Toyota, Lexus, Scion top green car list

The Automobile Club of Southern California has just published an independent list of the top green cars available in the state and Toyota, Lexus and Scion dominate the guide. No state does more to promote green cars than California. Now shoppers in the state have an independent resource to turn to when trying to determine not only which cars and crossovers are the greenest in their segment, but also which offer the best value for the greenback spent.
The Southern California Auto Club produces its Green Car Guide each year. In the 2013 guide there are 80 different vehicles of many different types. Gasoline hybrid electric, electric, partial zero emission vehicles, natural gas powered cars, and many other types are ranked by the guide. The intent of the guide is to help buyers by providing reviews and rankings in one convenient location.

Topping the list this year is the Toyota RAV 4 EV. This vehicle has the honor of being the top ranked car in the history of the guide. Coming in second, third and fourth were the Lexus GS 450h hybrid luxury sedan, Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV and Camry Hybrid. In the best value category the The Scion iQ xD subcompact achieved top five honors. Commenting on the Toyota showing, Automotive Research Center Manager and Chief Engineer Steve Mazor, said "Toyota, partnering with Tesla, has produced an impressive full electric compact SUV that is the top scoring Green Car ever tested by the Auto Club's Automotive Research Center. The RAV4 EV has excellent acceleration, zero tailpipe emissions and a real 100+ mile range, while maintaining roominess and flexibility."

The Green Car Guide evaluates and ranks cars on a variety of parameters including MPG and vehicle emissions, but also cargo capacity, handling and interior noise. Commenting on the usefulness of the Guide, Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. senior vice president of automotive operations said, “Anyone who has a passion for fun, affordable and environmentally friendly vehicles will find what they’re looking for in this guide. Customers are interested in this type of unbiased data and we’re proud to see our Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles recognized in such a prominent way.”

The guide can be viewed by customers in the South Western geographical area on the AAA.com website. Please not that the website will use your physical location and only provides local content, so if you area not in that are it may not be visible.