5 2013 Cars that Will Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles are Garnering More Consumer Appeal

A 2013 Toyota Prius; photo courtesy Lyndsi Decker

Besides helping the environment and promoting sustainable industry, buying a green car can also save your wallet from the pinch of the gas station.

Although many families write them off as small or limited, a plugin or hybrid vehicle is a practical choice for almost every household. According to the Green Car Journal, these are the five best eco-friendly models of 2013, chosen both for their appeal to consumers as well as their low carbon footprints.

Toyota Prius

As the first mainstream hybrid to see commercial success, the 2013 Toyota Prius remains a formidable option. The smallest model, the Prius C, manages an impressive 50 miles per gallon combined.

On the other hand, the Prius has also received criticism for slow acceleration and a slightly rough ride.

Ford C-Max

The Ford C-Max is a hybrid with the heart of a crossover. At double or even triple the gas mileage of a typical compact SUV, the 47 miles per gallon produced by the C-Max’s 2.0-liter engine make picking up the kids from school a far more enticing proposition.

It also features an attractive and spacious interior loaded with cutting-edge electronics and smooth handling. In a hybrid market dominated by sedans, the C-Max’s combination of both efficiency and utility is hard to beat.

Mazda CX-5

A 2013 Mazda_CX-5 The Mazda CX-5 is neither a hybrid or a plug-in, but it warrants a spot on this list as a compact SUV that brings Mazda’s signature fun and affordability to the table.

The CX-5 wrestles 155 horsepower from its 2.0-liter engine, and it puts it to good use with peppy acceleration and excellent cargo capacity.

For all the functionality of a classic SUV, CX-5 owners can also claim the best mileage in their class with a combined average of 29 miles per gallon.

Dodge Dart Aero

Even at its basic trim level, the Dodge Dart is a fuel-sipping sedan with a lot to like. The Aero trim improves aerodynamics, lightens the car’s weight and adds low-resistance tires to boost its performance to 41 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Dart Aero is equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine capable of generating 160 horsepower, making it as quick or quicker than many of its weightier competitors.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is Ford’s eco-conscious take on its highly popular mid-sized sedan. With bold styling and plenty of luxury options, the Fusion is at the top of its class and brings that flair to its hybrid model, which feels and handles like a normal car.

At 47 miles per gallon in both the city and on the highway, it is also one of the most efficient vehicles on this list.

With looks, handling and economy on its side, the 2013 Ford Fusion is simply the best car to lower your carbon footprint available today. Have you bought one of these vehicles? Please share your opinion in the comment section below!

About the Author:

Lyndsi Decker is a freelance writer and is currently promoting cheap tires with Tire Team. When not blogging she enjoys traveling and photography.

The Green Frugal