Kelley Blue Book Names Top 10 Green Cars for 2010
Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Volkswagen Golf TDI lead Kelley Blue Book’s annual ranking of the most eco-friendly cars available in 2010.
Kelley Blue Book, the United States’ largest automotive vehicle valuation company, published its 2010 ranking of the top 10 green cars to coincide with Earth Day. The list highlights a wide range of vehicles, from compact hatchbacks to hybrid SUVs, all recognised for their low emissions and high fuel efficiency. The ranking reflects the growing diversity of eco-friendly cars available to buyers, encompassing hybrids, clean diesels, and efficient petrol models.
Kelley Blue Book's 2010 Top 10 Green Cars List
How Kelley Blue Book Chose the Top Green Cars
Kelley Blue Book selected the top 10 green cars of 2010 based on two main criteria: fuel economy within each vehicle’s class and relatively low carbon emissions. The company, based in Irvine, California, is known for providing car prices, values and reviews for both new and used vehicles. Its annual green car ranking aims to help environmentally conscious consumers make informed choices by showcasing the best options for reducing running costs and environmental impact.
The 2010 list demonstrates that buyers no longer need to compromise on size or capability to drive a greener vehicle. Options range from small, city-friendly hatchbacks to larger SUVs capable of towing, all while offering improved fuel efficiency compared to their conventional counterparts.
The 2010 Top 10 Green Cars
- Toyota Prius
- Honda Insight
- Ford Fusion Hybrid
- Volkswagen Golf TDI
- MINI Cooper
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Honda Fit
- BMW 335d
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Highlights from the List
The Toyota Prius, in its third generation for 2010, remains the most prominent hybrid on the market. Its official US rating of up to 51 miles per gallon (about 4.6 l/100km) in city driving set the benchmark for fuel efficiency among mainstream models at the time. The Honda Insight, another hybrid, also offered strong efficiency, appealing to those seeking lower emissions in a compact format.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid, a mid-size saloon, was notable for its claimed 41 mpg in city driving, making it one of the most efficient petrol-powered saloons then available. Volkswagen’s Golf TDI represented clean diesel technology, providing high mileage and lower CO2 emissions compared to most petrol rivals. The BMW 335d offered a performance-oriented diesel option, combining power with improved fuel economy.
Not all cars on the list are hybrids or diesels. The MINI Cooper and the Honda Fit (known as the Jazz in some markets) were included for their efficient petrol engines and practical design, making them suitable for urban driving while keeping emissions low.
Green SUVs and Family Vehicles
Larger vehicles also made the cut, demonstrating that size need not be a barrier to improved efficiency. The Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid were all recognised for their ability to deliver lower emissions and better fuel economy than their conventional SUV counterparts. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, in particular, stood out by offering towing capacity of up to 5,200 pounds while still achieving 22 miles per gallon (about 10.7 l/100km), showing that even full-size SUVs could be made more environmentally friendly.
Variety of Technologies for Green-Minded Buyers
The 2010 ranking reflects a significant shift in the automotive market, with manufacturers offering a wider range of technologies aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Buyers could choose between conventional petrol-powered cars with efficient engines, hybrids blending petrol and electric power, and diesels using advanced emissions controls. This variety gave consumers more flexibility to select a vehicle that suited their needs and driving habits without sacrificing environmental considerations.
Kelley Blue Book’s annual green car list highlights how eco-friendly vehicles have become more accessible and diverse, appealing to a broader audience. The inclusion of models like the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and BMW 335d illustrates that green credentials are no longer limited to small, economy-focused cars. Instead, families and drivers needing larger vehicles or higher performance could also find options that balance practicality with environmental responsibility.
Looking Ahead
The 2010 top 10 green cars list from Kelley Blue Book underscored the ongoing evolution in the automotive industry, with more choices for buyers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. As technology continues to advance, the range and capability of green vehicles are likely to expand further, offering even more options for environmentally conscious drivers in the years to come.
For those interested in how safety compared across the same year, see our coverage of the 2010 IIHS Top Safety Picks /safest-cars-2010 .
