Driving Smart's Top 10 Green Cars of 2010

For 2010, green cars are getting more diversified. Yes, there’s some high-priced electric vehicles (EVs) on the market like the Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma, but there’s also some awesome gas-electric hybrids and even some truly clean diesels (most of which qualify for big tax credits).

So, are you still thinking about going green? 2010 is the best model year yet to buy a hybrid. What about diesel? VW is bringing its super fuel efficient and low emissions Jetta and Golf TDI models for Americans to enjoy too.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (41 mpg city, 36 mpg hwy) just has it all: a low price, excellent fuel economy, a roomy and comfortable interior with quality materials and seriously fun performance. However, the Fusion garnered the No. 1 spot because of Ford’s way cool SYNC connectivity system.
• The third generation 2010 Toyota Prius (51 mpg city, 48 mpg hwy) has garnered much acclaim because this mid-sized sedan is still the most fuel efficient car on the road today. Plus, the 2010 Prius is a good deal with its rather low price, quirky design, high quality, zippy performance, top safety rankings and advanced technology.
• The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid (45 mpg hwy, 40 mpg city) has been at the top of many green car lists because the Civic is just such a good overall buy with zippy performance, excellent reliability and above average design both inside and out.
• The 2010 Honda Insight (40 mpg city, 43 mpg hwy) is one of the top contenders against the best selling Toyota Prius, but the sexy exterior and interior design of this compact car make it an excellent overall buy.
• The 2010 Lexus HS 250h (35 mpg city, 34 mpg hwy) is the first luxury hybrid sedan to be built from the ground up as a hybrid. Starting at a base MSRP of around $34,000, the first-generation Lexus HS 250h has all of Lexus’ signature Euro-Asian sophistication, great design, smooth performance and advanced safety and telematics technology.
• The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (estimated 41 combined mpg) is at the top of my list for fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient and super low emissions car. Yes, VW’s TDI Jetta and Golf models are not hybrids, but powered by clean diesel fuel.
• The 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI (estimated 41 combined mpg) is hot in Europe and for good reason since diesel fuel now has gained ultra clean emissions and lost that noisy ping-ping sound. The 2010 VW Golf TDI offers great fuel economy, performance, quality and design.
• The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid (34 mpg city, 31 mpg hwy) is a mid-sized, five-seater SUV and not a car, but that’s what makes this vehicle so functional, especially for busy families or outdoor types.
• The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid (33 mpg city, 34 mpg hwy) is a good choice for those who love the Camry’s luxury, reliability and design, yet want a fuel efficient mid-sized sedan.
• The 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid (estimated 35 mpg city, 33 mpg hwy) is a popular hybrid because the Nissan Altima is just a fun-to-drive sedan with a stylish exterior and interior.
• The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo is not only fuel efficient (35 mpg hwy, 27 mpg city), but was rated by the Ecology Center as the No. 1 least toxic car in America. Plus, the 2010 Chevy Aveo is one of the lowest-priced new cars you can buy at just MSRP of just $11,965.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande