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:

• 

  Wow, what a great little car. - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By travelnman1 - July 11 - 11:57 pm

  I have previously owned three Lexus vehicles an ES 300, ES 350 and my last car a GS 350 AWD. When the CT 200h came out, I took a test drive and fell in love with the car. I drove it home that day. I liked the looks, red with black leather interior, and sporty. Its very quiet and has the ride quality of the ES 350 I had. You do hear the CVT under acceleration but it quiets down once up to speed. The cars computer indicated I got 44mpg on the first tank of gas. This includes some interstate driving. Currently, it shows 46.5 mpg will do an actual check on my next fillup. Go out and test drive one. Would make a good entry level to Lexus or 2nd vehicle

• 

  Dont buy in snow country! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By slimpiks - June 29 - 12:20 pm

  Great dry road car and fun to drive. In our first snow of season, unable to move due to vehicle control system. At stop sign on snow/ice, car would not move and had to back out of traffic situation. Talked to Lexus dealer and no lock out for vehicle control system, which is on other Lexus models. Had to trade car for Camry, which has the vehicle control system lock out. Camry performs much better on snow/ice. Buy a Camry, which has almost same expected mileage.

• 

  One year after purchasing... - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By nanday - June 10 - 10:51 am

  I just passed one year driving my CT200H. Firstly, I live in the subtropics in Australia, so driving in heavy snow or ice is not a concern. I wanted fuel efficiency, safety and reliability and this car delivers, and also gives a very comfortable ride. It is not a standout in appearance but is better than the blocky looking Prius. It is an exellent car for a single older person, or a couple (and maybe ones with small children), but the back seat cramped. It delivers everything I wanted and I would recommend it on the fuel savings alone.

• 

  All a Matter of Perspective - 2014 Lexus CT 200H
  By Anthony M. - January 27 - 9:48 am

  When car shopping there are 2 cars in a persons mind: The ideal car that appeals to their emotion while tugging heart strings, and the car thats the logical, practical choice. This car falls into the latter category, which is no bad thing. Compared to the MB CLA, BMW 320i, and Audi A3, the CT is hardly a standout. But rest assured itll far outlast any of those 3 in reliability and with lower maintenance costs to boot. Its interior is well laid out, and it possesses the greatest front seats in the business. The media system is simple to use (an easy thing to mess up in a car these days) and the premium audio system is pretty good for a non-branded setup. The Bluetooth streaming is very high quality too, while the interior materials are good for the category, with soft touch stuff where it counts. Its ride (I have the F-Sport with the firmer suspension) is a little harsh but never brittle. Its a controlled tightness that allows bumps into the cabin but takes the edge off each time. As an added plus, the CT can be had for thousands below sticker due to its lower demand, a benefit often overlooked in car reviews. If theres one big drawback to the car, its the speed, or lack there-of. This is a slow car, no two ways about it, and it doesnt want to be rushed. Thankfully, the engine is well isolated so you wont feel like youre in an economy car when entering the freeway. Luckily speed is the CTs only dynamic downfall. In the hills this little hatch can hold its own when the going gets twisty. Steering is numb but razor sharp and laser precise. The suspension has hardly any role either. The Sport Mode doesnt make the car any faster, but rather sharpens throttle response and weights up the steering for a sporty feel, useful for freeway or canyon use. Power issues aside, the CT never feels like a detached, isolation-pod hybrid whose only purpose is to suck the joy out of its owners in exchange for better savings at the pump. The CT200h is a solid car for anyone looking for solid entry-lux transport in the city. It lacks the pizzazz of its German brethren but is more practical and logical for long term ownership. As an added plus MPG does actually hover around its EPA ratings, and ginger driving will yield near a consistent 48 MPG (Ive never gone below 44 MPG myself).

• 

  First and last Lexus - 2014 Lexus CT 200H
  By Bonnie Zucker Rossi - November 9 - 9:48 pm

  I bought a brand new Lexus Ct200h in August of 2014. Loved the car till January when crackling and rattling was heard in the dashboard. Two months later and several visits to the dealership and was finally told that the rattling is a "normal characteristic" of the car. I have documentation that says that the cold weather is a cause for the sound. Am now in step one of Lexus arbitration process. Hoping for the best but not expecting it. Should anyone accept rattling in a brand new car especially a luxury car?

• 

  Navication missing - 2016 Lexus CT 200H
  By Sajani Rao - July 11 - 10:42 pm

  The car has 3 choices in operation. Ev, normal and Sport. The car on normal and Sport act with loads of Speed. Climb an incline with speed on EV is a challenge( I live in a hilly area). The gas efficiency is amazing. Get the GPS. It Deff is worth it. It helps you interact better with the car.

• 

  Sleeper Sports Hatch - 2016 Lexus CT 200H
  By Peter - May 3 - 9:28 am

  Bought this car "certified" used from my Lexus dealer. Best decision ever. It performs beautifully. Lots of warranty . Dont believe the " slow acceleration" and /or "poky" performance claims - this car, if driven properly (sport mode works well), takes off like a shot and corners very well. Certainly not like a supercharged JAG, but well within sporty car realms, for a lot less money. The build quality is superb, as it should be for a Lexus. The cockpit feels, for my 150 lb. frame, just right, is very luxurious , (almost like my wifes ES 350 ) and it fits! Plenty of room in the back for cargo, too. The ride quality could be improved, though. Those low profile tires are terrible, they dont add much to cornering prowess, at reasonable speeds, and just give you lousy ride quality. All this saved, I love the car overall and hope to enjoy it for a few more years.

• 

  I am in love with this car - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By cindyropp - April 26 - 3:37 pm

  I was lucky and found a 2012 fully loaded with only 6k miles on it for $26k. I love this car, while I have a lead foot, I am only getting 37 to 40mpg...if I am driving like an old lady on a straight road, I might get 40 but I live in san diego, hills everywhere and going up hill, the mileage goes down. I love the handling. this is the perfect combination of sporty, economical, practical, fun. Definitely beats the competition of the other hybrids in $28-35k range!!

• 

  This is a great car! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By irishpilot - January 9 - 4:33 am

  Extremely happy with the styling of this car! But most of all I love all the technologies! I like all the bells and whistles and this car has them all. Even my high school age daughter likes this purchase...hoping that it will be her car in couple of years. Very nice car by Lexus!

• 

  Hot hot hybrid - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By carmageddon - January 6 - 5:35 am

  With the F-Sport package this things got kind of an upscale eco-friendly bad attitude look to it. And I love the modern wood and leather free interior; its about time that we start to see some new materials indoors. Powers on the light side, but handling with the sports package is definitely competitive with the Minis and GTIs of the world. But they dont get forty-something miles per gallon on regular now do they?