This luxury ride gets the nod partly because it costs the same as a gas-powered MKZ at a time when most automakers charge some $5,000 extra for hybrid versions of cars.

“You don’t have to make a choice between being green and saving money,” Anderson said. (Base price: $35,180)

$45,000-and up rides

Best in Class: Mercedes-Benz E350 Blue-TEC. The Mercedes E-Class already took Kiplinger’s “Best New Car” award when it premiered last year, but the new diesel version rates a “Best in Class” honor for 2011.

Anderson said the model’s clean-diesel engine gets a category-leading 33 mpg/highway even though it puts out 210 horsepower. (Base price: $51,775)