Making the world a cleaner, greener place is hard when you have a family that burns through gas getting from school to the grocery store, from piano recitals to soccer practice. Luckily, as hybrid and electric vehicles become more accessible and inexpensive, we can buy cars for our families that don't compromise on space but allow us to do good for the environment. Here are some of our top picks for this year's best green cars.
We weren't sure a minivan could be considered "cool," but, to be fair, any car that helps keep the environment safe is cool in my book. But, hey the Pacifica is actually REALLY cool if you're looking for a way to transport a bundle of kids while keeping your carbon footprint small. The Pacifica hybrid is a one-of-a-kind luxurious minivan experience, and you can grab one of these guys for just under $40k.
Another great hybrid, the Highlander hybrid is an incredibly affordable SUV that can seat 7-8 people. It's rare for an SUV to have third-row seating, so if this vehicle is more your style but you still need that extra seating, the Highlander might be the vehicle for you. Fitted with safety features galore, you'll not only be purchasing a car that is safe for the environment, but also safe for carting around your friends and family.
If you like the Highlander but are looking for something a little smaller, the RAV4 is the SUV for you. The RAV4 hybrid only has the typical 5 seats, but makes up for it with a great amount of cargo space. It doesn't skimp on any of the safety features the Highlander boasts, either, but with a low price tag of around $28k. This is a perfect SUV for small families who want a bit more of a rugged vehicle. Whether you're camping in the mountains of Vermont, looking for Portland houses for sale, or just cruising down the California coast, you'll look good doing it in a RAV4 hybrid.
Jumping from one of the cheapest options on our list to the most expensive, the Tesla Model X is a dream car of mine when it comes to luxury SUVs. If you're looking for something practical but also a little fun, this vehicle is so much more than the typical "dad" or "mom" car. The cabin can be a bit tight with both the two-row and three-row seating options, but what it lacks in legroom it makes up for in being incredible awesome, easy to handle, and quick to accelerate. While a brand new Model X goes for $80k, you can pick up an older rendition for under $50k. One of the only fully electric choices on our list, the Model X is be one of your best options for keeping your vehicle as environmentally conscious as possible.
The Niro now comes in an all-electric model, making this the only other fully electric vehicle on our list. At the incredibly low price of $24k brand new, this 5-seat vehicle makes for the perfect choice for the green family on a budget. Keep in mind, if you're looking to buy used, the older Niros are only available as hybrid but are less expensive and still a great option for a small family.
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