Best Eco-Friendly Used Cars
It appears that more and more drivers are opting for environmentally friendly automobiles. Why? Well, they run cleaner, cut down on fuel consumption, and conserve energy. These options are also better for your wallet since you don't need to spend as much money on gas.
That last point of saving money is especially the case if you go the pre-owned route. However, you may be wondering which affordable model is worth considering. The team at Val-U-Line® will gladly help you out with this guide to the best eco-friendly used cars.
Read More:What are our top picks?
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Honda Civic Hybrid
- Toyota Prius
- Chevrolet Volt
- Nissan LEAF
- Hyundai Ioniq
Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape has a rich history. It was the world's first consumer-ready hybrid SUV when it first hit the market in 2005. It offers plenty of power, high fuel efficiency, and impressive features.
The hybrid configuration of this versatile SUV comes with a 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine that's paired to a Permanent-Magnet AC-Synchronous Electric Motor. It nets a total of 177 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 34 city/31 highway MPG.
You may also find a used Escape equipped with an electric air-conditioning compressor. It allows the engine to switch off whenever the car is stopped, even if the A/C is in use. It's a great option for people who regularly drive in hot climates and helps with the MPG rating while cutting down on emissions.
If you're looking for an SUV with high fuel efficiency in any environment, a used Ford Escape Hybrid may be right for you.
Honda Civic Hybrid
The Honda Civic offers an array of efficient engine options, making it an undeniably eco-friendly vehicle. When outfitted with its hybrid powertrain, however, it takes that environmentally friendly attitude to another level. The Honda Civic Hybrid offers:
- 1.5L i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine
- Integrated Motor Assist IMA®
- Eco Assist™ system
- Lithium-ion battery
The Eco Assist™ system acts as an eco-friendly partner. When engaged, the display will glow a specific color to indicate driving efficiency. If the color shifts to green, it means you're driving in a fuel-efficient manner. If it's glowing white, you may be braking or accelerating too harshly. It helps optimize this hybrid's already impressive EPA-estimated 44 city/47 highway MPG rating.
An equally eco-friendly alternative to the Civic Hybrid is the Civic Natural Gas. This used Honda uses a 1.8L i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that runs on compressed natural gas: a clean, low-emissions alternative to gasoline.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is one used car that was built to be eco-friendly. It's only available as a hybrid. With its hatchback design, it's versatile enough to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. It's designed to inspire confidence on all levels, especially in the safety department. Most models come with the Star Safety System™, which includes:
- Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Anti-lock Brake System
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution
- Brake Assist
- Smart Stop Technology®
The hybrid system of most used Prius models comes with a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, and a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. They provide a total hybrid system net power of about 134 horsepower and achieve an EPA-estimated 51 city/48 highway MPG.
This pre-owned hybrid is also packed with advanced features that will keep you connected on the move. It starts with the available Bluetooth® wireless technology for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming. When your favorite song comes on, the available 8-speaker JBL® sound system will provide crystal-clear sound quality.
Check out our used Toyota Prius inventory here.
Chevrolet Volt
The Volt was Chevy's first extended-range electric vehicle. It remained one of America's best-selling electric vehicles for years, and it's easy to see why once you realize drivers who recharge regularly go about 900 miles between fill-ups. A full charge and a full tank will give you an EPA-estimated 380-mile range.
The electric powertrain equipped to the Chevy Volt is composed of the following components:
- 17.1-kWh lithium-ion Rechargeable Energy Storage System
- Drive mode control switch
- 149-horsepower Voltec electric motor
- 83-horsepower 1.4L internal combustion range extender
StabiliTrak is an electronic stability control system that comes standard on most Chevy Volt EVs. When it detects wheel slippage, it can automatically adjust the powertrain output and brake individual wheels, so you can maintain your steered path.
Nissan LEAF
A used Nissan LEAF is one of the most eco-friendly vehicles on the road. It emits zero emissions thanks to its all-electric powertrain. Its 80-kW AC synchronous electric motor is powered by a 24-kWh lithium-ion battery. It also has a solar-power spoiler that powers interior gadgets to provide even more charge to the battery.
The LEAF provides you with a range of up to 84 miles. That'll get you to work and back, and you'll still be able to pick up dinner on the way home. Some models even have the Nissan Navigation System, which shows you the most eco-friendly route. It also provides the following:
- Energy usage screen
- Bluetooth®
- Pandora®
- Hands-free text messaging assistant
Parking in the city or a crowded parking lot will be a breeze in a used LEAF. It all starts with its compact design, but it may also come equipped with the available Around View® Monitor. It gives you an overhead view of the vehicle so you can shimmy into even the tightest spot.
Check out our used Nissan LEAF inventory.
Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq is a newer used car, and it's also a great option if you're looking for an eco-friendly vehicle. It comes with a 1.6L GDI Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine. Combined with the electric motor, it generates up to 139 horsepower in most models.
You'll get to take this hybrid for a road trip or just the daily commute. It offers an EPA-estimated total range of up to 124 miles. It also incorporates Blue Drive®, which automatically switches from all-electric power to gas, or a mix of both, so you're always enjoying an optimal performance that cuts down on emissions.
The Ioniq takes its eco-friendly nature one step beyond the hybrid performance. Its interior incorporates materials like recycled plastic combined with volcanic stone and bio fabric constructed from sugar cane fibers.
Test Drive a Pre-Owned Eco-Friendly Vehicle Today
With an eco-friendly used car, you have a ride that helps protect the planet. You'll also get plenty of features that you can enjoy for hours on end. Now that you've seen some of our recommendations for a pre-owned eco-friendly automobile, it's time to discover more. Schedule a test drive at Val-U-Line® today!
We look forward to getting you into a vehicle that can do wonders for the world.
