If you’re in the market for an SUV, you want to do your part to save the environment. It can be challenging to find one that fits the bill.
But with the right amount of research, you can find the right car. Meanwhile, this will suit your needs and satisfy your conscience simultaneously.
Here’s a list of some of the top Eco-friendly SUV cars on the market today. Plus, some of their advantages and disadvantages compared to their gas-guzzling counterparts.
1. BYD e6
The BYD e6 is one of the top eco-friendly SUVs and a plug-in hybrid electric car. It was designed with an all-electric range of 100 kilometers.
That’s pretty standard for most SUVs, but what sets it apart is its 300 kilometers per liter fuel economy.
Besides, it has a top speed of 186 miles per hour (300 km/h).
It also features some pretty futuristic tech, like solar panels on both sides. It also has an excellent ambient light and image display.
In other words, even if you don’t care about saving money or reducing your carbon footprint. There are some fun reasons to consider buying one. Plus, it looks fabulous!
2. Smart Fortwo Electric Drive
Do you think you can’t do anything to help save the environment while driving an Eco-friendly SUV? Think again. The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive emits no carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gasses. It’s one of several electric vehicles on sale today.
It can take your life and drive it into a greener future. It is evident, not for everyone. Besides, this little thing only seats two, but it might be worth looking into if you want to go green.
3. Chevrolet Bolt EV
This is Chevy’s long-range, all-electric vehicle. It starts at around $35,000. The Bolt doesn’t have many bells and whistles compared to other Eco-friendly SUVs.
However, it does get 200 miles per charge. Suppose you want a car that gets you from point A to point B. Without burning tons of gas or contributing to pollution, it is one of your best options.
The second bonus is that it has relatively roomy seating (for an EV). And can even tow a small boat or camper up to 1,500 pounds!
4. Tesla Model S 75D
The Tesla Model S is one of the many Eco-friendly SUVs available on today’s market. It has a max range of 253 miles. And its all-electric powertrain allows it to operate without creating any emissions at all.
However, while it’s highly efficient and environmentally friendly, it doesn’t come cheap. The Model S 75D costs approximately $79,500.
Still, if you can afford it, there are few better ways to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. Better than in an electric car like Tesla’s Model S.
5. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Suppose you’re looking for a top list of Eco-friendly SUVs and want to save gas and be environmentally friendly.
You should check out Toyota’s hybrid models. If you don’t mind driving a little further, California is a great place to find cars like these.
Besides, some incentives encourage people to buy greener vehicles. The Highlander Hybrid gives off just 41 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
And it can get up to 21 miles per gallon while providing plenty of room for all your cargo even though it might not look like it, with 143 cubic feet of space behind its third row.
Moreover, there’s ample room for all your luggage on any trip. Plus, if aesthetics matter to you, it comes in seven different colors!
6. Volkswagen e-Golf
The all-electric e-Golf boasts a 125-mile range (an average of around 33 kWh). It’s powered by an electric motor that produces 134 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque.
Volkswagen says it charges 80 percent capacity in less than 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. Therefore, it can be fully charged using a 240V outlet in as little as two hours.
Though slower, 120V charging still allows you up to 1,000 miles before you need to stop for gas. This means you could drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas with only one stop for charging. Plus, its all-wheel-drive system puts power where needed and is also an Eco-friendly SUV.
7. Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Ioniq EV makes sense for drivers who want to save money on fuel and reduce their environmental impact. A single charge takes about 3 hours.
That should give you enough juice to drive around 100 miles at a steady speed of 50 mph. Meanwhile, you can expect between 64 and 124 miles per charge, depending on driving conditions.
Some buyers also like that you don’t have to wait until your Eco-friendly SUV car is fully charged since it has an electric engine and a gas engine that kicks in as needed.
Besides, if you need something roomier, check out its more conventional hybrid cousin, which gets up to 58 mpg.
8. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
A 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery. Chevrolet’s Malibu Hybrid has been dubbed one of America’s Cleanest Vehicles by Popular Science Magazine.
It costs an extra $7,700 to purchase but saves drivers as much as $900 per year in fuel costs. It was taking its rank as one of the top Eco-friendly SUV cars, voted the best green vehicle by Auto Week and Green Car Journal.
Its battery can also be recharged from household outlets. Therefore, it is ready for use again after 10 minutes of charging time. This hybrid gets 27 miles per gallon on city streets and 33 mpg on highway roads.
It has both excellent numbers for its class. Another plus? It offers all of these impressive stats without sacrificing power or performance.
9. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is considered one of the top Eco-friendly SUV cars on the market. Its gliding motion, zero tailpipe emissions, and distance range between charges (100 miles).
This, therefore, made it a favorite among environmentally conscious consumers who are looking for more space for their stuff.
In addition, you get all those extra perks that come with buying a new car. Such as monthly payments and factory support. Just make sure your driveway is wide enough.
