The most efficient gas or hybrid cars of 2024: Not the greenest, but still very green

Not a single electric vehicle appears on the “greener choices” list assembled by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) in its annual compilation of the most environmentally friendly cars in the United States.

But for potential car buyers seeking an efficient, fairly affordable gasoline or hybrid vehicle this year, the list of 12 cars, trucks and SUVs can help with decision making. Topping this year’s list was the gas/hybrid Honda Accord, priced at $33,990 with an estimated annual fuel cost of $982.

Rank
Make & Model
Powertrain
Vehicle Class
Green
Score
MSRP
Estimated Annual
Fuel Cost*

1
Honda Accord
Gas Hybrid
Large Car
62
$33,990
$982

2
Kia Niro FE
Gas Hybrid
Compact SUV
61
$28,315
$885

3
Mitsubishi Mirage
Gas
Compact Car
59
$17,955
$1,189

4
Lexus ES 300h
Gas Hybrid
Midsize Car
59
$44,590
$1,073

5
Lexus NX 350h
Gas Hybrid
Midsize SUV
57
$43,465
$1,207

6
Ford Maverick
Gas Hybrid
Compact Pickup
55
$24,900
$1,297

7
Toyota Sienna
Gas Hybrid
Minivan
55
$39,080
$1,304

8
Mini Cooper Convertible
Gas
Subcompact Car
54
$35,700
$1,412

9
Toyota Highlander
Gas Hybrid
Large SUV
54
$40,720
$1,348

10
Kia Soul
Gas
Small Wagon
53
$21,565
$1,467

11
BMW Z4 sDrive30i
Gas
Two-Seater
50
$53,600
$1,626

12
Mercedes-Benz GLA250
Gas Hybrid
Large Van
49
$43,000
$1,596

13
Volvo V90CC B6
Gas Hybrid
Midsize Wagon
45
$59,800
$1,843

14
Ford Ranger
Gas
Standard Pickup
43
$32,670
$1,968

*ACEEE analysis using EIA data of the annual cost of driving 15,000 miles

In making its evaluations, the ACEEE examines each 2024 model based on its cost to human health from air pollution associated with vehicle manufacturing and disposal, the production and distribution of fuel or electricity, and vehicle tailpipe emissions. The group also takes into account air pollution associated with EV battery manufacturing.

The organization also ranks what it calls the “greenest” cars — it selected the Toyota Prius Prime SE plug-in hybrid is the greenest model of 2024. As well as the
“Meanest.’’ or least efficient vehicle. At the top of that list this year was Mercedes-Benz AMG G63.

The group says that the greener choices are those that are available nationwide “with among the lowest environmental impacts in each vehicle class but that didn’t make the Greenest List. The Greener Choices list does not include EVs (including PHEVs) because some drivers do not have adequate access to EV charging.”