. It retains the charms of a VW vehicle such as those seen in its older gas and diesel siblings, including the firm suspension and taut handling features. Compared to its close rival, the Nissan Leaf, the VW e-Golf is roomier and perhaps, a little more handsome in stature. It doesn’t take the promise of affordable auto insurance to prompt drivers to make this model their prime choice this year.
Rank 3: Nissan Leaf
Highly affordable (even more so compared to the Volkswagen e-Golf which sits one notch above), the Nissan Leaf is a good buy for those who leans towards its eco-friendliness as well as its iconic styling. Performance-wise, its acceleration and handling is adequate – the car really does shine in terms of calmness and simplicity.
Rank 4: Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a highly efficient gas-powered car, having given a rating by the EPA at 50 miles per gallon combined. First launched in 1997, the car now sets the benchmark for other eco-friendly vehicles. Its major selling points include the patented Intelligent Parking Assist system where drivers will enjoy hands-free parallel parking with a mere touch of a button.
Rank 5: Honda Accord Hybrid
The Honda Accord Hybrid boasts of a solid electric motor that provides drivers with effortless acceleration. Generally favored by families who want a mid-size sedan that’s eco-friendly and won’t break the bank, the Accord Hybrid is considered to be a wholesome car that lived up to the advertising.
Rank 6: Tesla Model S
The Model S performs even better than it looks. It boasts of exhilarating on-road performance coupled with quiet acceleration and the ability to tackle corners flat and predictably thanks to the battery being mounted securely in the floorpan. Based on its multitude of features, the Model S is clearly one of the most definitive model in the luxury sport eco-friendly sedan class.
Rank 7: Chevrolet Volt
As the only high-volume plug-in electric car from General Motors, the 2015 Chevrolet Volt is a high-performing hybrid that has been known to deliver between 10-20 miles of all-electric range between it reverts to gas-powered propulsion. If you like the way this beauty performs, you may want to hold onto your horses and anticipate the release of its 2016 model next year.
Rank 8: Toyota Camry Hybrid
For those who have grown to known and love the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s sleek lines, they will be glad to see the newly updated 2015 model that comes complete with new sheetmetal, plusher interior and smoother driving response. Its eco-friendly features are matched with its outstanding fuel economy and value-for-money price tag.
Rank 9: Ford C-Max Hybrid
Ford is looking the conquer the eco-friendly vehicle market with its only dedicated gas-electric model that gives drivers a thrilling drive, benchmark-setting styling and affordable pricing. One of its bestselling models include the C-Max Energi that boasts of a bigger battery, giving owners an all-electric range of 21 miles.
Rank 10: Volkswagen Jetta TDI
The Volkswagen is clearly the rebel in the list, being the only diesel-powered eco-friendly vehicle here. Granted, the model does not boast of a spectacular styling, but it is sensible where it matters as far as eco-friendliness is concerned. With its new, turbocharged, diesel four cylinder can, the VW Jetta TDI is good enough to give Toyota Prius fans a run for their money.
