Finding an environmentally friendly vehicle that suits your needs can be a challenge. The typical vehicle in the environmentally friendly category is a small car but that is slowly changing. Vehicle manufacturers are building different vehicles to fit different lifestyles, including trucks, SUVs, and full-size cars in addition to the traditional compact cars.

Here are some steps you can take to help you choose the environmentally friendly vehicle that is best for you and what buzzwords may be more misleading than you think.

1. Determine if there are alternate fuel sources nearby that you can use

Diesel engines are more commonly being used in passenger vehicles, but there is a shortage of fuel stations that carry diesel fuel. This could be due to the old criticisms of diesel engines that claim that they are actually more harmful to the environment than gas-powered engines, but this has changed with the addition of low-sulfur diesel fuel.

Biodiesel fuel is made of renewable resources such as old cooking oil and isn’t readily sold, but you can make your own biodiesel fuel at home.

You can also look into hybrid cars, which add the convenience of an electric motor to the reliability of a gas- or diesel-powered engine. By having the two engines working in tandem, you can dramatically improve your MPG (miles per gallon) and go a long way toward becoming more environmentally friendly.

2. Calculate the distance you need to travel

Determine the longest round trip you will need to make. If you drive a vehicle that uses alternative fuel, you should be prepared to travel to your destination and back home without needing to refuel your vehicle because you may not be able to find a fuel source along your route. Compare this fuel range with the ranges listed for environmentally friendly vehicles to determine which one is right for your situation.

3. Determine the number of seats you need

While you want your vehicle to be fuel-conscious and environmentally friendly, it still needs to be able to carry the necessary passengers. You’ll need to determine how many passengers your vehicle will need to accommodate so you can choose the right style.

4. Figure out what capabilities your vehicle needs

You need to select a vehicle that can do at minimum everything that you currently do. Whether you camp, go boating, cycle, or just drive to work and back, your vehicle needs to be able to do everything you do right now, and possibly more.

5. Match vehicles to your needs

Once you’ve determined your needs, you have to match them all to a vehicle that fits. Environmentally friendly can be interpreted in different ways, but it usually refers to a vehicle that is exceptionally fuel efficient, uses alternative fuel, or doesn’t burn fuel at all.

Finding an environmentally friendly vehicle that suits your needs can be a challenge. The typical vehicle in the environmentally friendly category is a small car but that is slowly changing. Vehicle manufacturers are building different vehicles to fit different lifestyles, including trucks, SUVs, and full-size cars in addition to the traditional compact cars.