According to verified owners and the EPA, these are the most environmentally friendly midsize cars on the road
Subcompact and compact cars comprise more than half of all the Automotive Environmental Index (AEI) models for 2007, but usually they’re not big enough for families that need more passenger and luggage space. That’s where this list of AEI-recognized midsize cars comes in handy, helping consumers find larger solutions not only to the problem of toting the kids and cargo but also to combating global warming.
2007 Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda isn’t selling as many Accord Hybrids as it expected, a midsize sedan that combines a V-6 engine with an electric assist system to deliver 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. The Accord Hybrid not only bests all other Accord models when it comes to fuel economy, but also offers the most horsepower at 253. Perhaps price is the problem, since the Accord Hybrid is more expensive than other Accord models. Quality, according to consumers who bought the Accord, rates second only to the Mercury Milan within the midsize car segment according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). If you want an Accord Hybrid, act fast; the 2008 Accord is completely redesigned and Honda has chosen to drop the slow-selling hybrid version.
Learn more about the 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid
2007 Lexus GS 450h
New for 2007, the Lexus GS 450h combines a midsize premium sedan’s luxury features with a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain to produce the only upscale sedan to make the Top 30 list in the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates AEI. Pairing a V-6 engine with electric assist motors and a continuously variable transmission that maximizes power delivery and fuel efficiency, the GS 450h generates 339 hp to make it the most powerful GS model in the lineup. EPA fuel economy ratings are 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, and this environmentally friendly car can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, according to Lexus. Buyers of the Lexus GS also rate it highly in both the IQS and the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout StudySM (APEAL).
Learn more about the 2007 Lexus GS 450h
2007 Nissan Altima
Nissan’s completely redesigned Altima lands on the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates AEI on the strength of its gasoline powertrains alone: the Altima Hybrid debuted too late in the year to be included in the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Alternative Powertrain Study.SM Available in standard, S, SL and performance-tuned SE trim levels, the Altima comes with a choice between a 4- or 6-cylinder engine connected to a manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy ranges from 22 mpg in the city for a V-6 with CVT to 35 mpg on the highway for a 4-cylinder with a manual transmission. The Altima also ranked highest in the midsize car segment for performance and design attributes, according to consumers that bought one.
Learn more about the 2007 Nissan Altima
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota employs a different hybridization method from Honda when it comes to its mainstream midsize sedan. Rather than base the Camry Hybrid on a V-6 powertrain, Toyota selected a 4-cylinder engine. The result is less power and performance than the Honda, but a lower price tag and greater fuel economy. The 187-hp gasoline/electric powertrain delivers 40 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.
Learn more about the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
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