Autotrader has introduced a new sustainability rating across its editorial new car reviews, with just six models achieving the maximum five-star score at launch.
The new ‘green ratings’ are now live on the platform and are designed to help consumers better understand the full environmental impact of a vehicle, beyond tailpipe emissions.
The launch marks a shift in how vehicle sustainability is communicated to consumers, moving from a focus on emissions alone to a broader, lifecycle-based assessment.
Among the first models to receive top marks are the Polestar 4, Alpine A290, Dacia Spring Cargo, Nissan Leaf, Renault 4 and Renault 5.
New sustainability metric
The five-star rating system combines both model and brand-level data, with three stars awarded based on the individual vehicle and two based on the wider sustainability performance of the manufacturer.
Autotrader said the methodology draws on extensive datasets from car brands, alongside analysis from third-party organisations including the Science Based Targets initiative, lifecycle assessment specialists and EU regulatory bodies.
The ratings are now presented alongside existing review metrics such as running costs, reliability, safety, features, comfort and performance.
Erin Baker, editorial director at Autotrader, said: “In a world in which consumers are becoming increasingly sustainability-conscious it’s vital the automotive industry can meet this demand for information and transparency.
“Our scheme aims to be data-driven, transparent, fair and honest, whilst rooted in editorial expertise at both brand and model levels, based on Autotrader’s decades-long working relationships with car brands.”
Pressure on brands
Autotrader said the ratings respond to growing consumer demand for clearer information on a car’s lifecycle impact, including sourcing of materials, manufacturing emissions, water usage and recycled content.
Baker said: “Full marks doesn’t mean perfection in our green ratings; it signifies that a brand is doing everything it reasonably can in the current climate to mitigate its adverse impact on the planet. It’s about consistency between words and action, transparency and going beyond what is regulated.”
The marketplace also believes the ratings will increase accountability across the industry by combining consumer visibility with editorial scrutiny.
Fredrika Klaren, head of sustainability at Polestar, said: “Greater transparency is key to accelerating change. A rating done right can help turn complex data into clear, comparable information that empowers consumers to make more informed choices.
“At Polestar, we believe progress matters more than perfection, what’s important is taking action, being open about where you stand, and continuously improving. When consumers have access to credible, transparent insights, they can drive the shift towards a more sustainable society, so it’s great to see Autotrader taking a lead on this in the UK.”
Ensure you always receive AM insights. Make us a preferred source of news on Google