The 2026 Green Car Awards continue this magazine’s long tradition of recognizing the most compelling and environmentally positive vehicles of the new year. Earlier this award season, Green Car Journal announced its first round of winners, including the prestigious 2026 Green Car of the Year. Now, this second round of awards highlights five additional categories and industry-leading winners that reflect the evolving landscape of cleaner and more efficient transportation.
This year’s honorees underscore important advancements across key segments of the green car field, from electric and premium models to capable 4x4, commercial, and neighborhood‑focused transportation. Each award recipient stands out for its innovation, environmental achievement, and meaningful contribution within its category.
Rivian’s R2, 2026 Electric Green Car of the Year, emerges as a milestone in the electric vehicle field, bringing the company’s signature adventure‑ready capability to more accessible price points. Designed as a smaller and more affordable companion to the R1 series, the Rivian R2 delivers the performance, range, and utility expected of a modern EV while expanding Rivian’s reach to a broader audience.
Built on Rivian’s second‑generation midsize platform, the R2 offers single‑, dual‑, and tri‑motor configurations, with the dual‑motor model expected to deliver up to 300 miles of driving range. The first to reach customers is the R2 Performance with Launch Package, starting at $57,990 with deliveries coming shortly. Arriving later in 2026 is the Premium AWD model at $53,990, followed by the Standard RWD Long Range at $48,490. The most affordable model at $45,000, the Standard RWD, is coming in 2027.
The Lexus ES earns 2026 Premium Green Car of the Year™ honors for offering its most advanced electrified choices yet, including the model’s first battery‑electric versions. The ES 350e, starting at $48,795, delivers an EPA‑estimated 307 miles of range, while the ES 500e, priced from $54,495, offers 276 miles. Both are energized by a 74.7‑kWh lithium‑ion battery pack. Joining these BEVs later in the year is the 2026 ES 350h, featuring Lexus’ sixth‑generation gas‑electric hybrid system with available all‑wheel drive and a starting price of $50,995.
Every 2026 ES benefits from the sedan’s all‑new design, updated interior with a standard 14‑inch Lexus Interface touchscreen, a 12.3‑inch Multi‑Information Display, and the latest Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. With its premium design, advanced technology, and expanded electrified powertrains, the 2026 ES stands out as a compelling and forward‑looking luxury sedan worthy of this year’s honor.
The all-new Jeep Cherokee is recognized as 2026 Green 4x4 of the Year™ for blending efficient performance with the confident capability expected from a Jeep. Priced from $35,000, Cherokee features standard four‑wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain that supports strong traction and stability across a wide range of real‑world conditions. Its engineering is tuned for everyday versatility, giving drivers the assurance they need for the daily commute along with travel on unpaved roads, gravel surfaces, and in challenging weather.
While not engineered for the rock-crawling and extreme off‑road demands of Jeep’s most specialized models, the Cherokee delivers the kind of confident, all‑conditions capability that supports an active lifestyle. Its surefooted performance off the beaten path and in challenging driving conditions makes it a dependable choice for drivers seeking everyday versatility and weekend explorations alike. This well‑rounded approach combineing diverse capabilities with modern efficiency and comfort works to solidify the Cherokee’s standing as this year’s Green 4x4 of the Year.
Ford’s E‑Transit achieves its 2026 Commercial Green Car of the Year distinction as a leader in the commercial EV space, offering fleet operators a practical and efficient solution for urban and regional delivery needs. Its electric powertrain provides smooth, quiet operation and zero‑emission driving, while Ford’s extensive upfitting ecosystem ensures the E‑Transit can be tailored to a wide range of commercial uses.
For 2026, the E‑Transit benefits from incremental improvements that matter in real‑world fleet use, including enhanced thermal management, expanded charging options, and increased operational range. These updates reinforce its position as a dependable and forward‑looking choice for businesses seeking to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
The Bintelli Beyond stands out in the 2026 Neighborhood Green Car of the Year™ category with its appealing and practical take on low‑speed electric mobility. Priced from about $11,000 to $16,000 depending on configuration and battery choice, the Beyond reflects its NEV purpose with proportions and capabilities suited to neighborhood travel and short‑range use. As a federally classified NEV, it’s governed to a 25‑mph top speed and approved for roads posted up to 35 mph in states where NEVs are deemed street legal. A lithium battery, comfortable seating, and available features like a touchscreen display, backup camera, and LED lighting enhance the experience while keeping the Beyond firmly within the mission of simple, efficient local transportation.
