In recognition of Earth Day 2017 on Saturday, April 22, the editors at Kelley Blue Book have named their top picks of eco-friendly new cars available under $40,000.
The variety of hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles recommended by KBB.com editors all offer stellar fuel economy for the environmentally conscious new-car shopper and auto insurance client.
“With each new model year there are more 'green car' choices than ever before,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.
Related: 20 best cars for the money in 2017
Purchasing an environmentally-friendly vehicle may be a smart decision for the Earth, and for your client's wallet. Take a look at Kelley Blue Book's picks as the top 10 hybrid cars under $40,000:
This Wednesday, March 23, 2016, file photo shows the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at the New York International Auto Show, in New York. The Toyota Highlander is the top midsize SUV in Consumer Reports' annual rankings, released Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
|10. 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
“Three rows of seating, 30 mpg in the city and Toyota reliability make the Highlander Hybrid a tempting SUV.”
Starting price: $37,230
Fuel economy: 29 mpg combined (30 city/28 hwy)
System power: 306 horsepower
(Photo: Toyota.com)
|9. 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid
“Start with the best-selling car in the country, add 40-mpg fuel economy, and you've got something special.”
Starting price: $27,675
Fuel economy: 40 mpg combined (42 city/38 hwy)
System power: 200 horsepower
(Photo: Chevrolet.com)
|8. 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
“The Malibu Hybrid is among the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the market, leveraging a version of the same gas-electric hybrid architecture that drives the newest Chevrolet Volt.”
Starting price: $28,750
Fuel economy: 46 mpg combined (49 city/43 hwy)
System power: 182 horsepower
(Photo: Toyota.com)
|7. 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
“Equipped with the same proven Hybrid Synergy Drive system that powers the Camry Hybrid, the all-wheel-drive RAV4 Hybrid combines class-leading fuel economy with ride height, cargo flexibility and go-anywhere attitude.”
Starting price: $29,990
Fuel economy: 32 mpg combined (34 city/30 hwy)
System power: 194 horsepower
(Photo: HyundaiUSA.com)
|6. 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
“The third of five midsize sedans on this list, the Sonata Hybrid is appealing for all the same reasons as the traditional, gas-only Sonata…it's roomy, comfortable and has one of the segment's best-designed and most practical interiors.”
Starting price: $26,835
Fuel economy: 42 mpg combined (39 city/45 hwy)
System power: 193 horsepower
(Photo: Kia.com)
|5. 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
“Like its Hyundai Sonata corporate cousin, the edgier Kia Optima midsize sedan also is available as an efficient, smooth-driving hybrid.”
Starting price: $26,890
Fuel economy: 42 mpg combined (39 city/46 hwy)
System power: 192 horsepower
The 2017 Kia Niro sits on display at the Chicago Auto Show Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
|4. 2017 Kia Niro
“The new-from-the-ground-up Kia Niro is a dedicated hybrid vehicle for efficiency-minded drivers who'd rather drive something that looks more like a regular car.”
Starting price: $23,785
Fuel economy: 50 mpg combined (52 city/49 hwy)
System power: 139 horsepower
(Photo: Honda.com)
|3. 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
“In addition to its highly efficient, well-integrated powertrain, the Accord Hybrid delivers all the comfort, convenience and excellent resale value of its more established sibling.”
Starting price: $30,480
Fuel economy: 48 mpg combined (49 city/47 hwy)
System power: 212 horsepower
The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid vehicle is shown at the New York International Auto Show, Wednesday, March 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
|2. 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
“Hyundai's first foray into the dedicated hybrid market, the Ioniq debuts as nothing less than the most fuel-efficient hybrid on the market.”
Starting price: $23,035
Fuel economy: 58 mpg combined (57 city/59 hwy)
System power: 139 horsepower
(Photo: Toyota.com)
|1. 2017 Toyota Prius
“The competition has never been stiffer, but the proven Prius remains king of the hybrids.”
Starting price: $25,570
Fuel economy: 52 mpg combined (54 city/50 hwy)
System power: 306 horsepower
More interested in an electric car? Here are the 5 best electric cars under $40,000, according to Kelley Blue Book:
(Photo: Shutterstock)
|5 best electric cars under $40,000
5. 2017 Nissan Leaf
Starting price: $31,545
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 112 MPGe
Range per full charge: 107 miles
Charge time at 240V: About 6 hours
4. 2017 Kia Soul EV
Starting price: $33,145
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 105 MPGe
Range per full charge: 93 miles
Charge time at 240V: 4.8 hours
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 119 MPGe
Range per full charge: 125 miles
Charge time at 240V: 5.3 hours
2. 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
Starting price: $30,335
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 136 MPGe
Range per full charge: 124 miles
Charge time at 240V: 4.4 hours
1. 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Starting price: $37,495
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 119 MPGe
Range per full charge: 238 miles
Charge time at 240V: 9.3 hours
Plug-in hybrid cars are also an eco-friendly option. Check out Kelley Blue Book's top 5 most recommended plug-in hybrid cars under $40,000:
The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is shown at the New York International Auto Show, Wednesday, March 23, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
|5 best plug-in hybrid cars under $40,000
5. 2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
Starting price: $39,859
Electric range: 16 miles (380 miles total)
Hybrid Mode Fuel economy: 34 mpg
Approx. charge time: 2.3 hours (249V), 8 hours (120V)
4. 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
Starting price: $35,434
Electric range: 27 miles (590 miles total)
Hybrid Mode Fuel economy: 39 mpg
Approx. charge time: 3 hours (240V), 9 hours (120V)
3. 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid
Starting price: $36,105
Electric range: 29 miles (610 miles total)
Hybrid Mode Fuel economy: 40 mpg
Approx. charge time: 3 hours (240V), 9 hours (120V)
2. 2017 Chevrolet Volt
Starting price: $34,095
Electric range: 53 miles (420 miles total)
Hybrid Mode Fuel economy: 42 mpg
Approx. charge time: 4.5 hours (240V), 13 hours (120V)
1. 2017 Toyota Prius Prime
Starting price: $27,985
Electric range: 25 miles (640 miles total)
Hybrid Mode Fuel economy: 54 mpg
Approx. charge time: 2.2 hours (240V), 5.5 hours (120V)
Related: 15 new vehicles you should avoid
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Jayleen R. Heft
Jayleen Heft is the digital content editor for PropertyCasualty360.com. Contact her at [email protected].
