Autos

Kelley Blue Book’s 10 best ‘green’ cars for 2013

South Korean models pose with the all-new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid at the Seoul Motor Show last month. KBB says, "Lincoln's gas/electric mid-size sedan is as contemporary a vehicle we've seen from the automaker in a long time." City/highway/combined mpg: 45/45/45. MSRP: $36,800.

South Korean models pose with the all-new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid at the Seoul Motor Show last month. KBB says, “Lincoln’s gas/electric mid-size sedan is as contemporary a vehicle we’ve seen from the automaker in a long time.” City/highway/combined mpg: 45/45/45. MSRP: $36,800.  (Jung Yeong-Je / AFP/Getty Images)

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Kelley Blue Book has released its 10 best ‘green’ cars list and, in the company’s words, there has never been a better one. “There were years in which we struggled to find 10 that were truly green and had to add some high-mileage, conventionally powered cars,” said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for KBB. “This year, we had an embarrassment of riches.”

No. 9: Toyota Avalon

The 2013 Toyota Avalon at the New York International Auto Show. KBB: Thanks to the available gas-electric hybrid powertrain, one of the newest members of the 40 mpg club. If comfort per gallon were a thing, Avalon Hybrid might be king. City/highway/combined mpg: 40/39/40. MSRP: $42,195.  (Mark Lennihan / Associated Press)

No. 8: Honda Fit EV

A visitor looks at a Honda Fit EV vehicle at the Third International Smart Grid Expo in Tokyo, part of the World Smart Energy Week 2013. KBB: Though only 1,100 copies will be produced, the lease-only Fit EV impresses as one of the most powerful and energy-efficient EVs available. City/highway/combined mpge*: 132/105/118. Range: 82 miles. MSRP: $37,415. *miles per gallon gasoline equivalent  (Kiyoshi Ota / EPA)

No. 5: Toyota Prius Plug-In

The Toyota Prius Plug-In at the 2012 Washington Auto Show in D.C. KBB: With a combined mpg rating of 50 mpg, it’s hard to believe that anything can top the Toyota Prius. Enter the Prius Plug-in, which adds 11 miles of all-electric driving and qualifies for solo-occupant carpool lane access in some states. First 11 miles: 95 mpge combined. Next 529 miles: 50 mpg combined. MSRP: $32,760.  (Karen Bleier / AFP Photo)

No. 4: Chevy Volt

A Chevrolet Volt at a dealership in the south Denver suburb of Englewood, Colo. KBB: The Razzles candy of kilowatt cars, the Volt is the clear choice for those who want more electric range than a typical plug-in hybrid, but more total range than an all-electric. First 38 miles: 98 mpge combined. Next 344 miles: 37 mpg combined. MSRP: $39,995.  (David Zalubowski / Associated Press )

No. 3: Ford Focus Electric

Ford Motor Co. President and Chief Executive Alan Mulally kisses the hood of the brand-new all-electric Ford Focus as he delivers a keynote address at the International Consumer Electronics Show. KBB: With Ford’s well-regarded five-door hatchback as its foundation, the 2013 Focus Electric starts with a leg up. Toss in some cool features and an advanced powertrain that pairs a 107 kW electric motor with a liquid-cooled Lithium-ion battery and the result is a fun, practical runabout for green-leaners. City/highway/combined mpge: 110/99/105. Range: 76 miles. MSRP: $39,995.  (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

No. 2: Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S, Motor Trend Car of the Year, is introduced at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. KBB: One could argue that the 2013 Tesla Model S is the electric car most likely to gain mainstream success. With blistering acceleration, distinct but tasteful styling, abundant interior space and an EPA-estimated 265-mile range, the Model S is among the coolest cars available, electric or otherwise. City/highway/combined mpge: 88/90/89. Range: 265 miles. MSRP: $71,070.  (Stan Honda / AFP/Getty Images)

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