2016 Lexus CT 200h Review
2016 Lexus CT 200h Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy for a luxury-branded small car
- feels sportier to drive around turns than most hybrids
- interior has an upscale look and feel
- versatility provided by the CT 200h's hatchback design.
Cons
- Very slow acceleration, and the engine is noisy in the process
- modest luggage space for a hatchback
- optional Remote Touch technology interface can be distracting to use.
What’s new
Largely unchanged, the 2016 CT 200h gets a chrome grille surround and an optional sunroof.
Edmunds says
There aren't many small luxury cars with a hybrid engine, but the 2016 Lexus CT 200h borrows from the best. Its engine is straight from the previous Toyota Prius, so you know it's good on gas, and the CT 200h's hatchback design provides plenty of cargo-carrying versatility. Ready to learn what else we like about this luxurious fuel-sipper?
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 Lexus CT 200h 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$101/mo for CT 200h Base
CT 200h Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
By dint of parent company Toyota's leadership in hybrid vehicles, Lexus has long dominated the luxury hybrid market, a small but important niche that others have only recently discovered. Although rival automakers are starting to put up a fight, the 2016 Lexus CT 200h still stands alone as a compact luxury hatchback with a conventional gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.
The CT 200h has been around for a while now, but its combination of inspired styling and upscale amenities remains appealing in the hybrid arena. Also, the CT's utilitarian four-door hatchback body style can accommodate a wider variety of cargo than your average sedan. Of course, what really sets the 2016 CT 200h apart from most luxury vehicles is its impressive EPA fuel economy rating of 42 mpg combined.
The 2016 Lexus CT 200h combines adventurous looks and moderately sporty handling with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.
The CT 200h backs up its athletic looks with crisp-feeling handling that's a pleasant surprise in a hybrid. Unfortunately, that whiff of sportiness writes checks that the CT 200h's powertrain can't cash. With just 134 total horsepower available, this Lexus is sorely lacking in the performance department. Also, while folding down the CT's rear seatbacks creates a flexible cargo hold with a good deal of space, the interior is still much tighter than that of the Lexus NX 300h compact crossover, for example.
A new rival to the CT 200h debuts this year in the form of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron hatchback, which is technically a plug-in hybrid (with 17 miles of electric-only range) that also offers up to 39 mpg combined in conventional hybrid mode. Within the Toyota family, the aforementioned Lexus NX hybrid is joined for 2016 by a pair of more affordable alternatives — the radically redesigned Toyota Prius, which may be an acquired taste, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which can't match the CT's fuel economy but boasts superior cargo capacity. Although considerably more expensive than the Lexus, the 2016 BMW 328d Wagon is a much more satisfying vehicle to drive and still provides very good fuel economy thanks to its diesel-fueled engine. Overall, the 2016 Lexus CT 200h is likable enough, but only by taking a test-drive will you know whether you can live with its humble performance.
Performance & mpg
Power for the 2016 Lexus CT 200h Hybrid comes from a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a pair of electric motor/generators and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Total output is 134 hp, which is routed to the front wheels by way of a specialized continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
In Edmunds testing, a CT 200h accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a slow 10.5 seconds. Fuel economy is where the CT 200h shines, checking in at an EPA-estimated 42 mpg combined (43 city/40 highway).
The CT 200h can be fun to drive if you don't expect heart-pounding performance from its 134-horsepower hybrid system.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2016 Lexus CT 200h include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints (plus front seatbacks that can help reduce injuries from whiplash), front- and rear-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and dual front knee airbags. Lexus' Safety Connect telematics system is also standard and includes functions like automatic collision notification, stolen-vehicle location and emergency assistance. A rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors are available as options.
