Nissan Versa "Best Green Car Value" In 2015, Says AAA

In its latest Green Car Guide rankings, AAA rounded up more than 80 new vehicles to give them scores based on 13 different categories. Total scores were then added up for each vehicle and divided by its "as tested" price point. Those with the lowest cost for their total score won out for best value. The 2015 Nissan Versa sedan took the top spot and close behind for second place was the 2015 Nissan Versa Note.

“The center (Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center) has a long-term interest in helping motorists cut their fuel bills and clean the air,” said Automotive Research Center Manager Megan McKernan. “Green vehicles offer motorists a way to reduce emissions and save fuel and, depending on the choice of green vehicle, can help motorists save cash, especially when gas prices are high.”

The Nissan Versa is the best-selling sub-compact entry-level car and has been for some time. The Versa Note makes up about half of the Versa's total sales, making them equal partners on the market. The AAA Green Car Guide saw the Versa beat out hybrids and other expected winners handily. The Versa achieves an EPA rating of 40 mpg on the highway and 35 mpg combined and starts at only $11,990.

This goes along with Nissan's further environmental accolades. Nissan was named most fuel-efficient full-line automaker by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2014. With an average fuel economy of 26.2 mpg among its 2013 lineup, Nissan soared to the top, besting the runner-up by more than one mpg. In total fleet economy, that's no easy task when some of those vehicles are trucks and sport utilities.

The AAA's 2015 Green Car Guide is available in the AAA Magazine app in the Apple App Store, on AAA.com, or at AAA branches nationally.