Green Car's Top 5 of 2006

The five vehicles shown here are distinguished among their peers as exemplifying the best in environmental performance while meeting the criteria of the Green Car of the Year nomination process. Green Car Journal staff considered scores of vehicles offering varying degrees of environmental performance, comprising a variety of fuels and technologies. These include near-zero emission gasoline vehicles, advanced diesels, hybrids, and vehicles running on ethanol, electricity, natural gas, LPG, and hydrogen. While all current models are eligible for consideration, newness is a factor, with vehicles in the early phase of their production cycle given particular weight. The vehicles on this page stand apart as worthy of inclusion on Green Car Journal’s “Top 5” list for 2006 and consideration by our 11 jurors for the Green Car of the Year honor.

2006 HONDA ACCORD HYBRID
Honda’s Accord Hybrid is this company’s top-of-the-line sedan, featuring more horsepower and greater performance than the conventional Accord V-6, plus higher fuel economy and lower emissions.

Passenger capacity: 5
Engine: 3.0-liter V-6, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions: AT-PZEV
Combined horsepower: 253
EPA est. city/hwy mpg: 25/34
Towing capacity, lbs: Not Rated
Base MSRP: $30,990

2006 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID
The all-new Civic Hybrid is a breakthrough vehicle that offers high fuel economy along with the latest in safety systems, plus the ability to run on gas or electric power.

Passenger capacity: 5
Engine: 1.3-liter inline-four, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions: SULEV (AT-PZEV in certain states)
Combined horsepower: 110
EPA est. city/hwy mpg: 49/51
Towing capacity, lbs: Not Rated
Base MSRP: $21,850

2006 LEXUS RX 400h
The Lexus RX 400h brings high levels of comfort and luxury to the hybrid market, along with an abundance of horsepower, very low emissions, and excellent fuel economy for an SUV.

Passenger capacity: 7
Engine: 3.3-liter V-6, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions: SULEV
Combined horsepower: 268
EPA est. city/hwy mpg: 33/28
Towing capacity, lbs: 3500
Base MSRP: $44,660

2006 MERCURY MARINER HYBRID
An upscale follow-up to the well received Ford Escape Hybrid, the 2006 Mariner Hybrid brings a refreshingly green element to the Lincoln Mercury showroom, plus high fuel economy and extremely low emissions for a full-function SUV.

Passenger capacity: 5
Engine: 2.3-liter inline-four, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions: SULEV (AT-PZEV in certain states)
Combined horsepower: 133
EPA est. city/hwy mpg: 33/29
Towing capacity, lbs: 1000
Base MSRP: $29,225

2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
Toyota’s accommodating Highlander Hybrid offers V-8-like performance with fuel economy closer to that of a four or six cylinder engine, plus 3500 pound towing capability and seven passenger seating.

Passenger capacity: 7
Engine: 3.3-liter V-6, gasoline-electric hybrid
Emissions: SULEV
Combined horsepower: 268
EPA est. city/hwy mpg: 33/28
Towing capacity, lbs: 3500
Base MSRP: $33,030