Here Are The 12 Environmentally ‘Meanest’ Vehicles In The U.S. For 2023

If a long-running 1980’s TV sit-com taught us anything it’s that “You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have The Facts of Life.”

In a separate post we highlighted the 10 most environmentally friendly rides on the road according to the annual Greener Cars report compiled by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), which one would considered to be the “good.” Here, however, we’re looking at the environmentally “meanest” models in that regard, which would be the “bad.”

As one might imagine, they’re all among the worst gas guzzlers on the planet, and there’s neither an electric car or a gas/electric-powered hybrid among them. All but one are big and thirsty SUVs, with a single large high-performance sedan rounding out the “dirty dozen.” Unfortunately for Mother Nature, all are also among the most entertaining-to-drive vehicles sold in the U.S., with horsepower-infused engines of the sort shoppers will not see for much longer, given stricter emissions regulations and the industry’s apparent electric-vehicle manifest destiny.

The ACEEE examined more than 1,200 mainstream models for 2023 that run the gamut, including petrol-powered models, gas/electric hybrids, and 100% electric rides. Each vehicle is given an overall Green Score that can be used to compare the relative environmental friendliness – or unfriendliness as it stands here – from one model to another. Those are expressed on a 100-point scale, with higher numbers being better.

Each model is also assessed an Environmental Damage Index (EDX) which reflects a given model’s adverse effect on the planet in terms just about anyone can understand, namely its estimated cash cost to human health, with lower numbers better.

The “meanest” vehicle for 2023 is the rip-roaring RAM 1500 TRX full-size 4×4 pickup truck, which packs a punch with its 6.2-liter supercharged “Hellcat” V8 engine that puts 702 horsepower to the pavement and can run from 0-60 mph in around 4.5 seconds. That’s quick enough for a sleek sports car, let alone a large and heavy hauler. For 2023 it gets a Green Score of just 22 out of 100, and an EDX at $2.78 cents per mile. It also costs plenty to run, especially with again rising gas prices, an a EPA-estimated 10/12 mpg in city/highway driving.

At the other end of the ledger the “Greenest” car of the year is the full-electric MINI Cooper SE that boasts a Green Score of 67 and an EDX at $0.66 per mile, and the EPA-rated equivalent of 119/100 mpg. That’s no minor spread over the TRX.

As with the Greenest Cars list, take note that the ACEEE’s scores aren’t based solely on a model’s fuel economy or its tailpipe emissions. The ratings further take into consideration the “cradle to grave” impact a given model will have on the environment. This includes a model’s energy source, emissions from manufacturing, and the impact of disposal and recycling.

Ratings and rankings for all vehicles both new and used (dating back to the 2000 model year) can be found on the ACEEE’s GreenerCars.org website.

Here then are the ACEEE’s 12 Meanest Cars for 2023, with Green Scores and EDX cost estimates noted:

1. Ram 1500 TRX 4WD: Green Score of 22 and an EDX of $2.78 per mile
2. Ford F150 Raptor R 4WD: Green Score of 23 and an EDX of $2.67 per mile
3. Cadillac Escalade V AWD: Green Score of 24 and an EDX of $2.58 per mile
4. Dodge Durango SRT AWD: Green Score of 26 and an EDX of $2.44 per mile
5. Jeep Wrangler 4-Door 4WD: Green Score of 28 and an EDX of $2.33 per mile
6. Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4WD: Green Score of 28 and an EDX of $2.29 per mile
7. Mercedes-Benz G 550: Green Score of 28 and an EDX of $2.28 per mile
8. BMW X5 M: Green Score of 29 and an EDX of $2.21 per mile
9. Ford Bronco Raptor 4WD: Green Score of 30 and an EDX of $2.19 per mile
10. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 4WD: Green Score of 30 and an EDX of $2.19 per mile
11. BMW X6 M: Green Score of 30 and an EDX of $2.18 per mile
12. Dodge Charger SRT Widebody: Green Score of 30 and an EDX of $2.17 per mile