5 Eco-Friendly Cars That Don't Look Like Green Cars

If you don't want to advertise that you're trying to save the planet, check out these stylish but efficient new vehicles.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Nov 28, 2023 | 3 min read

Ford

Are you tired of nearly every eco-friendly automobile shaped as if it drove directly out of the wind tunnel? Fortunately, not all electrified automobiles draw from the same semi-futuristic design spec. That means you can own something a little more individual while reducing your carbon footprint.

Here are five green vehicles that don't necessarily look the part listed in alphabetical order.

Ford F-150 Lightning

Few would hazard a guess that a full-size pickup like the Ford F-150 qualifies as an eco-friendly automobile. But the addition of the all-electric, all-wheel-drive (AWD) Ford F-150 Lightning model is beginning to change that perception. With the same imposing, slab-sided styling as its gas-powered siblings, the four-door Lightning runs silent thanks to its dual electric motors and up to 131-kilowatt-hour battery capacity. The total output starts at a hefty 452 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. When fully charged, the 580-hp extended-range battery models can travel up to 320 miles before recharging.

Hyundai

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Squint real hard at the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and you can see the spirit of the 1980s infusing nearly every angle of its eight-bit sheet metal. Feeling more like a forgotten dream of what the future could have been rather than a cutting-edge electric car, the Ioniq 5 steps out of the compact SUV norm. The all-electric Hyundai offers up to 303 miles of driving range with the optional 77.4-kWh battery pack and a respectable 320 horsepower in dual-motor, AWD trim.

Jeep

Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in electric hybrid vehicle leverages the iconic midsize SUV's retro-themed looks to make a strong break with expectations when it comes to green vehicle design. Bulky, rugged, and featuring a removable roof, the four-door Wrangler 4xe can be ordered in trims ranging from the commuter-friendly Willys to the off-road-ready Rubicon. Under its skin sits a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a single electric motor that work together to deliver 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the ability to drive 22 miles on battery power alone.

Mini

Mini Electric

The all-electric Mini SE hardtop two door looks, for all intents and purposes, like any other member of the stylish Mini family. The only giveaways are its unique asymmetrical wheels and brightly colored trim. It's the perfect vacation from the vaguely-futuristic, rounded wedge shapes that typically dominate the EV space. Thanks to the hatchback's 181 horsepower and wheels-at-each-corner chassis, it's also a lot of fun to drive. Expect 114 miles of range in between charging sessions with the Cooper SE.

Molly McGlew | Capital One

Rivian R1S

The squared-off proportions of the Rivian R1S three-row midsize SUV don't immediately suggest that it's fully electric. Swing around to the front and you'll be met with an out-there stacked headlight setup that further separates the R1S from the rest of the EV pack. Able to hit 60 mph in a mere 3 seconds thanks to its four-motor, AWD design and astonishing 835 horsepower, the seven-seat Rivian R1S is as comfortable with the daily commute as it is dusting rivals off at the drag strip. The sport-utility also counts up to 321 miles of range among its charms.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.