The Best Eco-Friendly Automobiles of 2024

Everyone is looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and become more eco-friendly as we move closer to the planet’s 2030 deadline, after which the damage done from climate change may be irreversible.We can recycle, compost, grow our own produce and only buy from local farms. We can also lessen our reliance on single-use plastics, such as straws and flatware.

However, there is one thing that most of us can’t avoid — our daily commute. We might want to go green, but you can’t stop going to work just because you don’t want to drive your car. Thankfully, the push toward an eco-friendly society has led many manufacturers to create more sustainable automobiles.

With that in mind, here are some of the best eco-friendly cars and trucks of 2024.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The new Ioniq is a fully electric SUV starting at $41,800. It has an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles for the rear-wheel drive and 260 for the all-wheel drive. With 320 horsepower, this is a powerful model. It touts faster charging than other EVs on the market. For Disney fans out there, there are Disney100 limited edition variants, with specially embossed seats and wheels with the famous Mickey ears.

Everyone wants to drive an electric car these days. Uber is even working on a fully-electric fleet, requiring all drivers in the United Kingdom to make the switch. This could be a great car for ride-sharing servicing, especially with the amount of space it has.

2024 Toyota Prius Prime

The Toyota Prius might be the butt of a lot of jokes, but it’s the original eco-friendly hybrid. When it came out, it was one of the first of its kind, the plug-in model that launched a thousand copycats. The Prius is on its 8th generation, which says a lot about the staying power of this particular brand. Bringing one of these new hybrids home will set you back between $32,975, depending on the features you want.

This iconic vehicle can get up to 44 miles per gallon if you opt for the SE model, while others get around 39 mpg, depending on driving conditions and traffic. It doesn’t have a lot of power, but the little hybrid engine can manage 120 horsepower — more than enough to get this eco-friendly car from point A to Point B.

2024 Lexus RZ 300E

The RZ is priced at $55,150, but it oozes luxury considering the price tag. It promises a 266-mile range powered by a dual electric motors and massive, commanding wheels to boot. Its eAXLE is an innovation that benefits cruise range while balancing a gorgeous exterior which unintentionally gets impacted by other axles. It also uses regenerative breaking technology.

The nice thing about the RZ 300E is that it drives like a car that might cost you twice as much. Therefore, not only are you doing something good for the planet, but you also get to ride in style and comfort. Just make sure you’re keeping your tires inflated — even losing a few PSI can damage your fuel economy and shorten the time between fill-ups.

2024 Nissan Leaf

If you’re looking for something with a bit more style and don’t mind the inflated price tag that goes with it, Nissan has one of the most popular EVs on the market. It is also one of the most affordable, with an MSRP of $28,140. It is one of the vehicles that qualifies for the recent federal EV tax credit, so it is a hot model. There are 40 and 60 kWh battery options, depending on your driving needs.

Other specs include the EPA-estimated 212-mile range, a drivetrain with an eco-mode, brake assist, and enhanced aerodynamic-focused design to get the most bang for your buck on a single charge.

Any Tesla Model

You can’t have a list of eco-friendly vehicles without at least a nod at the brand that ramped up the electric vehicle craze — Tesla.  We don’t want to pick any single model because, if we’re honest, you can be eco-friendly with anything in the brand’s lineup, from the Roadster sports car to the Model X SUV.

The Future of Green, Sustainable Driving

If you can’t avoid your daily commute by working from home, and it’s too long or dangerous to consider walking or biking, there are still ways you can be eco-friendly. Consider replacing your daily driver with one of the hybrids or fully electric vehicles we’ve listed here. You won’t be disappointed.