The global automobile industry faces mounting pressure to develop air conditioning (AC) systems that align with stringent environmental regulations while enhancing vehicle efficiency. Traditional vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) systems are energy-intensive and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and increased fuel consumption. This paper reviews emerging technologies for automotive air conditioning, emphasizing sustainable alternatives categorized into active, passive, and hybrid systems. Novel developments in thermoelectric cooling, vapor absorption, solar-assisted systems, and hybrid designs are explored. Additionally, the review introduces a comparative analysis of these systems’ performance, focusing on energy consumption, coefficient of performance (COP), and environmental impact. By synthesizing recent research and proposing innovative frameworks, this study offers insights into optimizing sustainable AC technologies for both conventional and electric vehicles, ensuring enhanced passenger comfort and compliance with global environmental standards.