For those thinking of going green with their next car purchase, Toyota is typically the first brand that comes to mind. As a leader in sustainable mobility, Toyota has continuously set the bar when it comes to eco-friendly cars. After almost a decade of producing America’s best-selling hybrid and being named the world’s best green brand by IntelliChoice, Toyota is hands down a safe bet for those opting to go green.

One secret of Toyota’s success when it comes to hybrid vehicles is versatility. Toyota appeals to a broader market by offering eco-friendly cars in a number of models, body styles and trim levels. Whether Northbrook drivers are looking to lighten their carbon footprint in a sedan, crossover or SUV, these Toyota hybrids are sure to please.

Toyota Prius

Now the best-selling hybrid in America and in the world, the Prius is the quintessential green car. The Prius family has blossomed over the past decade and now includes a number of models and trim levels to fit any drivers’ needs. One of the latest additions to the Prius clan is the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV). Thanks to a lithium-ion battery back that can power the car without one drop of gasoline for over 15 miles, the PHV earned the 2012 Urban Green Vehicle of the Year award.

Another member of the Prius family is the Prius V. With the introduction of the Toyota Prius V, Chicago drivers can now enjoy the space and utility of a wagon-based vehicle without the gas-guzzling downside. The Prius V was named for its versatility and it certainly seems fit. Offering a number of seating configurations, a slew of available amenities and three trim levels, the Prius V lives up to its name.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Much the same as the Toyota Prius V, the RAV4 Hybrid boasts the spacious interior of a larger vehicle blended with the stellar fuel economy of a smaller car.  An eco-friendly version of the RAV4 is still in the works but is slated to arrive at dealerships in spring of 2012 as the most fuel efficiency crossover on the market. The rumored battery powered RAV4 EV is estimated to travel up to 100 miles on one charge and expected to achieve a combined fuel economy rating of around 34 mpg. The RAV4 has been one of America’s favorite crossovers for years and looks as though it is en route to become one of America’s favorite crossover hybrids.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Although green cars have been around for over two decades, the eco-friendly technology was only recently introduced to SUVs. One hybrid vehicle Chicago residents have to choose from is the Highlander. Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid was one of the first eco-friendly SUVs on the market when it debuted in 2006 and was greeted with instant success. Now in its second generation, the Highlander is still a favorite among green drivers with its spacious interior, more power than its non-hybrid counterpart and stellar gas mileage. The Highlander seats up to seven passengers and is available in two, well-equipped trim levels. Both trims come with a slew of standard safety features making the Highlander an ideal pick for family drivers with an aversion to thirsty, gas-guzzling SUVs.