When it comes to judging the 'greenest' cars, fuel efficiency is just the icing on the cake. This year, the Hyundai Ioniq EV (Electric Vehicle) tops the list of the most nature-friendly vehicles. To top it all, it sells for a cheaper price compared to the Toyota Prius.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) prepared the "Greenest List." ACEEE is a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote 'green' technology. It ranks cars based on the following criteria:

• Manufacturing Pollution
• Fuel production and distribution
• Tailpipe emissions

Greenest cars: Top 12

According to CNET, the Hyundai Ioniq scored a total of 64 points. The BMW i3, Toyota Prius Eco, Fiat 500E, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt EV completed the Top 6. Meanwhile, the other half of the 12 'greenest' vehicles are:

• Kia Soul EV
• Toyota Prius Prime
• Toyota Prius C
• Ford Focus Electric
• Honda Accord Hybrid
• Kia Niro FE

ACEEE also recognized the fact that EV's like the Hyundai Ioniq are pricier than normal gas-powered cars. Therefore, the firm compiled another "Greener Choices" list to rank the vehicles among the entire manufacturing industry.

In it, the Smart Fortwo, Toyota Yaris iA, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue Hybrid, Chrysler Pacifica, and Ford F-150 made the podium. However, it is important to note that the criteria were significantly lower than the threshold required for the Greenest List. Well, ACEEE also tracks some of the worst road offenders in its "Meanest List". Unfortunately, the Mercedes-AMG G65 SUV gets the worst Green Score for two consecutive years now.

Hyundai Ioniq sells at a cheaper price

Clean Technica reported that the Hyundai Ioniq offers lifetime battery warranty at a very affordable price. In fact, the Hyundai Ionic looks like it can steal the wind out of the hybrid king, Toyota Prius.

Using both gasoline and electricity, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue will be offered in an entry-level trim for $22,200. Consequently, a midrange SEL trim retails at $23,950 and a Limited top trim for $27,500. All models offer a 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain with a six-speed dual clutch transmission.

All in all, including the $835 destination charge, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue is $2,535 cheaper that the latest Toyota Prius. Indeed, Hyundai Motors is now posing a serious threat to the Toyota Company and might dethrone the Prius anytime.