12 Environmentally Dirtiest Cars For 2016

While we previously highlighted the 12 most environmentally friendly vehicles for 2016 – all of which are electric and gas/electric hybrid models – we now turn our attention to the dark side of automotive arena. In addition to the “greenest” rides on the road, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) in Washington, D.C., likewise compiles an annual companion list of the “meanest” rides on the road as far as Mother Nature is concerned.

How inhospitable to the environment are these models compared to those residing on the greenest list? For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (via its fueleconomy.gov website) estimates the lowest-ranked model, the Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG with a Green Score of just 20, will consume the equivalent of 27.5 barrels of oil annually with 762 grams of greenhouse gases emitted per mile. By comparison, the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive model that tops the ACEEE’s list of the “greenest” models for 2016 with a Green Score of 63 uses no gasoline and emits zero tailpipe pollutants. The highest-rated rated gas/electric hybrid model, the Toyota Prius ECO with a Green Score of 61, is estimated to burn the equivalent of just 5.9 barrels of oil and return 158 grams of tailpipe CO2 back into the environment.

The ACEEE determines its annual Green Score rankings according to a “cradle to grave” combination of factors that primarily takes into account a vehicle’s fuel economy and its tailpipe emissions. The latter include health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants like hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, as well as greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane and other compounds. Also considered are emissions estimates for a vehicle’s manufacturing process, disposal impact and (where applicable) the sources of energy used to generate power for electric cars, with states that rely heavily on coal-based plants faring the worst in this regard.

Ratings for all 2016 vehicles, both environmental winners and sinners are available via the ACEEE’s greenercars.org database, which includes information for each model’s fuel economy, health-related pollution impacts and greenhouse gas emissions.

1. Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

The oddly fast and furious 12-cylinder G63 AMG version of the oddly boxy Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV is named the environmentally “meanest” vehicle in the U.S. for 2016 by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). It carries a rock-bottom Green Score of 20, and is EPA rated at 11/13 mpg in city/highway driving.

2. Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana G2500 Passenger Van

Chevy and GMC’s full-size passenger vans get a Green Score of 22 from the ACEEE and are rated at 11/16 mpg in city/highway driving.

3. Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

Another high-performance version of the militaristic G-class luxury SUV, the V8-powered Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG gets a Green Score of 22 from the ACEEE and is rated at 12/14 mpg in city/highway driving.

4. Bentley Mulsanne

If you have to ask you can’t afford the exotic Bentley Mulsanne luxury sedan that gets a Green Score of 23 from the ACEEE and is rated at 11/18 mpg in city/highway driving.

5. Mercedes-Benz G550

The third Mercedes G-Class SUV on the list, this is the “standard” G550 V8-powered version that gets a Green Score of 23 from the ACEEE and gets the “best” fuel economy in the line at 13/14 mpg in city/highway driving.

6. Toyota Sequoia

The V8-powered Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV gets a Green Score of 25 from the ACEEE and is rated at 13/14 mpg in city/highway driving.

7. Ford Transit T150 Wagon

Ford’s big passenger van gets a Green Score of 25 from the ACEEE and is rated at 14/18 mpg in city/highway driving.

8. Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG

The sportiest GL 63 AMG rendition of the large Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV gets a Green Score of 25 from the ACEEE and is rated at 13/17 mpg in city/highway driving.

9. Lexus LX 570

Lexus’ large and luxurious LX 570 SUV gets a Green Score of 26 from the ACEEE and is rated at 13/18 mpg in city/highway driving.

10. Bentley Continental GT Convertible/Flying Spur

These big, exotic, and super-costly Bentley luxury cars get a Green Score of 26 from the ACEEE and are rated at 12/20 mpg in city/highway driving.

11. Toyota Tundra

The V8-powered versions of Toyota’s full-size Tundra pickup truck get a Green Score of 26 from the ACEEE and are rated at 13/17 mpg in city/highway driving.

12. Mercedes Benz GL550

The GL550 V8 version of Mercedes-Benz’s full-size SUV gets a Green Score of 26 from the ACEEE and is rated at 13/18 mpg in city/highway driving.

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