Overview & Reviews

Historically, hybrids have been known for having certain strengths. Of course, fuel economy is one of them. But engaging handling? Not so much. These days, though, there are models on the market that are more ambitious, promising great mileage sweetened with a sportier driving experience. One such model is the Lexus CT 200h.

The Lexus CT 200h shares its powertrain with the Toyota Prius. The main distinction here is that the sporty-looking CT 200h is designed specifically for better handling, with a low stance and special suspension components. It's an appealing idea, to be sure. But just as with the rash of compact cars many premium brands are introducing to their showrooms, the CT 200h stretches the traditional definition of a luxury car as it's small inside and out, not particularly powerful and not particularly plush.

Current Lexus CT 200h
The Lexus CT 200h is a hybrid-electric, compact four-door hatchback. There is a single powertrain choice, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with a powerful electric motor. Depending on the driving situation, one or both drive the CT 200h's front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The engine makes 98 horsepower, but the entire hybrid system -- essentially the same used in the Prius -- can generate a total of 134 hp.

The CT 200h comes in a single trim level. Standard features include automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an eight-way power driver seat, premium vinyl upholstery and a six-speaker sound system. Most of the CT's truly upscale features come in several option packages, however. These include LED headlamps, adaptive cruise control, auto-dimming side mirrors, leather upholstery, a navigation system and a premium sound system. An F Sport Special Edition package is also available that includes unique wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and special upholstery.

Compact dimensions and efficient hybrid drive mean the Lexus CT 200h's chief asset is exceptional fuel economy, and our testing generated an overall economy of nearly 40 mpg; the EPA rates the CT 200h at 43 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, figures few luxury cars of any description can match. Acceleration, however, is not a strength, although the CT 200h handles nimbly enough.

If you're expecting standard Lexus opulence and lots of wood trim, you won't find it here. But the CT 200h cabin is still upscale, with soft-touch surfaces on the most heavily trafficked contact points. The optional leather upholstery feels rich and pliable but the standard "NuLuxe" premium vinyl upholstery is convincing and won't disappoint. The cabin looks modern and high-end, with the exception being the radio's dated layout and display screen. There is reasonable luggage room -- 14.3 cubic feet -- and the hatchback configuration with folding rear seats makes for cargo-carrying flexibility that other entry-level luxury sedans can't match.

Used Lexus CT200h Models
The Lexus CT 200h debuted for the 2011 model year. First-year CT 200h models did not have the audio warning system added in 2012 to notify pedestrians and cyclists of this quiet car's presence at low speeds. Also added after the CT 200h's first year on the market was the optional F Sport package with sportier body pieces, special 17-inch tires and flashier interior detailing.

For the 2014 model year, the CT 200h received a face-lift that brought it more in line with the rest of the Lexus lineup. Mechanically it remained unchanged, but a handful of new features debuted. These items include LED low-beam headlights, a black-painted roof for the F Sport package, a new steering wheel, an updated Remote Touch interface and improved speakers for the audio system.

User Reviews:

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  awesome from day one! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By exp68 - December 24 - 9:09 am

  I traded my soon to be out of warranty 07 CLS63 for my 2012 F sport.45-49 mpg mostly in the sport mode mixed city/hiway driving.I debadged my hottie including the blue L,,,dont want to be mistaken for a Greeny....no one knows what it is, lots of thumbs up,you would get that responce in a Prius!!!

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  just be honest with yourself..... - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By believe - December 5 - 11:58 pm

  After looking at the Prius, CRV, Rav4, Venza and a few others, we kept coming back to the CT200. After pricing out the prius we felt that we received more for our money with the CT200. There were no comparison with the seats of the others vs the CT200. They reminded the wife and I of our comfy leather chairs at home. The handling was simply great. A little noise getting up to speed, but after that if was a dream to drive. There is just something we love about hatchbacks. Just so practical. No, not tons of room, but for this soon to be retired couple it is perfect. If your an animal lover and dont wish to have leather interior, well the imatation leather is very, very nice. Go drive it!

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  FUN RIDE! - 2017 Lexus CT 200H
  By CMH - October 28 - 2:33 am

  It is low to the ground with low profile tires, so one needs to be really careful to watch out for potholes or anything at all in the road. It takes a bit to become accustomed to the electric noises. One might think they are hearing a siren when the cars slows down.

