Top Picks for Green Drivers

Someone has to save the world, not to mention saving some money. Earth-friendly cars include gas/electric hybrids, diesel cars and even a few fuel-sipping gas-only cars. Our list included cars from our Best Bets and models we've driven since, and from there we considered gas mileage and drivability.

Best New Car for Green Drivers 2010 Toyota Prius Starting MSRP $21,000 For the better part of the 2000s, the Prius has been the pre-eminent hybrid. Now in its third generation, the 2010 model is larger, more powerful and more fuel efficient than before. Earth-friendly technologies include driving modes that maximize the distance you can go on whisper-silent electric power, as well as optional solar roof panels that can help to power the air conditioning. More impressive still: This Prius feels like a substantial, family-ready car — far less of the science-project econobox that its predecessor often felt like. A lot of automakers are taking their shots in the hybrid game. The new Prius is Toyota's slam dunk.

Best Deal for Green Drivers 2010 Toyota Yaris Starting MSRP $12,605 The Yaris proves that being green need not always require going with a hybrid. It can be done on the cheap: The Yaris starts under $12,700, and the 2010 model comes standard with safety features some competitors don't yet offer. Get the stick shift, and the Yaris' 32-mpg combined EPA rating contributes to a carbon footprint of just 5.7 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Those figures beat competing small cars — and are as good as some hybrid SUVs. In the old days, efficiency meant economy. Hybrid technology has found ways around that, but it's good to know the old adage still rings true.

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	Chevrolet Malibu (2010) Starting MSRP $22,715 Who says midsize family cars can't be fuel efficient? Get the optional six-speed automatic in Chevy's well-received Malibu sedan, and the car is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined. That's impressive and better than both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord with automatics. Research this car      Build this car

	Ford Escape Hybrid (2010) Starting MSRP $29,785 The notion of a hybrid SUV seemed preposterous at first, but Ford proved it could be done. The Escape Hybrid, based on Ford's popular compact SUV, gets an EPA-rated 32 mpg combined with two-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive models get a combined 29 mpg — not too shabby, either. Research this car      Build this car

	Ford Fusion Hybrid (2010) Starting MSRP $27,625 The Fusion Hybrid's gas/electric four-cylinder gets an EPA-rated 39 mpg in combined driving — better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid's 34 mpg rating. That's outstanding for a midsize family car that can comfortably seat four. Who knew eco-friendly could be so easy? Research this car      Build this car

	Honda Fit (2010) Starting MSRP $14,900 The Fit earns its credentials through size and thrift. There's no gas/electric drivetrain here, though Honda has announced plans to build a Fit Hybrid. That's not to diminish from this car, which marries go-kart handling with a combined EPA rating of up to 31 mpg. Research this car      Build this car

	Lexus RX 450h (2010) Starting MSRP $42,685 The RX 450h's slew of high-tech features improves upon the outgoing RX 400h's, and it gets up to 30 mpg in combined EPA ratings. From ventilated seats to an EV mode that maximizes electric-only cruising, we bet you'll really enjoy keeping up with those tree-hugging Joneses. Research this car      Build this car

	Toyota Avalon (2010) Starting MSRP $27,945 The Avalon offers a roomy cabin, comfortable ride and blend-in styling — perfect for some. Less known is its fuel efficiency. At an EPA-rated 19/28 mpg city/highway, this Toyota packs thrift you wouldn't expect for a V-6 sedan that's longer, bumper to bumper, than a Ford Explorer. Research this car      Build this car

Volkswagen Jetta TDI (2010) Starting MSRP $22,660 Volkswagen is vigorously campaigning to divorce "diesel" from "dirty" — and for good reason: Low-sulfur diesel fuel and stringent emissions systems make today's diesel cars worlds cleaner than their predecessors. The TDI's beefy diesel four-cylinder gets 42 mpg highway, easily making it the green car for driving enthusiasts. Research this car      Build this car