Rivian R2 Takes 2026 Electric Green Car of the Year; Lexus, Jeep, Ford, and Bintelli Round Out Winners

LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Car Journal has announced the second round of its 2026 Green Car Awards™, with the Rivian R2 taking 2026 Electric Green Car of the Year™. Presented since 2005 and widely recognized as the most important environmental awards in the automotive field, the Green Car Awards™ highlight models that stand out for their environmental performance, advanced technology, and leadership in moving toward a more sustainable driving future.

2026 ELECTRIC GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR™
Rivian's compact R2 expands the company's adventure–ready electric vehicles to a wider audience. First up this spring is the R2 Performance with the Launch Package at $57,990. Variants include the Premium AWD at $53,990, Standard RWD Long Range at $48,490, and Standard RWD at $45,000, coming later this year or in 2027. The R2 offers a range up to 340 miles.

2026 PREMIUM GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR™
The Lexus ES is awarded Premium Green Car of the Year™, with the ES 350e and ES 500e introducing the model's first battery–electric variants with driving range up to 307 miles. Coming later this year is the ES 350h hybrid featuring available all–wheel drive. Pricing begins at $48,795 for the ES 350e, $50,995 for the ES 350h, and $51,795 for the ES 500e.

2026 GREEN 4X4 OF THE YEAR™
Jeep's Cherokee earns Green 4x4 of the Year™ as the all–new model rejoins the lineup with an efficient hybrid powertrain. Its 1.6–liter turbocharged system delivers 210 horsepower and a combined 37 mpg. Starting at $35,000, it offers a 500–mile range, 3,500–pound towing capacity, and standard four–wheel drive that supports confident travel on highways, unpaved roads, and trails.

2026 COMMERCIAL GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR™
The Ford E–Transit is honored as Commercial Green Car of the Year™ for its continued advancement of electric fleet capability. Updates include expanded configurations and enhanced charging options, with a point-of-entry at $55,655. E-Transit features an estimated range of up to 159 miles, meeting the needs of delivery, service, and municipal fleets seeking zero-emission operations.

2026 NEIGHBORHOOD GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR™
The Bintelli Beyond,  Neighborhood Green Car of the Year,™ is ideal for travel within planned communities and environments where EVs with a limited speed of 25 mph present viable options. Priced between $11,000 and $16,000, Beyond is street legal for travel on roads posted 35 mph or below, features required safety equipment, and offers up to a 40 mile range.

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The award-winning Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com have focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment since 1992, serving as an important reference for consumers seeking more environmentally sustainable vehicle choices. The digital edition of the magazine's current issue helps drivers decide whether a hybrid, battery EV, or high mpg gas car is right for their needs and lifestyle.

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SOURCE Green Car Journal