Although The Green Motorist publishes a lot of articles on cool new hybrid vehicles or electric cars available in the future, we understand that there is a desire for some consumers to driver a greener car today.  Although a nice used hybrid would be a bargain, some families need more room.  A hybrid minivan isn’t on the market (yet) but the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has added four minivan models to their Greener Vehicles list.

Toyota Sienna
I am not surprised that the Toyota Sienna tops this list; Toyota has a commitment to greener driving and manufactures the popular Toyota Prius.  The Sienna boasts a 3.5L V6 engine that meets the ULEV II emission standard.  City drivers can expect an average 17mpg and highway driving gets you an average 23 mpg.  The overall green score of the Sienna is a 33 providing it with a Superior ranking.  For comparison’s sake, the Honda Civic GX is the Greenest Vehicle of 2008 and has a green score of 57.

Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Caravan
I’ve lumped these two together as the models have the exact same emissions statistics.  Both of these models have a 3.3L V6 engine that averages 17mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway.  Both minivans also qualify as an ULEVII.  With a green score of 31, the vehicles have both received an above average rating by the ACEEE.

Honda Odyssey
Yet another green-conscious car company, Honda, makes the list of the Greenest Minivans of 2008 with their Odyssey.  The Odyssey boasts a 3.5L V6 engine that meats Tier2 bin5/ULEVII emissions standard.  City driving averages about 17mpg like the other minivans on the list but the Odyssey bumps up their highway driving to an average of 25mpg.  Like the Town & Country and Caravan, the Odyssey garners a green score of 31 with an above average class ranking.

Driving a more environmentally-friendly car in 2008 doesn’t mean running out and putting your name on the wait list for a Toyota Prius.  You can downsize your vehicle to a Smart Fortwo, consider converting your pickup truck to an electric vehicle or simply purchase a model that is included on the ACEEE’s Greener Cars by Class list.

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