Home Automotive 

Story

Prius, Insight Top 2009 Green Cars List

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Makes Kelley Blue Book's Rankings

Posted: 10:37 am EDT April 20, 2009

Toyota's redesigned Prius garnered much of the attention when Kelley Blue Book's editors sat down to pick their top 10 green cars for 2009.

"The third-generation Prius has arrived with sleeker looks, added creature comforts, upgraded performance and even-better fuel economy," Kelley Blue Book said in announcing the list.

The site also points to the Prius' increased mileage, climbing four miles per gallon up to a combined EPA rating of 50 miles per gallon, quicker acceleration and a range of new options in praising the Japanese-made hybrid.

"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," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book. "More than ever, we're seeing a variety of environmentally friendly vehicles for the 2009 and 2010 model-years that offer intriguing technology."

Immediately following the Prius on the list, which Kelley Blue Book ranked in order of combined gas mileage, was the 2010 Honda Insight, designed as Honda's main threat to the Prius.

The Insight, which gets 41 miles per gallon, is the least expensive full-production hybrid available in the United States with a sticker price of $20,470.

While applauding the Insight, Kelley Blue Book editors did find fault with its design.

"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 said in a press release announcing the picks.

Rounding out the top five in the list were the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI and 2009 MINI Cooper.

The rest of the list includes the 2009 model years for the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Fit, BMW 335d, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid.

More Headlines

About Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors configured to improved fuel economy, increased power, or additional auxiliary power. Full Story ››
Check Out Our Interactive on Hybrid Cars

Only about 15 percent of the energy from the fuel you put in your tank gets used to move your car down the road. But the potential to improve fuel efficiency with advanced technologies is enormous. Full Story ››


2009 Cars

Car
A lot of familiar cars are getting a facelift for 2010, and several all-new models will soon be driving around your neighborhood. Get a sneak-peek at the newest hardware here. Full Story ››

Featured Dealers

50 '08 Chevy Trailblazers 4 X 4 low miles starting at $14,888. Full Story ››


Bob Mayberry Hyundai
It's OK at Bob Mayberry Hyundai! Click here for "Internet Only" specials Full Story ››


Your 24-hour x 7-day a week Online Honda Superstore Is Just a Click Away! Full Story ››


Delivery to your Door! Full Story ››