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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  2012 200CT - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By donce - September 22 - 12:00 pm

  Thumbs up! I also own a Prius so I knew what I am getting into with CT. Great build and finish. Overall very tasteful interior layout and exterior. Very stable/controlled in turns. I am averaging about 42-43mpg so far in mixed driving, but have to keep in mind that I only driven it since mid-February to Mid-April in Connecticut. To all hybrid newbies: fuel consumption falls down more significantly in hybrids in winter season compared to standard cars. So I am expecting better mpg as we head into warmer season. One more thing, if you drive any car 3 miles and its parked there all day, and then drive back home the same distance, you will never achieve advertised mpg on any car except EV.

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  Toyota Hybrid drivetrain w/o the Prius looks - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By tk1971 - August 6 - 10:40 pm

  Like it or hate it, the Toyota Prius has successfully mainstreamed the hybrid car. The first gen cars that are still out on the road is a testament of how reliable this drivetrain is. But for some (like myself), I cant get past the way it looks (like a door stop). Its just not my style. The Lexus CT200h floats my boat. Compared to a Prius, its a very different car. The front bucket seats alone are worth the price of admission. The sporty good looks, larger alloy wheels, and luxurious amenities sacrifices some MPG, but Im getting more than 45mpg. What more can I ask for? Sure, its on the low end of the Lexus totem pole, but its definitely more comfortable than a top of the line Prius.

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  Cool looking and fun to drive - 2013 Lexus CT 200H
  By danupsman - April 24 - 9:28 pm

  Weve logged several hundred miles on local road trips so far. It would seem with just 140 or so HP that it would be sluggish up hills but we havent found that to be the case. Its surprisingly more powerful than we though it would be. We took a trip to our local mountains (8,000 ft plus) and we never felt at all like it wasnt powerful enough. It just wasnt an issue ! It handles very nicely but there is a little more road noise than I liked to compared to our infinity G35. The interior is a little tight and it takes a little more effort to get in and out of because of that and its lowness to the ground, but we expected to give up some of that for the increase in fuel economy. Love it !

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  CT 200H F Sport... Love It! - 2013 Lexus CT 200H
  By melissaboyle - March 5 - 1:41 pm

  My husband and I, bought the 2013 F Sport used. It had just under 9k when we bought it, nearly a year ago. It now has 26k. I took it on a road trip this Summer, from WA to NM, AZ, NV and back to WA! I managed to fit myself, 3 dogs (2 med. 1 sm), my overweight friend (sorry friend!) and all our stuff! I was comfy, my friend and the dogs not so much... Mainly because my friend took up most of the room, with herself and her bags. We were all fine on the way back, without my friend. I did pickup my niece whos about my size. 54/115lbs. So 2 average adults, 3 dogs and everyones stuff fits fine and we were all comfortable!

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  An honest review on the ct200h - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By ctenthusiast - August 30 - 3:25 pm

  First off, let me say that I love this little car! I am a 62", 180 pound, 41 year old man... So you know a little of where my points of view are coming from. Lets address the categories that I didnt rank with 5s, first off, performance- performance is pretty good all in all, and particularly in sport mode it reacts quite well... However, make no mistake, this is not a sports car! It is a hybrid that is getting you up to 60 mpg at times. If you want to spin tires and blast 0-60 in 4 seconds you are going to have to rethink buying this car! Second, comfort- I am a fairly big guy and I find this car to be really very comfortable, I have my seat at the furthest and lowest position.

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  CT200h - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By rgreen1068 - June 4 - 6:35 am

  After driving this for a while, I have to say it has made me happy about this purchase. I had read some reviews on the power / size, comparisons to a Prius and European rivals that concerned me. If excellent gas mileage, decent room and Lexus / Prius reliability (I have seen some of the same Prius drive trains with 300,000 + miles) is what you are after you will be happy. Gas is currently $3.60 / gallon so this takes the sting out of our morning commute by doubling what we were getting. Considered the Mini Countryman as well, but once it is optioned out, you can get a Lexus.

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  I love this car so much, I just bought a new one to replace my 2011 - 2014 Lexus CT 200H
  By patentcad1 - March 12 - 11:10 pm

  I was shopping for a hybrid 3 years ago to replace a gas guzzling SUV. Loved the styling of the CT, didnt want to get a Prius (I had just bought one for my wife). So I took the plunge. LOVE the CT. So much so that I just replaced the 2011 with a new 2014.

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  Love it! - 2016 Lexus CT 200H
  By Laura Raab - March 8 - 4:29 pm

  Only had it for a week, but really like it. Had an RX and didnt need that much space. Family grown, mostly drive alone. Its a wonderful alternative. Love that you can shift it to Sport mode, but you have to watch your speed. It does have cruise control. Next, thinking about NX, a new one right inbetween RX and CT. They just put on options so you have to take what is there. Also no tan upholstry at all, you have to take black. Or in the Sport model red and black. Bottom line, didnt have to put anything down, however I put $1k down to reduce payments and left owing $411/mo. However the sales person said he would pay my first payment. Sales Associate: Amir Have had Lexus since they first came out. We had a 1990 LS 400. You can pass them down or bring it back. If you exchange old Lexus for new one they always are favorable deals. You get $1k off MSRP, but thats just a starting point.

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  Stylish well built car, not suitable for families! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By Richard Waldron - September 29 - 10:43 pm

  Had this car almost 3 years now, just reached the 30k mark. It is a great little car with good gas savings. We seem to average about 40-45 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. I really only have 2 complaints.. 1. It is very low. So low I can not drive it up my drive without scrapping the bottom. So I have to park it on the street. 2. It is great for 1-2 people, but the back is too small for adults. With a baby on the way we will have to trade it in. Definitely no room for a stroller in the trunk! Trunk can not even fit a regular size suitcase. Tip: go to Toyota not Lexus for any servicing. A major Lexus service costs around $750. Toyota charge $200 for exactly the same service

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  Love my Ct200h - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By chuck2012 - September 12 - 2:40 am

  In the compact, high mileage,near luxury market the CT200h is by itself. I have had mine since mid March. I bought it right after the Tsunami hit as i figured the supply chain would be disrupted for awhile. I could not be happier with the vehicle. I am averaging 49mpg in mixed suburban driving. It sips gas. After 400 miles I put in 8 gallons of regular gas. I love the style of the car. I call it a hybrid with an attitude. It is not a rocket, although the Sport mode (driver selectable by a dial on the console) gives better uphill acceleration. Remember it is a hybrid based on the Prius platform. If you want to decrease your gas consumption and want to do it style, get the Ct200h.