6 Most Efficient Lexus/Toyota Models in 2024!

Intro

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) conducts an annual “GreenerCars” study. This study includes an assessment of every new model in the light-duty vehicle segment. EVs, hybrids and traditional gasoline-powered vehicles are included. The ACEEE reviews the test results for fuel economy and emissions that are reported to the EPA as well as the California Air Resources Board. Also considered in the evaluation is the pollution from vehicle manufacturing, from the production and distribution of fuel and from vehicle tailpipes. Total greenhouse gases are combined with emissions estimates and a Green Score is then calculated. The score runs on a 0 to 100 scale with 100 being the best score possible. The vehicles are then classified into one of three groups. The “Meanest” are the vehicles with the lowest scores. “Greener” are vehicles that had above average scores. And “Greenest” are the highest scoring vehicles. 

The average score this year was 43. The best performing vehicle scored a 71 and the worst performing scored a 20. There are 12 vehicles on the 2024 Greenest list and half of them are built by Lexus/Toyota. As you would expect hybrids and EVs dominated the list overall, but no manufacturer dominated quite like the folks from Lexus/Toyota. The following list are the best performing Lexus/Toyota models and where they rank overall. 

Image: Toyota

6. Toyota Corolla Hybrid – Green Score – 62 – Overall Rank – 11

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid makes the Greenest list at number 11. The estimated annual fuel cost is $944. With a starting price of $23,500 the Corolla Hybrid also has the distinction of being the least expensive vehicle on the Greenest list. With 138 horsepower the Corolla Hybrid is not a vehicle for the drag strip. But a combined mpg rating of 50 is impressive. And while the Corolla Hybrid is inexpensive and efficient, it is by no means a penalty box. There is plenty of room for five people, and it is packed with technology and safety features. There is an 8-inch touchscreen floating display with wireless Apple CarPlay. There is a fully digital gauge cluster as well. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is included and has features such as dynamic radar cruise control and proactive driving assist. The is a feature-packed car with a low MSRP and it happens to be one of the greenest vehicles you can buy.

Image: Toyota

5. Toyota Camry LE Hybrid – Green Score – 63 – Overall Rank – 9

If you need a slightly larger vehicle than the Corolla, you can step up to the Camry Hybrid which has an even higher green score. It does also come with a higher MSRP of $28,855 but that is still well below the average new car price in 2024. The Camry Hybrid has a combined mpg rating of 52. Estimated annual fuel cost is $907. This improved efficiency rating also comes with a bump in power compared to the Corolla. The Camry Hybrid produces 208 horsepower. Think of the Camry Hybrid as a plus size Corolla Hybrid. Everything is just a bit bigger. The touchscreen in the Camry is a 10-inch unit. The overall size of the vehicle is bigger, and it has some more luxury options available such as heated and ventilated front seats.

Image: Toyota

4. Toyota RAV4 Prime – Green Score – 64 – Overall Rank – 6

If you want a crossover SUV that is highly efficient, but you are not ready to make the leap to a full EV the Toyota RAV4 Prime is an excellent choice. With a base price of $43,690 it is quite jump up the price ladder. However, the RAV4 Prime brings a lot to the table. Estimated annual fuel cost is $741, which is significantly lower than the Camry and Corolla. That is mainly due to the fact that this is a plug-in hybrid machine. And electric motor can provide up to 42 miles of pure electric driving range. Combined with the 2.5L 4-cylinder gas engine the RAV4 Prime produces 302 horsepower. That is enough grunt to get the vehicle to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The RAV4 Prime also has an all-wheel drive powertrain so it can tackle all conditions. The technology inside is similar to the Corolla and Camry but is a step ahead on both with available options such as a panoramic glass roof, and 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display. 

Image: Toyota

3. Toyota bZ4x – Green Score – 66 – Overall Rank – 5

The first ever Toyota EV comes in at number 5 overall on the Greenest list. With a base price of $43,070 and an estimated annual fuel cost of $689 it lands very close to the RAV4 Prime numbers. But with the bZ4x you avoid gas stations all together. The EPA estimated range is 252 miles on a full charge for the front-wheel drive model which is the model that was rated here. And AWD version is available but with a higher price and reduced range of 228 miles. The bZ4x has a more futuristic design language than any of the previously listed vehicles. It also has some additional technology. There is a standard 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen display as well as a top-mount Multi-Information Display. Advanced Park and Digital Key are also available. If you are ready to dip your toes in the EV waters, the bZ4x is one of the greenest ways to do it.

Image: Toyota

2. Lexus RZ 300e – Green Score – 67 – Overall Rank – 2

The only Lexus to make the list is the RZ 300e. This is a less expensive front-wheel drive version of the RZ 450e. And while it is less expensive than the 450e, the 300e at $55,150 is the most expensive vehicle on the Greenist list. The estimated annual fuel cost comes in at $651. The RZ 300e is powered by a 72.8kWh lithium-ion battery. When equipped with 18-inch wheels the EPA range is 266 miles on a full charge. 20-inch wheels drops that figure to 224 miles. And let’s not forget that you are getting a Lexus. So, the technology and luxury levels are raised accordingly. You get a much better trimmed interior that includes a 14-inch touchscreen display. Options include Advanced Park with Remote Park, Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist, Digital Rearview Mirror, Panoramic View Monitor, and a whole lot more. If you want a green luxury vehicle, the RZ 300e is the best you can get.

Image: Lexus

1. Toyota Prius Prime SE – Green Score – 71 – Overall Rank – 1

The greenest vehicle that you can purchase in 2024 is a Toyota Prius Prime. Like the RAV4 Prime, the Prius Prime is a plug-in Hybrid. The Prius offers an electric only driving range of 44 miles. Estimated annual fuel costs are $529. That is the lowest figure of any vehicle tested. With an MSRP of $32,975 it is significantly less expensive than the second place Lexus. With a combined 220 horsepower the Prius Prime can hit 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Not exactly Lexus LFA territory, but plenty snappy for such an efficient vehicle. You can also outfit your Prius Prime with a host of advanced features such as Advanced Park, and Traffic Jam Assist. Thanks to a major redesign for the 2023 model year, the Prius is no longer an ugly duckling. This new Prius Prime can be considered a legit good-looking car. So, you have good looks, solid performance, a load of technology, a reasonable price and the greenest car for sale today all in one package. Sounds like a winner to us.

Image: Toyota