Sounds like an oxymoron, but it isn't. If you are ready to turn in your gas-guzzling, pavement-crushing SUV in favor of a smaller, greener vehicle, take a look at the models Jody Victor found from msn.com.
Jody Victor: It takes a little over three years to develop a new vehicle for the public. There are many future smaller, greener vehicles in the works at most automobile makers' R&D departments. But what about right now? There are vehicles available now, that could fit your green needs, your legroom needs and your pocket book needs. Here's the first group.
Honda Fit - Though long of roof, the second-generation Fit doesn't fall into the "box-on-wheels" category of some other cars in this group. Inside, the Honda's rear Magic Seat can be folded down, without removing the headrests, to create an expansive, flat rear cargo area. Or fold the rear seat bottom cushions up together or by the 70/30 split, and you have a floor-to-ceiling cargo area that can be accessed through the back doors, while the cargo space behind the seats remains intact. Rear-seat room is outstanding, while only the tallest drivers may wish for more legroom. Ten cupholders, eight storage slots, two concealed cubbies and a large glove box hold the small stuff. Base price: $14,900.
Hyundai Elantra Touring - Originally designed for the European market, this compact wagon offers the seating comfort of a mid-size sedan and the cargo space of an SUV. Materials are not upscale, but the interior is well-made and easy to live with. Headroom and legroom are outstanding front and rear, and the seats are supportive. The glove box has an air conditioning vent that can be opened to cool a few drink cans, and there's covered storage on top of the dash. The Elantra Touring leads the group in cargo space behind the seat, and features in-floor compartments. Fold down the seats, open the wide rear hatch and this little wagon could swallow a bedroom set. Base price: $15,995.
Kia Soul - The Soul puts a little more emphasis on passenger comfort and style (check the optional glow-in-the-dark seat upholstery and red dash cover) than on cargo capacity. There's plenty of legroom and headroom for even long-legged teens in both the front and back seats, which are well-designed and comfortable. Drink holders and storage cubbies abound, and include a compartment in the upper dash and a glove box with a shelf to help keep it organized. The rear cargo space is vertical, although there's a nice organizer under the floor. The 60/40 rear seats fold down - but not quite flat - and the small size of the rear hatch will make it difficult to load larger objects. Base price: $13,300.
Mazda3 5-Door - This Mazda's interior will appeal to buyers who want to feel as if they spent more money. Softer plastics and brushed-metal trim, nice fabrics, leather on the wheel, and especially the soft blue "greeting" illumination when you open the door at night all contribute to an environment that's almost - but not quite - German. But style gets you only so far. The Mazda3 is short on creative storage compartments. Legroom and headroom in the back seat are lacking. Even the glove box is small. The rear cargo area is a good-size and covered with a rigid shelf, but there's no stowage under the floor. The 60/40 back seats fold almost flat to create a space that's useful but not extraordinary. Base price: $20,290.
MINI Cooper Clubman - Ten inches longer and an inch taller than the standard MINI Cooper, the Clubman aims to bring a little practicality to a vehicle that exists mostly to be cute and fun to drive. The added space all lies behind the colorful front bucket seats. The rear seat has 2.4 more inches of legroom, which makes it a "possible" proposition for adults, but that's all. Entry is eased by a "club door" on the right side. The rear seats fold flat to create creditable space for a car this small, and there's hidden storage under the floor. You can open one or both of the split rear barn doors, but then they are in the way and, unlike a hatchback, don't offer any rain protection. Base price: $21,150.
Thanks, Jody! More on small cars with big room next time.