Neighborhood electric vehicles like Beyond offer an environmentally positive alternative for short, community‑oriented trips that would otherwise be made in conventional vehicles, reducing energy use and tailpipe emissions in situations where low‑speed travel fits local needs. Their presence in residential developments, resort properties, campuses, and planned communities reflects this practical role. With its simple and functional design, community‑focused electric range, and purpose‑built mission, the Bintelli Beyond delivers capable low‑speed mobility. It stands as a deserving recipient of this year’s Neighborhood Green Car of the Year honor.
This latest round of Green Car Awards underscores the dynamic nature of today’s automotive field. Electrification continues to expand across segments, from premium sedans and adventure‑ready SUVs to commercial vans and neighborhood mobility. All‑electric drive is an important part of this. At the same time, hybrids and other advanced technologies continue to play a key role in providing the efficiency and capability that support a wide range of driving needs.
Together, this year’s winners reflect the innovation, progress, and forward‑thinking that define the modern green car field. As the industry moves forward, the Green Car Awards remain dedicated to recognizing the models that shape a more efficient and environmentally positive future, a commitment that has guided this program for more than two decades.
There was a time when environmental leadership in the auto industry was a scarce commodity. Seventeen years ago, when Green Car Journal announced its first Green Car of the Year® in Los Angeles, it was difficult to identify more than a few dozen truly worthy vehicles to be considered for the honor. Today it is a formidable challenge in a different way. Now, analyzing the expansive field of green cars that champion greater environmental performance can be downright mind numbing, along with the process of honing the list down to a manageable number of candidates for each of our Green Car Awards™.
Still, this is a great problem to have and we’re up to the challenge. In fact, we celebrate the difficult and time-consuming process. This sheer number of greener models means that all of us benefit from the ability to buy and drive an increasing number of vehicles that champion a lighter impact on the environment.
As finalists are evaluated during the judging process, Green Car Journal weighs an array of important criteria such as environmental achievement, cost, value, safety, performance, functionality, and availability. These may vary from one award category to another. For instance, cost is less of a factor in Luxury Green Car of the Year™; greater driving range may not be as critical in Urban Green Car of the Year™; and immediate availability is less of an issue for Commercial Green Car of the Year™, since commercial fleets tend to plan well ahead and are used to scheduled batch builds of specialized vehicles. Some criteria take on more importance, such as electric driving range in most categories where EVs are considered; family friendliness in awards where passenger needs or capacity are important; and tow ratings and realistic long-distance towing and hauling capabilities in the case of Green Truck of the Year™.
There are more complex issues at play today. We’ve seen order banks for some new or popular pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford Maverick suddenly close for the model year, which means consumers are no longer able to order one, at least at this time. Since price is an important consideration for most award categories, when we see sudden price hikes in the thousands of dollars, we also take notice. Then there’s the issue of supply chain disruptions and materials shortages that can delay a model’s expected availability. We take all of this into account and dive deep to ensure we’re as up to speed as possible to avoid potential surprises.
Green Car Journal’s Green Car Awards™ program has evolved over the years, most notably with the addition of more award categories to reflect the ever changing and expanding world of environmentally positive vehicles. Plus, along with the ‘greenest’ vehicles honored by the 2023 Green Car Awards™ program, Green Car Journal now recognizes the crucial roles that infrastructure and technology play in enabling a more sustainable driving future.
Let's get to it. Here are the winners of Green Car Journal’s prestigious 2023 Green Car Awards™:
TOYOTA CROWN – The Crown is Toyota's sophisticated new flagship that champions high fuel economy, lower carbon emissions, and appealing style. The five-passenger sedan features a stylish and high tech cabin designed to offer a premium feel. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter THS hybrid estimated to deliver 38 combined mpg, or a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged HYBRID MAX powerplant with 340 horsepower. On-demand all-wheel drive is standard.
Finalists for Green Car Journal’s legacy award included the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Nissan Ariya, Toyota bZ4X, Toyota Crown, and Volkswagen ID.4.
CADILLAC LYRIQ – Featuring upscale styling and a premium theme, the Lyriq is Cadillac’s first all-electric vehicle that’s offered in single or dual motor versions with rear- or all-wheel drive. At a base price of $62,990, the Lyriq features an impressive 312 mile driving range. Satisfying performance is delivered by 340 horsepower in the single motor variant and 500 horsepower in the dual motor version.
