2017 Lexus CT 200h Review
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. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$93/mo for CT 200h Base
CT 200h Base
vs
$168/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.
Most options are bundled in packages that vary depending on the region in which you live. The Navigation package features a rearview camera, a 7-inch display and Remote Touch interface plus a navigation system, voice controls, Siri Eyes Free smartphone connectivity, HD radio and Lexus Enform app-based infotainment, a premium 10-speaker audio system, and Remote and Safety Connect emergency telematics systems. The Luxury package includes auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, driver memory settings and a universal garage door opener.
The F Sport package bundles distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a larger rear spoiler, a host of unique styling tweaks inside and out, a rearview camera, alloy pedals and a black headliner.
There are 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 backup camera with the display built into the auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The 2017 Lexus CT 200h is propelled by a hybrid system that is made up of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a pair of electric motor/generators powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Total output is 134 horsepower, which is routed to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
In Edmunds testing, a CT 200h reached 60 mph in a 10.5 seconds, which is slow by current standards. Fuel economy is excellent, with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg combined (43 city/40 highway). We managed to exceed these estimates in real-world driving, achieving an impressive 47.9 mpg on our evaluation loop and 44.1 mpg in daily commuting.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Lexus CT 200h.
5 star(59%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(5%)
39 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Lexus CT200h: A Prius that's actually a real car!
Gary Ellis, 06/13/2018
2017 Lexus CT 200h 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Having owned/driven a Prius for 3 years, I stepped up to the CT200 and never looked back. Door panels and side thickness are all in actual car proportions on the CT, not like the flimsy, weight saving build of the Prius. Though there is a reduction in mpg, it's well worth it for being in a solid car with excellent handling. Now that I no longer tear up the road, I'm fine with the CVT … yet, Sports Mode can still kick you in the pants when you want it.
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Lexus CT 200h, so we've included reviews for other years of the CT 200h since its last redesign.
2017 CT 200h Highlights
Base MSRP | $31,250 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 42 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $93/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
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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