In honor of Earth Day, April 22 2012, we took a look at which vehicles are noted for being eco-friendly. Hybrids, Electric, Diesel and even some fuel-sipping gasoline cars made the list.
Cars.com winner for 2012 Eco-Friendly car of the Year
Starting MSRP $25,995 - GET QUOTE
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| As a nominee for Cars.com's Best of 2012, the Volkswagen Passat has clearly impressed us as a roomy, high-quality sedan. The TDI clean-diesel version is also our Best Car for Green Drivers. Rated at an EPA-estimated 30/40 mpg city/highway with an automatic transmission, the Passat TDI is an alternative to the base gasoline model, rated 22/31 mpg with an automatic. The Passat TDI wins this award both for its execution and because of what it represents: an efficient alternative to hybrids — whose driving quirks are objectionable to some buyers — and to plug-in cars that are priced higher and have inherent limitations. |
A look at other vehicles that are also considered Eco-friendly according to Cars.com:
 | Chevrolet Volt (2012)
Starting MSRP $39,145
Having owned a Volt for a year, Cars.com is convinced of its appeal for motorists who want to drive electric but can't own a separate car for longer trips. For a first-year model, our 2011 has been largely trouble-free.
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 | Ford Escape Hybrid (2012)
Starting MSRP $30,570
The first-ever hybrid SUV in 2005, the Escape Hybrid is still admirably efficient in its final year — rated at 34/31 mpg city/highway. Why Ford will discontinue it for the new generation is a mystery.
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 | Ford Fusion Hybrid (2012)
Starting MSRP $28,700
Entering its third model year, the Fusion Hybrid (Cars.com's Best of 2010 award winner) is one of the most efficient midsize sedans, rated 41/36 mpg city/highway. It's also proved to be exceptionally reliable — even more so than the gas-only Fusion.
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 | Honda Civic HF (2012)
Starting MSRP $19,455
Rated 29/41 mpg city/highway, the Civic's HF version is another gas-only car that makes you question the necessity of a higher-priced hybrid, which Honda also offers; the HF feels more natural to drive than hybrids do.
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 | Lexus CT 200h (2012)
Starting MSRP $29,120
After years of fielding hybrid cars with so-so mileage, Lexus has gone all-in with one that delivers an estimated 43/40 mpg city/highway. Though it's not particularly quick, the relatively affordable CT 200h is more fun to drive than most hybrids.
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 | Lexus RX 450h (2012)
Starting MSRP $45,235
Rated 32/28 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive, the RX 450h provides an excellent combination of efficiency, roominess and luxury. Unlike some luxury hybrids, it's truly efficient and not designed just to justify a luxury purchase.
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 | Toyota Camry Hybrid (2012)
Starting MSRP $25,900
The redesigned 2012 Camry Hybrid updates a model whose mileage had fallen desperately behind. Now rated 43/39 mpg city/highway, it surpasses its main competitor, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The hybrid is arguably the best-executed version of the redesigned Camry.
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 | Toyota Prius (2012)
Starting MSRP TBA
The Prius' driving experience is less than compelling, but there's a reason it's the undisputed king of motoring efficiency: It gets an estimated 51/48 mpg at a reasonable price. End of story.
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