Sales of electric cars more than tripled in 2024, reaching 6.6 million units sold. Sales of electric and hybrid vehicles are predicted to soar in the near future in the United States, since the government has set a target for all new car sales to be emission-free by 2030.

According to the most recent Zebra Electric Vehicles Report, 60% of consumers have thought about purchasing an electric or hybrid car at some point. We've put up a list of the most environmentally friendly vehicles of 2022 in case you're in the market for a new vehicle and want to look into a more sustainable option.

Once you've decided on an environmentally friendly vehicle, don't forget to get sufficient insurance for it. Before making a purchase, you should research auto insurance rates because the cost of insuring electric and hybrid cars is usually more than that of a conventional automobile.

An eco-friendly car: what is it

An eco-friendly or "green" car is one that emits less pollutants and operates more effectively than a typical car, according to the EPA. Regardless of whether they run on gasoline or an alternative fuel, many cars fall under this wide definition of environmentally friendly automobiles.

Top 10 Car Reviews For Eco-friendly Vehicles

More automobiles now satisfy the requirements for green cars as a result of legislative efforts and improvements in automotive technology. We utilized GreenerCars' rankings of the Greenest and Greener automobiles to create a list of the best eco-friendly cars to help you decide what to buy next, whether it's a completely electric car, an internal combustion engine car with excellent gas efficiency, or anything in between.

Every GreenerCar score is on a scale of 1 to 100, with 2022's top car earning 69. The more fuel-efficient and emission-friendly the vehicle, the higher the score. GreenerCar ratings, fuel economy, and the vehicle's powertrain—the system that propels the vehicle—are all taken into consideration in this list of the greenest automobiles. 

Read also: Car Reviews For Fuel Efficiency

1. The Toyota Prius Prime

The Toyota Prius Prime is the most environmentally friendly vehicle of 2022 and one of the best-selling hybrids. This eco-friendly car has a 640-mile driving range and is ideal for both everyday commuters and road trippers because to its lightweight lithium-ion battery.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 69 out of 100.
• The plug-in hybrid powertrain.
• Fuel efficiency: 54 mpg overall.

2. Plug-in hybrid Hyundai Ioniq

You can choose to utilize gas or electricity wherever you go with the Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, which has a combined driving range of 620 miles. This vehicle offers benefits for both you and the environment, including the ability to drive in all-electric mode and preferential access to HOV lanes based on your location.

Read also: In-depth reviews of electric cars 2024

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 68 out of 100.
• The plug-in hybrid powertrain.
• Fuel efficiency: 52 mpg overall.

3. Two-door Mini Cooper SE Hardtop

With a full charge, the completely electric Mini Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door can go 114 miles and save a significant amount of money on petrol. The SE Hardtop 2 Door may save you up to $1,368 annually in just 15,000 miles, which is just a little bit more than the typical amount of miles driven by Americans.[8]

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 67 out of 100.
• Power source: electric car.
• Fuel efficiency: 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) combined.

4. The Nissan Leaf

This all-electric car has a 110-kilowatt electric motor and a 40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The Nissan LEAF makes the switch to electric vehicles more accessible for the general public by having one of the lowest EV pricing points.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 67 out of 100.
• Power source: electric car.
• Fuel efficiency: 111 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) overall. 

Read also: How to Choose the Right Volkswagen Golf Mk8 for You

5. Plug-in hybrid Kia Niro

Over a five-year period, owners of the award-winning crossover SUV Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid are expected to save about $5,000 on fuel expenses. This PHEV's 560-mile driving range allows you to conveniently avoid pit stops, as if the fuel savings weren't enough.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 65 out of 100.
• The plug-in hybrid powertrain.
• Fuel efficiency: 46 mpg overall.

6. Blue Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue is a gasoline hybrid that ranks first on our list of green vehicles due to its exceptional fuel efficiency, which is comparable to that of the top-ranked eco-friendly automobile.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 65 out of 100.
• Engine: hybrid gasoline.
• Fuel efficiency: 56 mpg overall. 

Read also: Tips for Understanding Car Reliability Ratings

7. The Mazda MX-30

The MX-30, Mazda's first electric car, has a lithium-ion battery with an eight-year warranty, new e-Skyactiv X technology, and a quick charge. Additionally, it can travel 100 miles on a single charge, which is really impressive.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 65 out of 100.
• Power source: electric car.
• Fuel efficiency: 92 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) overall.

8. Hybrid Toyota Corolla

This gasoline hybrid, which employs Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, is the most fuel-efficient iteration of the Corolla. For maximum performance and efficiency, this technology uses lightweight materials and a hybrid battery.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 64 out of 100.
• Engine: hybrid gasoline.
• Fuel efficiency: 50 mpg overall.

9. Insight by Honda

The Honda Insight's aerodynamic shape and hybrid drivetrain let you to drive more and stop at the gas pump less frequently.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 64 out of 100.
• Engine: hybrid gasoline.
• Fuel efficiency: 52 mpg overall.

10. The Hybrid LE Toyota Camry

The Camry Hybrid LE combines an electric motor with a four-cylinder engine with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive to provide excellent performance and fuel efficiency.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 63 out of 100.
• Engine: hybrid gasoline.
• Fuel efficiency: 52 mpg overall.