Moreover, it’s not designed to fit into conventional spaces. It can also help invest in unique accessories to keep it from getting stuck on snowy days, especially when parking becomes difficult.
10. Honda Clarity EV
Starting at $33,400, The Honda Clarity is equipped with two doors and five seats. This model runs on electricity and can travel up to 89 miles on a single charge.
The Clarity runs through a battery charger that requires 220 volts and 16 amps of power. Meanwhile, it’s not very practical for long road trips, however, as a city car with quick fill-ups at charging stations throughout town.
And also, as the top Eco-friendly SUV, they can be used in modes of transportation.
In other words, you won’t have to worry about driving range anxiety or searching for gas stations.
11. Ford Focus Electric
The Ford Focus Electric is a stylish and Eco-friendly SUV electric car. It has a 105-mile range, making it ideal for long trips.
The all-electric vehicle uses hybrid technology that accelerates quickly and gets up to speed fast. However, this makes it great for family road trips or commuting to work every day.
It can take as little as three hours to charge your battery fully. So you don’t have to wait long between charges at all.
Overall, an excellent choice for eco-friendly families looking for something fashionable. And may also want some awesome features like satellite radio, keyless entry and ignition, and voice control.
In addition, owners get free access to Cargo and Zipcar vehicles through those two companies’ car-sharing programs!
12. Toyota Camry Hybrid LE
If you’re into hybrid cars, you may have heard of Prius. They are known for their power sources, but they’re also one of the most recognizable nameplates on roads today.
Of course, not everyone can afford a brand new car—or even a used one. Besides, we created our list of top Eco-friendly SUVs to save you some time!
As someone interested in being more environmentally friendly. Be sure to check out these great cars that use gasoline powertrains.
At the same time, it also has higher gas mileage than your average compact car! These four-door sedans are great for commuting and errands around town. So feel free to take a test drive or two at your local dealer!
13. Toyota Prius Two Eco
With a sticker price starting at $33,400, it’s not cheap. But there is no fuel cost, and the car has been certified for use in California’s high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
The Clarity is an electric car that can run on hydrogen fuel cells. In addition, they are powered by a combination of electricity and water.
Most vehicles running on battery power must be plugged into an outlet to charge up. You can refuel a Clarity yourself with water from your kitchen sink using Honda’s hydrogen fueling station!
As soon as it’s available at dealerships next year, you can get your Eco-friendly SUV!
14. Mercedes Benz
Mercedes has been an innovator in making green cars; their 2012 GL 350 Bluetec is no exception. Not only does it boast a powerful diesel engine.
But it also features things like brake energy regeneration and improved aerodynamics. In addition to these features, it makes it one of America’s most fuel-efficient SUVs.
The GL 350 is rated for as much as 30 MPG on highways, making it an excellent choice for drivers who want to go green.
And also still need a capable vehicle for family vacations or commuting. Plus, with seating for up to seven passengers and roomy cargo space. There’s no tradeoff when you choose this Eco-friendly SUV.
15. Lexus RX 450h
This luxury hybrid is fuel-efficient, sleek, and safe. It features a 268 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine combined with two electric motors (one for each axle).
This makes it deliver an extra 132 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. As one Eco-friendly SUV car, its RX 450h has an EPA estimated mileage rating of 25 mpg.
And 31 highways with 28 combined, this makes it just as capable on both roads and off-road and the comfort for up to seven passengers.
Moreover, its safety features include front-seat side airbags, curtain airbags, and traction control systems. The 2013 model costs around $51,000, with average monthly payments over 60 months being approximately $930.
16. Nissan leaf
This Nissan Leaf is one of only a few electric vehicles available to consumers. And it can take you up to 90 miles on just one charge. Not bad!
What’s even better? It only takes 30 minutes for a full charge. The Leaf is also one Eco-friendly SUV advantage due to its streamlining.
Meanwhile, its aerodynamic design cuts back on wind resistance. In addition, it offers plenty of legroom for tall drivers and has an overall sleek design.
This car will make you feel like driving environmentally friendly never looked so good!
17. Kia Niro FE
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly car, a crossover is one of your best bets. The Kia Niro FE is a new addition to Kia’s lineup, and it’s got all kinds of cool things going for it.
It’s also an Eco-friendly SUV, or car, of your choice that comes with several different drive modes. Though, you’ll benefit from ultra-high fuel economy ratings and lots of other green features in every mode.
Conclusion
It may be hard to believe, but they are Eco-friendly SUVs! Sure, they’re larger and heavier than most other cars on the road. And sure, they don’t get great gas mileage.
However, that doesn’t mean they can’t save you money while saving your local ecosystem! By choosing one of these green SUVs, you can do your part to save Earth.
While also getting a car that meets all your everyday needs. On top of all that, driving an SUV doesn’t require any compromise.
You have to choose wisely when picking out a model. With our help, finding an eco-friendly vehicle is easier than ever before. You deserve it; we promise!
