The Most Efficient Cars of 2021
For quite some time, car manufacturers have been challenged with the task of developing green cars that are better for the environment. This pressure has come from both government agencies and from a public that wants a greener, climate-friendly future. Over the past several years, green technology has come a long way.
Manufacturers know that not only must their vehicles be climate-friendly, they must also be comfortable to drive and must not sacrifice power for efficiency. Even though this is a challenging task, manufacturers have now developed some of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market and ones that are fun to drive. This list includes many different vehicle categories from all-electric to hybrids and fuel-efficient gasoline models. It includes vehicles in many different categories. Let's take a look at some of the best green cars for 2021.
10. 2021 Mini Cooper Electric
Mini Cooper drivers are not afraid to stand out from the crowd, and now they can stand out even more with the Mini Cooper Electric model. The performance of the Mini Cooper Electric has been described as zippy and athletic. (1) This year, they also upgraded a few of the technology packages, including navigation, and it now has a digital gauge cluster that is easy to read. (1) We included this one on the list because it is fun, but it is not always the most practical because of its size. What it lacks in cargo capacity, it makes up in style.
9. 2021 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size business-class sedan with an elegant and refined appearance on the outside and a luxurious interior. Camry drivers are used to amenities like dual-zone automatic climate control, a smart key system, and selectable driving mode options. (2) Now, you can get this passenger favorite in a plug-in hybrid model that gets 51 mpge city and 53 mpge highway. (2) This plug-in hybrid gives you the option of a sport-tuned suspension and exclusive sport side rocker panels to give it the look of a performance car when you choose these options. (2)
8. 2021 Honda Clarity
The Honda Clarity is available as a plug-in hybrid model and as a fuel-cell-powered model. (3) Honda is famous for its line of passenger cars that make excellent daily drivers and have the amenities drivers love the most, such as heated seats and advanced technology packages. Now, they offer greener alternatives to their standard sedans. The plug-in hybrid has a 340-mile combined range, and the fuel cell model has a 360-mile combined range. (3) Honda has a reputation for reliability and cars that last a long time.
7. 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Volvo has committed to becoming carbon neutral by the year 2040. (9) As part of this initiative, it has introduced the Volvo XC40 Recharge that offers everything you want from a compact SUV in an environmentally-friendly package. It delivers 402 horsepower and comes with a standard all-wheel-drive. (4) It has a dual-motor powertrain that delivers impressive acceleration and performance. You also get the classic design and style that you expect from the Volvo line of luxury vehicles. The XC40 gives you everything you love about a compact SUV and over 200 miles of driving range per charge. (4)
6. 2021 Toyota Sienna
If you are looking for a green automobile for the whole family, you need to know that the 2021 Toyota Sienna was voted the Family Green Car of the Year. (5) This recognition was the result of a feature-rich interior and advanced hybrid powertrain. It delivers an impressive 245 horsepower and a combined fuel economy of 36 mpg. (5) Its long list of standard features includes seven USB ports for all of your devices, smartphone integration, a generous touch screen display, and a long list of advanced safety and driver-assistive technology. (5) If you have a family to take along with all of their gear, this is one that you should check out.
5. 2021 Toyota Prius
This would not be a proper list of green automobiles unless a Toyota Prius model was included. Prius was one of the first to experiment with hybrid and plug-in technology. One of the things that makes the Toyota Prius models stand out is that they have a reputation for long engine life and long battery life. They also have feature-rich interiors with the latest technology. This year, Toyota Prius features an all-wheel-drive hybrid model that gets 47 combined mpge. (6) Surprisingly, its gasoline model gets better gas mileage than its plug-in model. This year's 2021 Toyota Prius ECO gets 56 combined MPG and has a total range of gasoline 633 miles (7).
4. Hyundai Ioniq Blue
The Hyundai Ioniq Blue is a luxury, large four-door sedan that has impressive power and a comfortable ride. This plug-in hybrid gets 59 combined MPGe, making it an excellent alternative for those who do not want to sacrifice a luxury ride but still want to save on their monthly fuel bill. (7) Not only is it a plug-in hybrid, but it also uses start/stop technology to improve its fuel efficiency even more when on gasoline power. (7) This hatchback has a large passenger volume and plenty of room for cargo behind the seat. (7)
3. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford has done something that no one could have possibly expected when green technology was in its infancy. The Ford Mustang is an iconic muscle car, and now, you can have the same iconic muscle car performance only in an all-electric version. The Mach-E is sleek and aggressive, making it a work of engineering art on the outside and the inside. It has all of the technology you expect from a performance vehicle, and you can get a 100 mpge combined efficiency and a 230-mile range. (8) The Mach E is impressive in its looks, its comfort, and it proves that you do not have to sacrifice a thing when it comes to green technology.
2. Tesla Model S Performance
In government tests for the most energy-efficient and best electric cars, Tesla occupies the top five slots. We included the Tesla Model S because it shows that green technology does not have to be boring. This performance model features elegant lines that mean business. it handles like a sports car and has excellent acceleration. It gives you a track-like feel and has a race-car feel in its cockpit. It is fun to drive, and it gets 110 combined mpge. (8) Tesla hit the mark when it designed the Model S for drivers like a little more thrilling experience from their ride.
1. 2021 Tesla Model 3
It is probably not surprising that our number one pick for green automobiles is the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 has a 353-mile range and costs around $0.82 to drive 25 miles. (8) Not only is it an efficient car, but it is also one of a few mid-sized all-electric cars with all-wheel-drive. It has a comfortable interior and the amenities that you would expect from a luxury sedan. It is an excellent choice for a daily driver to save money and for longer trips because of its range.
One of the concerns that many people have about owning a plug-in hybrid or hybrid is the availability of charging stations. Many of today's models can be charged on a special home charger that allows you to use a special outlet in your home. Charging stations are becoming more numerous, and it is easy to find one, especially if you live near a larger city. If you have been thinking about going green with your driving habits, this top 10 list should give you a good place to start in choosing your next green vehicle.
