NOTE: Pricing based on data collected March 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Toyota introduced the front-wheel-drive CT 200h in model year 2011, another in its growing series of dedicated hybrids (i.e., vehicles with no conventional counterpart) and the first hybrid hatchback under the Lexus brand. With a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine, the CT 200h gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 42 miles per gallon (mpg), the highest of any luxury hybrid and topped only by the Toyota Prius among all hybrids. The CT 200h combines hybrid technology with a downsized engine (compared with its closest conventional counterpart, the 2.5-liter, six-cylinder IS 250) in order to achieve significant global warming emissions reductions at a lower price point. Indeed, the CT 200h is the most affordable of all Lexus models, hybrid or conventional. The rear-wheel-drive IS 250 was chosen as the closest Lexus model for comparison with the CT 200h based on acceleration performance, peak horsepower, overall size, and interior space. The CT 200h is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Improvement Score
With a 43 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the IS 250, the CT 200h is in the top tier of hybrids in this regard, finishing just behind the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (which achieved a 46 percent reduction over the conventional MKZ) and Toyota Prius (which achieved a 44 percent reduction over the Matrix). Note, however, that part of the reason for this dramatic improvement is that there is no conventional Lexus with a comparable four-cylinder engine, while in the non-luxury market the Toyota Prius and Toyota Matrix both employ the CT 200h’s 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. Toyota has invested in good smog controls on all of its models, and the CT 200h matches the rest of the Lexus hybrid fleet with an EPA air pollution score of 8 out of 10. These two factors combine for a strong overall Environmental Improvement Score of 8.6.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology
Hybrid Value
The Lexus CT 200h is one of only two models on the hybrid market (the other being the Mercedes S400 Hybrid) where the hybrid drivetrain is actually less expensive than the conventional version. Significantly downsizing the engine in the CT 200h over the IS 250 helps to make the CT Hybrid the most affordable vehicle in the Lexus fleet. Much like the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, the CT 200h belies the stereotype that hybrid technology is prohibitively expensive. The combination of no hybridization cost and large reductions in global warming emissions earns the CT 200h a “Superior” hybrid value rating. This model serves as an excellent example of treating fuel economy as a valued commodity in itself, giving the luxury car consumer a truly eco-friendly option. And with the lowest base price of any Lexus model, it gives more consumers access to the luxury vehicle market.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
By design, Lexus offers premium features even on its base models. The CT 200h is no different, but its base model has even fewer standard features than the base model IS 250, thereby earning a Forced Features rating of “None.” The CT 200h does an outstanding overall job in putting the choice in the consumer’s hands as to what they are looking to get out of their automotive dollar.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read the comments of actual hybrid owners.
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