The optional adaptive cruise control system includes a pre-collision feature that uses radar sensors to detect an imminent impact and responds by tightening the front seatbelts and initializing brake assist. In Edmunds brake testing, a CT 200h F Sport stopped from 60 mph in an unimpressive 125 feet.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the CT 200h its highest rating of "Good" across the board, including the small-overlap frontal offset, moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests. Its head restraint/seat design also earned a "Good" rating for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
If the 2016 Lexus CT 200h's sporty stance has led you to expect pulse-pounding performance, you're going to be sadly disappointed. The CT 200h's gasoline-electric powertrain (borrowed from the previous-generation Toyota Prius) is tuned to maximize mpg rather than acceleration. The 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine can also sound labored when pushed hard, which doesn't befit a car with a Lexus badge. But if you're just looking for a fuel-efficient luxury car with a nimble feel to get you between points A and B, you'll likely find this hybrid to be pretty livable.
Indeed, the CT 200h's hardware otherwise performs admirably. The repeated cycling between the gasoline engine and the electric motor is so smooth you might not even notice. Same goes for the fuel-saving auto stop-start feature that kills the gasoline engine when the car comes to a full stop, and instantly fires it up when it's time to get moving.
As far as handling goes, the CT 200h feels relatively agile compared to most hybrids, a quality enhanced by the steering system's quick reflexes. Ride quality is good with the standard underpinnings, but the optional F Sport package's firmer suspension may be a little jarring in parts of the country where long-neglected pavement is a frequent annoyance.
Interior
Because it is optimized for environmental friendliness, the interior of the 2016 Lexus CT 200h doesn't have quite the same opulent feel of the traditional luxury models on which Lexus has built its reputation. Recycled and sustainably sourced materials replace the usual soft leather and gleaming wood trim whenever practical. Still, the cabin has a premium look that sets it apart from more mainstream hybrids.
For the most part, the CT 200h's gauges and controls are well-placed and intuitive to use. The exception is the Remote Touch control interface that's used to make selections on the large central display (included in the Display Audio and Navigation packages). It functions a lot like the touchpad on a laptop computer and frequently is too sensitive to use on the fly. Ultimately, it's a clever idea that ends up being more frustrating than it's worth.
Up front, the seats are comfortable and well-bolstered for a sporty feel. The backseat also has decent head- and legroom for a couple of adults, although the narrow rear door openings can complicate entry and exit for passengers. Storage for cell phones and other items you'd like to keep close at hand is limited to a pint-size glovebox and door pockets. When it comes time to load up for a weekend away, there's a passable 14.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the backseat, which grows to 34.8 cubic feet when they are folded down. Both measurements are on the small side compared to similarly sized hatchbacks.
It may be a compact hatchback, but the Lexus CT 200h offers a reasonable amount of head- and legroom for backseat occupants.
2016 Lexus CT 200h models
The 2016 Lexus CT 200h combines a hybrid powertrain with a compact, four-door hatchback layout that seats five passengers. It's offered in a single trim level.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors with built-in turn signals and puddle lamps, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), split-folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Siri Eyes Free technology that connects to select smartphones and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and a USB port.
There are a number of optional packages on the CT 200h, but availability can vary depending on the region in which you live. The Seat Comfort package includes heated front seats and a four-way power front passenger seat. The Premium package adds automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 10-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer. A Display Audio package includes the premium 10-speaker sound system and auto-dimming rearview mirror plus a 7-inch display screen, a rearview camera, an additional USB port and the Remote Touch controller.
The Luxury package includes auto-dimming outside mirrors, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and driver memory settings. The Navigation package features the auto-dimming rearview mirror, rearview camera, 7-inch display and Remote Touch interface plus a navigation system, voice controls, HD radio and Lexus Enform app-based infotainment, Remote and Safety Connect emergency telematics systems. The F Sport package bundles distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a larger rear spoiler and a host of unique styling tweaks inside and out, including a blacked-out rooftop.
Inside, the 2016 CT 200h drops traditional Lexus opulence in favor of sustainable and recycled materials when practical.
