Nowadays, what you drive has become as much a political statement as a practical means of transportation. The backlash against gas-guzzling SUVs has made some shoppers think twice about these truck-based vehicles, despite their roominess and versatility. Into this charged atmosphere steps the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) with a list of the least-polluting, most efficient vehicles in every class.

In compiling its 12 “greenest” vehicles, ACEEE honors, not surprisingly, the hybrid-powered Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid. But the organization also offers a “best-in-class” list—“greener” vehicles for work and family transportation. It includes large sedans (Chevrolet Impala, 3.4-liter engine), crossover wagons (Pontiac Vibe-Toyota Matrix, 1.8-liter engine), small pickups (Ford Ranger, 2.3 liter engine), large pickups (Ford F-150, 4.2-liter engine), small SUVs (Toyota RAV4, 2-liter engine) and large SUVs (Toyota Highlander, 2.4-liter engine).

A nonprofit research group supported by foundations, government organizations, utilities and corporations, ACEEE rates vehicles based on fuel efficiency and emissions that contribute to pollution and global warming. You can find its complete list of “greenest,” “meanest” and “best-in-class” vehicles at GreenerCars.com.