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.
Electric Green Car of the Year
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.
Premium Green Car of the Year
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.
Green 4x4 of the Year
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.
Commercial Green Car 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.
Neighborhood Green Car of the Year
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.
Green Car Awards: A Year of Evolution
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.