There are hybrid cars and then there are cars that are made into hybrids. The latter is generally less fuel efficient because they are simply hybrid variants of their gasoline counterparts. As a result, they are not as aerodynamic, fuel efficient, or offer sufficient interior or trunk space because of the added battery. 

The Lexus CT falls into the former category because it was designed to be the Prius-equivalent for the Lexus brand. It’s the second-best selling Lexus hybrid after the RX450h, and sports an attractive price point. After all, it’s nice to know that the cheapest Lexus you can buy is a hybrid. Add in the fuel savings and it just makes sense for most budget-conscious buyers.

The model we tested was the CT200H with the optional F Sport package. The base model CT200H comes with the following features:

-134 horsepower 4-cylinder engine

-Lexus Hybrid drive engine with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

-Dual-zone climate control

-Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control

-16-inch wheels

-8 airbags

-Starting price of $30,950

The optional F Sport package adds the following:

-17-inch F Sport wheels

-F Sport front grille and rear spoiler

-Xenon LED headlamps and foglamps

-Display audio system with back-up camera

-Leather seats

-Power moonroof

-All for an additional $7,450

LIKES

Sedan-inspired design

The CT is unique because although it is a hatchback, it doesn’t look like one. The boot is a bit bigger like the Mazda3 – to accommodate the battery system. From the front, it looks like a sporty sedan. The roof and hood are relatively flat, and the vehicle itself sits quite low. The crown element on the vehicle is its large F Sport grille that has a sabre-tooth appearance and spindle pattern – very reminiscent of the IS F Sport.

Spacious trunk space

We think the CT has come a long way compared to its outcast hybrid predecessor, the HS sedan. With its tall-but-small dimensions and funky interiors, the HS looked like a Corolla on steroids. Its tall stance was mainly due to the battery Lexus had to fit into the boot. With poor sales, Lexus got rid of the HS and chose a form factor that made sense – a hatchback that provided enough room in the rear to fit a battery. Hence the Creative Touring model, or CT, was created. 

Because of its form factor, the CT offers one of the largest trunk dimensions in the hybrid segment. That being said, the battery does take up almost half of the trunk space, but because it’s a hatchback-wagon, there’s still the other half to work with. All in all, the CT offers trunk space equivalent to the IS – which is pretty impressive for a hybrid vehicle.

Decent fuel economy

Lexus claims the CT can achieve a fuel economy of 4.8 city and 4.5 highway (liters per 100 kilometres). With all the gadgets and gizmos inside the tested CT model, we were doubtful whether it would be able to achieve anything under 7L/100km. The CT proved me wrong – achieving a combined fuel economy of 6.2L/100km. After some intense highway driving, I was able to bring it down to 5.9L/100km. To be fair, most of my driving was done in Eco mode without the use of the heater or air conditioner. Regardless, that probably makes this the most fuel efficient gasoline-hybrid car in North America.

DISLIKES

Whiny Transmission

To further improve its fuel economy, the CT has a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Being a luxury car, it’s hard to swallow the sound it makes when you put your foot down on the gas pedal. Under heavy acceleration, the engine makes a whining high-pitched sound as the revs try to meet the throttle’s demands.

Rear legroom

The leather seats that came with our F Sport model were pretty comfortable, but the rear legroom is quite poor. Lexus should have taken advantage of the boot space and pushed the rear seats a couple of inches further back. While it isn’t the best choice if you plan to transport four-to-five adults around on a daily basis, it will more than suffice for families with small children.