The days of yore when masculinity was partly defined by how big one's truck was or how much fuel one's SUV could consume are, fortunately, gone. Men are much more pragmatic and attitudes have shifted. Now don't get me wrong, there will always be something satisfying about driving a really big truck or a really fast car, but for many of us guys we find it much more fulfilling to drive vehicles that meet our needs and limit our impact on the environment.
Below are our top picks for the eco-conscious guy. We selected these vehicles based on a range of factors that include fuel-efficiency, reliability, and owner satisfaction. Combine those data points with our own preferences and, voila, you have the 4 best cars for eco-dudes on the market today:
Volkwagen Golf TDI: $24,764
This diesel sipper gets 30/42 MPG city/highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the road. There's more to love about the Golf TDI than just MPGs, though; it is also a fun and (somewhat) sporty ride that offers a lot of practicality. The Golf's interior is also nicely crafted and adds a real sense of sophistication to the car. Consumer Reports gives it a very good reliability rating and the Golf TDI has proven itself as a strong safety pick as well. The Golf TDI is a little pricey but most owners agree that, compared to its competitors, the Golf is worth the premium.
Hyundai Elantra GLS: $18,445
The Korean manufacturers have made some significant progress in the U.S. auto market over the past couple of years - and the Elantra is one reason why. The Elantra is not the most inspiring car but it is a great ride for those of us who are both budget and eco-conscious. With an EPA rating of 29 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway, the Elantra is certainly one of the more fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. The exterior is stylish for its class and the interior beats out many of the Elantra's peers. Consumer Reports gives the Elantra an above average reliability rating and US News & World Report ranks the Elantra as the second best "Affordable Small Car."
Subaru Forester 2.5X MT: $20, 972
The Subaru Forester is a great choice for us green guys who need a little extra space to cart around the kids, pets, and/or equipment. It has a roomy interior with above average cargo space to haul the groceries back home or all the toys to mountains for a long weekend. With an EPA fuel-efficiency rating of 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, the Forester is one of the most eco-friendly vehicles in its class. In addition to the room and the fuel economy, Subaru, and the Forester in particular, has excellent reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and the Forester has performed very well in safety tests. The Forester isn't a gas-sipper nor is it the most luxurious ride, but it is a great overall choice for those need a little more space and value practicality.
Toyota Prius IV: $26,750
For many people the Prius is the epitome of an eco-conscious vehicle. It is the most popular hybrid vehicle and it generally receives high praise from critics and owners alike. Stylish in its unique way, the Prius has its own identity and makes a statement about those who own one. It gets an EPA rating of 51/48 MPG city/highway, which is sure to tug at the heartstrings of every eco-conscious green guy. The Prius is not without its flaws, though. Many critics cite the Prius's cheap-feeling and cramped interior as a reason to look for an alternative green vehicle. Consumer Reports also gives the Prius an average reliability rating due largely to brake issues in the 2010 model and less than stellar power equipment reliability ratings over the years. But the Prius is the Prius and it is sure to make the greenest of us swoon despite her less refined points.
Michael Buonocore is the cofounder of AutoRef.com ( http://autoref.com/ ).
No comments:
Post a Comment