BEST OF THE NEW GREEN CARS

Best Green Cars You Can Buy Right Now Consumer Reports-recommended cars and SUVs that produce the lowest harmful emissions

By Jeff S. Bartlett April 14, 2023

2023 Hyundai IoniqPhoto: Hyundai

A recent proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency would increase federal vehicle emissions standards and improve air quality significantly. But there are many car choices available now that will reduce both harmful emissions and your transportation costs. To help car shoppers find the models that will reduce their carbon footprint the most, Consumer Reports gives a Green Choice designation to the top 20 percent of new vehicles on the market with the cleanest emissions. Green Choice cars, SUVs, pickups, and minivans are indicated in our ratings by a green leaf icon, and they are gas-powered, hybrid, and electric. Our Car Testing Goes the Extra Mile Get exclusive ratings and reliability scores from CR - testing cars since 1936. Join MORE ON GREEN CHOICES CR's Hybrids/EVs Buying Guide & Ratings How to Find All the Available Electric Car Incentives How to Decide If a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, or Fully Electric Car Is Right for You Will an Electric Car Save You Money? This rating was developed in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program, which rates vehicles for levels of greenhouse gas and smog-forming emissions. (Learn how Consumer Reports designates Green Choices for other products we test.) To further guide shoppers, we filtered the Green Choice vehicles to list just those that earn a Consumer Report’s recommendation, factoring in road-test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. (Learn more about CR’s car ratings.) The following Green Choices have strong Overall Scores and low emissions. Click through the model names for complete ratings, including fuel economy (for gas-powered vehicles) and range for all. Cars BMW i4 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Lexus ES300h Kia Niro (Hybrid) Kia Niro EV Nissan Leaf Tesla Model 3 Toyota Camry Hybrid Toyota Corolla Toyota Corolla Hatchback Toyota Corolla Hybrid Volkswagen JettaSUVs, Trucks, Minivans BMW iX Ford Escape Hybrid Ford Maverick Hybrid Genesis GV60 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Kia EV6 Kia Sorento Hybrid Kia Sportage Hybrid Lexus NX350h Lexus RX350h Lexus UX250h Subaru Solterra Toyota bZ4X Toyota Highlander Hybrid Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Toyota RAV4 Prime Toyota Sienna Toyota VenzaElectric Cars 101 The Answers to All Your EV Questions Product reviews are everywhere, but are they truly unbiased? Based on data? Even real? At Consumer Reports, our reviews are backed by scientists, engineers, journalists, and researchers who work tirelessly to test and rate the products and services you use every day. Not just so that you can buy an appliance or car with confidence, but also to help raise standards for all consumers. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the support of our members. So become a member today because when you join CR, you do so much more than just gain access to our independent ratings and reviews. You help us fight for fair deals and safe products for all consumers. Become a Member Now Jeff S. Bartlett Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSBartlett.