Used Lexus CT 200h buying guide

Introduced in 2011, the Lexus CT 200h was billed as "the world's first full hybrid luxury compact car." It was in production until 2020, when the UX 250h SUV became the smallest hybrid the Japanese brand sells. When it was on sale. the CT 200h competing against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTE and Audi A3 e-tron (which is also no longer in production).  

Although it's no longer at the technological cutting edge, the CT 200h's low running costs, combined with a luxurious interior, comfortable seats and generous standard kit are all reasons it has featured on our list of the best cheap hybrid cars – not to mention its classy design, which has aged well in the years since launch.

The CT 200h was a popular company-car choice, so there are plenty to choose from if buying secondhand. Depending on when it was first registered, you'll be paying little to no road tax (VED) as a private owner. Fuel economy is strong, too: 50mpg is achievable, although Lexus' near-70mpg claimed figure is trickier to hit.

Under the CT 200h's upmarket bodywork sits the running gear from the humbler Toyota Prius Mk3. That's both a good a bad thing: the Prius is one of the most reliable and efficient hybrids you can buy, but is far from the last word in driver enjoyment and handling prowess. It's not surprising, then, that the Lexus' driving experience doesn’t appeal as much as its running costs. Attributes include lifeless steering, a firm ride and a CVT automatic gearbox that allows the revs to rise as soon as you even lightly prod  the accelerator.

Not that buyers seem to mind – the CT was a perennial high achiever in the annual Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. Owners find the car itself reliable, and Lexus dealers are always highly praised for their customer service. So this is certainly an easy car to own and can make a great used buy.

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Lexus CT 200h history

The CT 200h appeared in February 2011 and although it remained fundamentally the same throughout its production run, it was revised in 2014 and 2017. All models have a 1.8-litre petrol engine backed up by an electric motor to produce 134bhp. Power is sent to the front wheels through a CVT automatic gearbox.

The early CT offered road-tax-friendly CO2 emissions of just 94g/km and was available in SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier trims. These were joined by the sportier F-Sport trim, with even firmer suspension, in early 2012. This was followed a year later by a high-spec Advance trim and an entry-level S model. Although rather at odds with Lexus’ upmarket position, the rather spartan S registered CO2 emissions of just 87g/km. With the introduction of these new trims, the rest of the range was renamed SE, Luxury and Premier.

The CT was facelifted in March 2014, with tweaked styling, extra kit, an improved ride and importantly, lower prices and reduced CO2 emissions for the S – now just 82g/km. In 2015, a Sport trim and high-spec Advance Plus model were introduced. In 2017, the CT 200h gained Lexus' ‘spindle’ front grille, giving it a more contemporary look. Equipment was simplified, while Sport Plus and Executive Edition trims arrived.

Which Lexus CT 200h should you buy?

All CT 200h models have the same engine, electric motor and driving experience. Your choice will largely come down to your budget, the equipment you need and whether you want a slightly sportier look. Every version comes with a reasonable amount of standard kit, including alloy wheels, Bluetooth phone connectivity, dual-zone climate control and automatic windscreen wipers.

From 2011 to 2013, the range was comprised of SE-I, SE-L (which added leather trim, heated front seats and rear parking sensors) and SE-L Premier (which gained a push-button start, powered seats, an excellent Mark Levinson stereo, sat nav and a rear parking camera).

The S trim introduced in 2012 had smaller wheels and a larger rear spoiler in pursuit of even lower running costs, although it lacked visual punch. The Premier replaced SE-L Premier, adding a DAB radio and electric passenger seat. F-Sport featured some racier styling, keyless entry and firmer suspension, while SE replaced SE-L and gained folding door mirrors. Advance featured sat nav, automatic headlights and wipers and cruise control, and was offered as the value-for-money version of the range.

Used Lexus CT 200h alternatives

All these years after the CT 200h first went on sale, it still has few rivals. The closest was the Audi A3 e-tron – another family-size hatchback with five doors and a posh badge on the nose, although it's a plug-in hybrid rather than a "self-charging" hybrid.

It’s the same story with the Audi’s sister model, the Volkswagen Golf GTE. Would-be CT buyers should also take a look at the Toyota Prius, as they share mechanicals, even if the Prius lacks the Lexus’ upmarket appeal. The Citroen DS5 Hybrid represents a quirky and very rare alternative to all these models.

Lexus CT 200h problems: what to look for

Fuel economy: Depending on the model you choose, official fuel economy will vary slightly. Lexus claims nearly 70mpg, but expect around 50-55mpg in the real world.

Rattles: Interior noise can be an issue – but not for the reasons you might expect. With the exception of engine noise under heavy acceleration, the interior of the CT 200h is very quiet, so the smallest rattle can make itself heard.

Infotainment: Go for a model with the impressive Mark Levinson stereo, as it sounds far better than the standard setup. The quirky flat joystick arrangement that controls the stereo takes some getting used to, and requires precision right-handed drivers might struggle with.

Spare wheel: The boot is small, so Lexus equips most models with a tyre compressor and tyre-repair foam. An aftermarket space-saver spare wheel could make a wise investment.

Interior space: The CT 200h’s upright stance means interior space is plentiful, and despite sitting over the car’s hybrid tech, the boot is a fairly roomy 375 litres, increasing to 985 litres when the seats are folded.

Comfort: The seats are among the comfiest you’ll find in this size of car anywhere, but the firm suspension means the CT crashes over larger bumps. F Sport is the firmest of the bunch.

Lexus CT 200h running costs

The Lexus CT's service interval is every 12 months or 10,000 miles – whichever comes sooner. That’s pretty much average for a car like this and, unsurprisingly, the same as for a Mk3 Toyota Prius. Services alternate between Intermediate and Full. The former, which is little more than an oil and filter change, costs around £200, which makes the £350-odd Full look well priced by comparison.

A more extensive service is due at 60,000 miles, and costs around £450, but the biggie comes at 100,000 miles, with a bill of around £550. Fortunately, there’s no timing belt to worry about, and while the brake fluid and coolant need changing every two and 10 years respectively, the cost is included in the service bill.

Lexus CT 200h recalls

Remarkably, the Lexus CT 200h hasn’t been recalled once since it went on sale, which speaks volumes about the quality of the car’s engineering.

Owner satisfaction

The Lexus CT 200h has put in stellar performances in the Driver Power owner satisfaction survey year after year. In 2018, it was rated as the ninth most reliable new car on the UK market and the year before it was rated the second most reliable used family car.

That should come as little surprise when you learn that Lexus has the most satisfied owners of any car brand, with drivers praising its cars for interior and comfort, reliability, safety and running costs – the CT’s strongest suits.