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  Great car - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By glf3 - September 7 - 12:09 am

  I love my new CT200h. I am a little disappointed with the city mileage so far though. I traded in my ES350 which I loved but I am a caregiver for my wife and I dont do much highway driving anymore. I got 32 highway on the ES but only 17 in town. Most of my trips are only 2 to 3 miles one way. This is producing about 38 mpg. I did take a couple of trips over 50 miles of country road driving which gave me 44 mpg. I only have 550 miles on it so far. Hope it gets better but not sure. Might it get better?

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  Rolling jewelry - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By phomat - August 31 - 3:32 pm

  Much has already been said about this cars positives: great gas mileage, great handling, Lexus interior, beautifully sculpted exterior, adequate power. The unleather seats are very comfortable (better than our ES 330). Good road car, and fun to drive. Only complaint is the "environmentally friendly" speakers, which are the worst Ive heard in any new car for many years. Sound like and likely are single cone. Ill be replacing them soon with real speakers.

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  Outstanding Car - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By megaman4 - May 3 - 10:28 pm

  We had the car for over two weeks now, what a great vehicle. The gas mileage is outstanding, amazing how little it costs to fill this car up and how far you get on a full tank. Moving form a larger vehicle, it does take some time to get used to. Very responsive steering, good visibility from all angles. It really is a fun car to drive, plenty of space for the front and rear passengers.

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  Great Car but no Bike Hitch fits - 2015 Lexus CT 200H
  By jtsport - January 31 - 2:24 pm

  Ive had my 2015 Lexus CT200h Fsport for 3 months and absolutely love it. The car and dealership were great. WARNING: I was told that I could purchase a bike rack hitch (the car is too little to pull anything) so I purchased the car and now find that no where is there a bike hitch that fits it. I just want to help anyone thinking of buying this car NOT to expect to be able to use it to haul their bikes. I tried UHAUL, Lexus parts and Lexus Customer Service for U.S. Im hoping if they get enough requests theyll make the bike hitch so we can buy it!!!!

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  Give It a Serious Test Drive - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By gary7465 - December 25 - 4:10 am

  I know Im in the minority here, but Im very disapponted with this car. If youve never had a hybrid, give it a very serious test drive before you buy or lease. On the plus side, the MPG is excellent -- better than advertised -- and the front seats are very comfortable. The exterior of the car is very pretty. Overall, the car isnt as much a Lexus as it is a gift wrapped Prius. There are obvious trade offs with a hybrid, but the performance in Normal mode is tepid, at best. Theres better performance in Sport mode, but its annoying to have to toggle back and forth. The ride is harsh, the car is full of rattles, steering is jittery and the back seat is very cramped.

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  Better MPG than advertised - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By samborambo1 - December 24 - 2:09 pm

  I have had my CT for about 3 week now and I have only driven less than a 1000 miles. I have fueled up the car twice. Both times, I calculated the mpg based on the trip miles divided by the number of gallons pumped in. Both times I was able to achieve between 49 and 50 miles per gallon. This is definitely above the mpg on the sticker. There are plethora of CT drivers that are getting below 40mpg while some are getting over 50mpg. It all depends on how you drive the car. It will NOT out run any car on the road if you want good mpg. So be prepared to pull to the right, slowly get up to speed, and let the traffic pass you by. Im ok with that. If you are too, then the CT is for you.

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  This Isnt A Sports Car...Its A Sporty Car with Great Mileage and Comfort - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By bondguy1 - November 2 - 11:23 am

  This car is different from most. It is a Lexus so the comfort is great inside as are the appointments. However, it isnt that cushy ride you get in a Lexus ES or LS....you DO feel the road more. The car is scary quiet. The seating position for the driver is excellent. I never feel like Im in a small car as the seat is very adjustable. Rear seat room, however, is what it is...good for three kids or maybe two adults. Cargo space in the rear is a little tight as well. Trips to Home Depot will be different than if you were in an SUV (but hey, you couldnt get nearly 50 MPG in an SUV either). The mileage is GREAT..better than what Lexus quotes.