Various plugs on electric, hybrid plug-in and hydrogen cars, shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.Reuters
The list has been whittled from 15 vehicles to five and the winner of the inaugural Canadian Green Car Award will be announced next Friday.
The finalists were selected by members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) following nominations by the vehicles' manufacturers.
"The judges found the choice difficult because all the entrants are worthy, and they incorporate such differing routes to greener driving," said Peter Gorrie, chair of AJAC's Green Car Award steering committee, in a press release.
"Driving is the most energy-intensive action most people do every day," added committee member and Globe Drive writer Michael Bettencourt. "Our hope is this award will shine a light on how folks can improve their health, their planet and their monthly fuel bills, if they have to use a car."
The Top 5:
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Volkswagen Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid
The green king will be announced Friday, April 12 at the Green Living Show, in the Direct Energy Centre at Toronto's Exhibition Place.
The 10 nominated vehicles that didn't make the final cut: the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Edge EcoBoost, Ford Focus Electric, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, Mercedes-Benz B250 Turbo, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf and Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.