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Lexus introduced the CT200 Hybrid, or CT200h, in 2011, when luxury car makers had few hybrid-powered options. Sharing the Toyota Prius’s drivetrain, it aimed for improved interiors and handling. The Prius is still in production and was revamped in 2023, but the CT200h was withdrawn from the U.S. in 2017 and globally by 2022.
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Initially, automotive journalists responded positively. It gained a reputation for reliability compared to other luxury small cars. Those seeking a sportier vehicle, however, looked elsewhere.
The car faced challenges despite some positives. Sales declined after 2014, and issues beyond Toyota’s control played a part in the CT200h’s discontinuation.
CT200h performance and concept
Though it offered reliability and better gas mileage compared to premium competitors, the CT200h could also drive about 1.25 miles without the internal combustion engine. Its 0-60mph time was 10.4 seconds, and while the F Sport option enhanced handling, it did not boost acceleration. The harsh ride of the F Sport was criticized by some journalists.
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The CT200h faced criticism for its similarities to the Prius. It lacked cargo space and luxury appeal to justify higher costs. For consumers desiring the Prius’s reliability without its reputation, the Lexus was a sensible choice, though higher-end Toyotas remained more appealing.
Pulling the plugs (all around)
By 2017, the CT200h struggled, despite its 2014 refresh. Lexus lost its first-mover advantage, with sales dropping from 8,903 units in 2016 to 4,690 in 2017. Car and Driver noted that competition from luxury brands and even the Prius made it feel slow and outdated.
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The 2015 BMW 330 hybrid underscored the shift; it featured a more powerful engine and electric motor, capable of 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, a significant improvement over the Lexus. As Toyota launched the fourth-gen Prius for 2016, Lexus replaced the CT200h with the UX series in 2017, phasing out the CT200h by 2022.
Replacements for the CT200h
The introduction of the UX250h in 2019 showcased a new approach, not visibly derivative of the Prius. Based on the Toyota Corolla chassis, it featured a 2-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds and offering a more luxurious interior. Unlike the CT200h, it could operate in electric mode 50% of the time.
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Fuel efficiency improved from 42 mpg in the CT200h to 57 mpg in the new model. The UX250h shared its design with the gas-only UX200. Reflecting a trend towards crossovers, the UX series appealed to urban explorers, competing with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. With its success, Lexus updated the line to the UX300h by 2023, ending the gasoline-only variant.
