5 Cars That Are Environmentally Friendly and Awesome For Your Budget
When you’re shopping for a new car, it’s natural to want the one that is good value and that will last you a long time. If a car is well-made and has solid resale value, it can be a great investment. However, when it comes to environmental friendliness and cost of ownership, not all cars are created equal. Some cars are more expensive than others to maintain or have an engine that requires premium gas or diesel. There are plenty of factors that go into determining which car is best for your budget and your conscience. The same goes for the environment. This list details six awesome cars with eco-friendly attributes that won’t hurt your bank account or the planet.
Toyota Prius
The Prius is the poster child for green cars. It’s easy to see why, too. The Prius has a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 121 horsepower. This package gives the vehicle excellent fuel economy at 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, the Prius is one of the cleanest cars on the road. The EPA estimates that the Prius emits 99 grams of CO2 per mile. This is less than half the emissions of a typical gasoline-powered car. The Prius is a great car for city dwellers. It has a large gas tank that can last up to 650 miles. The car’s Eco mode makes it easy to drive efficiently, too. The only drawback is that the Prius isn’t the most exciting car to drive. The ride is stiff, and the cabin can be loud when the road is rough.
Honda Accord Hybrid
The Accord Hybrid is a great car for those who want to go hybrid but aren’t interested in the Prius. The Accord Hybrid has the same 2-motor hybrid powertrain as the Prius but has a more luxurious, softer ride. Both cars have comparable fuel economy, but since the Accord Hybrid isn’t as efficient overall, it has a larger gas tank that can go up to 800 miles. The interior is also roomy and comfortable, which makes it a great daily driver. The Accord Hybrid is part of a family of hybrid models. This means that you have lots of options when it comes to features, like navigation systems and premium sound systems.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is one of the most well-known electric cars. It has an excellent fuel economy of up to 110 MPGe, which is on par with other hybrids. The Leaf also has a driving range of around 150 miles, which is more than enough for city driving. The Leaf has regenerative braking, which is the source of most of its energy. When you apply the brakes, the car uses friction to charge the battery, and this slows you down. The Leaf has a DC fast charging option that can charge the battery to 80% in 30 minutes. A standard outlet charge takes around 8 hours to fully charge a car with a depleted battery.
Hyundai Ioniq
Hyundai’s Ioniq is a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric car that is stylish, modern, and eco-friendly. The Ioniq Hybrid has a fuel economy of 58 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. The Ioniq Energi has a range of around 33 miles on a full charge, which is enough for daily driving, but it might not be enough if you need to go on a longer trip. The Ioniq also has lots of standard features, such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a great infotainment system, and lots of safety tech. For example, the car has a standard Collision Avoidance Assist system that can detect, warn, and even brake to avoid a collision.
Kia Niro
The Niro is a crossover car that can be had with a hybrid powertrain. The hybrid version is the plug-in version, and it has a large 8-hour charge time. The hybrid Niro has a fuel economy of 43 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The hybrid Niro offers the best of both worlds. It has great fuel economy and lots of interior space for a hybrid. It also has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi. The Niro is one of the most stylish hybrids on the road. It looks like a regular crossover but has a hybrid badge on the front grille. The interior is also futuristic, with a large center console that houses infotainment and climate controls. The seat materials are also plush and comfortable.
Conclusion
This list details six awesome eco-friendly cars that won’t hurt your budget. The Toyota Prius is the most popular hybrid on the road. The Honda Accord Hybrid offers a similar hybrid experience but with a more luxurious ride. The Nissan Leaf is an electric car that is great for city driving. The Hyundai Ioniq is a stylish hybrid crossover, and the Kia Niro is a hybrid crossover that is stylish and comfortable. These cars are great options if you’re looking to go green without breaking the bank. They offer the same features and benefits as more expensive eco-friendly cars without having the same costs.