There is also a handful of stand-alone options, including a sunroof, LED (low-beam) headlights, adaptive cruise control with a pre-collision system, front and rear parking sensors and a back-up camera with the display built into the auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#2 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus CT 200h from 2008-2022.$309/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.82x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).7.6%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Lexus CT 200h.
5 star(53%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(5%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Gorgeous car!
Loving the new CT, 10/17/2015
2015 Lexus CT 200h 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Just got my 2015 CT F-Sport with navigation. I LOVE it. Great mileage, comfortable handling, and fun to drive in sport mode. I usually drive in Eco mode for the fuel economy which of course, is not as peppy but is excellent for my long commute. The car offers plenty of power unless you have excessive road rage or are used higher hp. The interior is beautiful and I really recommend the … styling of the f-sport with the black roof and sexy alloys. Tons of extra features that are a bonus when you purchase a luxury vehicle such as keyless entry, push-start, voice commands, i-Phone integration, bluetooth, and so much more than I'm still learning about. It's an unusual car in that there is almost nothing else like it: small hatchback, great mileage (and my definition of great is not 30mpg! averaging 44+ and loving it!), luxury vehicle, all at a relatively reasonable price point. Love
5 out of 5 stars
Sleeper Sports Hatch
Peter, 08/19/2016
2016 Lexus CT 200h 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Bought this car "certified" used from my Lexus dealer. Best decision ever. It performs beautifully. Lots of warranty . Don't 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 wife's 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 don't add much to cornering prowess, at reasonable speeds, and just give you lousy ride quality. All this said, I love the car overall and hope to enjoy it for a few more years. Added at 24 K miles: This car has been super reliable, not a single problem! Comments added at 32 K miles : this is an
awesome fun car. Not a single problem, total super reliability. I have gotten used to the somewhat firm ride ( as compared to my wife's ES 350 ) but do enjoy
the crisp ( almost go-cart ) handling. It is no big SUV, but I had no problems last year traveling 3,000 miles through the North East , getting consistent 42 + miles per gallon of regular gas. I am sorry Lexus does not make this model any more, I'd buy another one .
5 out of 5 stars
Driven almost 36,000 miles
Robbie, 12/26/2017
2015 Lexus CT 200h 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We leased this car, love the MPG, hate to give it back next month! the seats are very comfortable for my back, which normal vehicle seats really bother my back and hurt my sciatic nerve. I drive 15 hours to my second home in this car and I find that these seats offer me wonderful support with all the various ways you can adjust it. It doesn't have the neat little pull out seat portion … that the NX of the same year had, which might be a great addition to long drives. (for passenger). I love the heated seats, love the fake leather used, very luxurious feeling and easy to clean. Its absolutely great on gas and i love only putting 20 bucks in the tank. the cons to it are the "sportyness" of it I guess. It is stiff and not luxurious feeling in the suspension. you do get somewhat road noise unless you have the wonderful sound system on. the headlights are sort of odd, in that you don't get a FULL shine, it's sort of cut off, unless you have the bright lights on then it's great. I wish this had roof racks to haul a surfboard or kayak, the smooth top is very nice looking but not utilitarian. This was our first Lexus, coming off of an Audi Allroad, the Lexus has had zero issues and no recalls or anything. I like the low tire sensor, it went off one time and wouldn't go back to normal, and a check up at the deal resulted in a very clean washed car and the sensor light going back to normal, at no cost. Never had to replace the tires, and only a few oil changes. We have no complaints and are going to consider another Lexus for the new vehicle.
5 out of 5 stars
Great mileage car. Sporty looks
Russell, 09/19/2015
2015 Lexus CT 200h 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Love the car. Got the FSport and Navi.
Enjoy it for may everyday commuter.
Yes I do have a nice receiver hitch on my CT
for my bike rack. Very nicely done.
Completely trouble free for 5 years now
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 Lexus CT 200h, so we've included reviews for other years of the CT 200h since its last redesign.
2016 CT 200h Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $31,250 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 42 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $101/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the CT 200h include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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