Every year, the Green Car Journal names the top green cars and green SUVs of the year.
These are the ten finalists for the best 2020 Green Car of the Year and best 2020 Green SUV of the year, from Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Toyota and Subaru, with fuel efficiency ratings up to 52MPG.
This year’s list is exclusively hybrids and plug-in hybrids, including one with a solar panel roof for additional efficiency.
The winner is announced at the LA Auto Show just before Thanksgiving, but any one these ten vehicles is already a winner for fuel efficiency, affordability, safety and value.
2020 Green Car of the Year finalists:
FORD ESCAPE
The 2020 Ford Escape crossover is distinguished with its melding of SUV functionality and car-like design cues. It’s available with efficient internal combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
HYUNDAI SONATA
The all-new Hyundai Sonata offers a compelling and sophisticated design for 2020.
Power is delivered by fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines or a hybrid featuring Hyundai’s first solar panel roof.
KIA SOUL
Kia’s iconic Soul emerges as a new generation for 2020 with more aggressive styling cues highlighting its familiar shape.
Its standard and turbo engines provide up to 35 mpg fuel efficiency.
MAZDA3
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the latest-generation Mazda3 features handsome styling, welcome performance, and driving efficiency courtesy of its SKYACTIV-G2 powerplant.
TOYOTA COROLLA
Featuring its most compelling redesign in decades, the 2020 Toyota Corolla delivers up to 40 highway mpg in conventional models and an impressive 52 combined mpg in hybrid trim.
2020 Green SUV of the Year finalists
FORD EXPLORER HYBRID
Ford’s all-new Explorer Hybrid features a 3.3-liter V-6 and 10-speed modular hybrid transmission, offering three-row, 7 passenger seating, front- and all-wheel drive, and a 5,000-pound tow capability.
HONDA CR-V
The already-fuel efficient Honda CR-V adds a hybrid choice this year that’s powered by Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, offering two- or four-wheel drive operation and exceptional fuel efficiency.
SUBARU CROSSTREK HYBRID
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid represents this automaker’s first plug-in hybrid, powered by a 2.0-liter Boxer engine and two electric motors.
It drives 17 miles on battery power and 480 miles overall.
See my review of the 2020 Subaru Outback from a recent test drive.
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
Toyota’s all-new 2020 Highlander includes a hybrid variant featuring three-row seating for 7 to 8 passengers, front- or all-wheel drive, and estimated fuel efficiency of 34 combined city/highway mpg.
TOYOTA RAV4
The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 is offered in both fuel-efficient gasoline and hybrid versions.
The conventionally-powered RAV4 nets up to 35 highway mpg, with the hybrid rated at 41 mpg.
History of the Green Car and Green SUV awards
Beginning with the very first of the Green Car Awards™ presented at the 2005 LA Auto Show, the Green Car of the Year® has been selected by Green Car Journal editors and invited jurors from highly-respected efficiency and environmental organizations.
This year’s invited Green Car of the Year® jurors include celebrity auto enthusiast Jay Leno; Jean-Michel Cousteau, President of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, President and CEO of Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator and Advisory Board Chair of Climate Mayors; Dr. Alan Lloyd, President Emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation and Senior Research Fellow at the Energy Institute, University of Texas at Austin; Mindy Lubber, President of CERES; and Jason Hartke, President of the Alliance to Save Energy.
The Los Angeles Auto Show is now called AutoMobilityLA. Check the AutoMobilityLA.com website for additional information.
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