Among this award’s finalists were the Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and Polestar 2.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV – Last year’s introduction of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander made waves with its more dynamic styling and upscale features. Now the next-generation Outlander PHEV has joined the lineup. Featuring standard all-wheel drive, the twin motor plug-in hybrid SUV now features significantly greater battery electric range of 38 miles and 420 miles overall, plus the addition of three-row seating that was unavailable in the previous generation Outlander PHEV.
Finalists included the Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Toyota Sienna, and Volvo XC40.
RAM 1500 –The RAM 1500 is a model of versatility and functionality that provides pickup buyers loads of choices. It’s available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations, offers two pickup box lengths, two- or four-wheel drive, and diverse power options. These include two hybrids – a 3.6-liter eTorque V-6 and 5.7-liter eTorque HEMI V-8 – plus a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel and 6.2-liter supercharged V-8. RAM can carry payloads up to 2300 pounds tow trailers up to 12,750 pounds.
Finalists considered for this award were the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, RAM 1500, and Toyota Tundra.
FISKER OCEAN – The all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV features an appealing and sporty design enhanced by an attractive and uncluttered high-tech interior. It’s available in three versions with a driving range of 250 to 350 miles. Beyond its zero-emission electric drive, Fisker is committed to making the Ocean a model of sustainability with over 110 pounds of recycled materials used in its construction, including crushed carbon fiber and plastics from bottles and fishing nets.
Finalists for this award were the Audi Q4 e-tron, Fisker Ocean, Honda CR-V, Kia EV6, and Subaru Solterra.
FORD F-150 LIGHTNING PRO – The F-150 Lightning PRO available to fleets offers 240 to 320 miles of all electric range, depending on battery pack, with a payload capacity up to 2235 pounds. Towing capability up to 10,000 pounds is ideal for urban and regional applications where long-distance towing is not required, since towing can significantly reduce electric range. It’s available with Pro Power Onboard outlets for power at job sites. A Special Services Vehicle variant is made for non-pursuit police department applications.
Finalists for the award were the Brightdrop EV600, Ford E-Transit, Ford F-150 Lightning PRO, Rivian Delivery Van, and Via Motors Chassis Cab.
MINI COOPER SE ELECTRIC – The fully electric MINI Cooper SE carries on the tradition of the MINI as a diminutive two-door hardtop with a fun-to-drive nature and go-kart handling, adding the important distinction of zero-emission operation. The Cooper SE Electric is an ideal vehicle for urban environments, offering a small physical footprint, easy maneuverability, and an electric driving range of 114 miles between charges.
Finalists included the BMW X1, Chevrolet Bolt, Kia Niro, MINI Cooper SE Electric, and Nissan Versa.
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE – The Grand Cherokee 4xe offers all the outstanding features of Jeep’s conventional SUV with the addition of plug-in hybrid capability. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine and two electric motors delivering a total of 375 horsepower. This Trail Rated Jeep features 25 miles of zero-emission on- and off-road driving and a combined 470 miles of range, can tow up to 6,000 pounds, and ford up to 24 inches of water since all high-volt electronics are sealed and waterproof.
Vying for this award were the RAM 1500 eTorque, Ford F-150 Lightning, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and Rivian R1T.
FREEWIRE TECHNOLOGIES BOOST CHARGER – Freewire Technologies’ Boost Charger integrates lithium-ion battery storage to eliminate the need for expensive electrical service upgrades at gas stations adding EV fast charging. Phillips 66 has installed a Boost Charger at a station near its Houston headquarters and plans to leverage its network of 7,000 Phillips 66, Conoco, and 76 branded sites with additional Boost Chargers.
Finalists included Clean Energy Fuels RNG Stations, EVgo Autocharge+, Electrify America Megawatt Energy Storage, Freewire Boost Charger, and SparkCharge Roadie.
LI-CYCLE SPOKE & HUB TECHNOLOGIES – Li-Cycle’s Spoke & Hub system recycles end-of-life lithium-ion battery packs without requiring dismantling. Batteries undergo a submerged shredding process at regional Spoke facilities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe that produces no wastewater, with the output a black mass consisting of critical metals including lithium, cobalt, and nickel. A centralized Hub facility then processes the black mass and creates battery grade materials for reuse.
Finalists considered for this award were BMW eDrive Zones, ConnectDER, Ford Home Integration System, GM Hydrotec Fuel Cell Power Cubes, and Li-Cycle Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling.
Rising above a substantial field of ‘green’ competitors to become a Green Car Awards™ candidate is a noteworthy achievement in itself. To honor these vehicles, all finalists considered in a Green Car Awards™ category are recognized for their commendable environmental achievement with Green Car Journal’s 2023 Green Car Product of Excellence™.