2017 Lexus CT 200h Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Delivers excellent fuel mileage
- Handling is more athletic than the typical hybrid
- Eco-conscious interior has an upscale look and feel
- Hatchback design adds versatility
Cons
- Don't expect stirring acceleration from the weak power sources
- Luggage space is modest for a hatchback
- Optional Remote Touch technology interface can be distracting to use
What’s new
The 2017 Lexus CT 200h is carried over from last year with no changes.
Vehicle overview
When the Lexus brought the CT 200h to market seven years ago, it touted this hatchback as a sporty hybrid car. Unfortunately, it lacked the power to back that claim, and there hasn't been an increase in power since. On the plus side, the CT 200h features more athletic handling than the typical hybrid, but that's not a high bar to clear.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 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 $3.85 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$116/mo
CT 200h Base
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Compact Car
What the 2017 Lexus CT 200h excels in, however, is delivering excellent real-world fuel efficiency, a smooth ride and a pleasant interior. As a hatchback, it also gets high marks for versatility, though cargo capacity isn't as generous as expected.
When it comes to luxury-branded cars with this kind of fuel-sipping character, there aren't many options outside of the CT 200h. Even though the Chevrolet Volt isn't considered a luxury car, its interior could exceed expectations and it also benefits from all the latest technological innovations. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is a closer match, and even though it costs a bit more, its plug-in hybrid powertrain might even the playing field.
Standard safety features for the 2017 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 such as 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 seat belts and initializing the brake assist feature. In Edmunds brake testing, a CT 200h F Sport stopped from 60 mph in an unimpressive 125 feet.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the CT 200h its highest rating of Good for small-overlap front-impact, moderate-overlap front-impact, side-impact and roof strength tests. Its head restraint/seat design also earned a Good rating for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Are you turned off by the bland or bewildering styling of conventional hybrid vehicles? The 2017 Lexus CT 200h might be the sporty-looking alternative you seek. It delivers excellent fuel efficiency along with some nice luxury touches.
Driving
Despite its sporty styling, don't expect much in the way of power. With the same hybrid system from the previous-generation Prius, acceleration is lethargic, and the engine sounds coarse and labored when the pedal is floored.
The CT 200h tackles curves with more agility than typical hybrids, however, as its quick steering gives it a responsive feel. Ride quality is good over rough surfaces, but the optional F Sport package's firmer suspension can be jarring and busy.
As a regular hybrid, the CT 200h should meet expectations as a good around-town commuter. The transition between electric and gasoline propulsion is seamless, as is the auto stop-start system that turns the engine off at full stops.
Interior
With a greater emphasis on environmental friendliness than traditional luxury, the 2017 CT 200h lacks the opulence expected from a premium brand. You'll find recycled and sustainably sourced materials that replace the typical leather and wood trim whenever practical. That said, the cabin is more refined than the run-of-the-mill hybrid.
Primary controls are easy to read and logically placed for ease of use, but the Remote Touch controller for the optional Display Audio and Navigation systems is one of the more puzzling interfaces available. The operator moves a small flat joystick pad to move a cursor on the central display, but in a moving vehicle this setup proves problematic. A haptic feedback feature simulates detents when rolling over screen sections to help locate the virtual buttons, but the entire system remains awkward and difficult to use.
Its front seats provide a pleasing blend of cushioned comfort and sporty lateral support, and the rear seats have enough head- and legroom for two adults. The rear doors are rather narrow, but access is still much better than in a typical two-door coupe.
Storage for cellphones and other personal effects is limited to a small glovebox, cupholders and door pockets. Cargo capacity doesn't rate much better, with only 14.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 34.8 cubic feet with them folded. Other similarly sized hatchbacks can hold much more.
2017 Lexus CT 200h models
The 2017 Lexus CT200h is a four-door hybrid hatchback with seating for five. It is available in one trim level with standard features that include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors with built-in turn signals and puddle lamps, keyless entry and ignition, 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, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and USB/auxiliary input.