The least-costly Lexus, the CT 200h hybrid is a small hatchback with excellent fuel economy. However, its refinement isn't up to the Lexus standard. Using the same 134-hp, four-cylinder hybrid powertrain as the Prius, the CT gets 40 mpg, which is 4 mpg less than the roomier Prius. Acceleration is leisurely. Like the Prius, the CT can propel itself solely on electric power at low speed. Handling is responsive and secure, but the ride is stiff and choppy. The cabin is nicely trimmed, but it is cramped and lets too much road noise in. Tight rear seats, limited cargo capacity, and an impeded rear view don't help. Reliability has been impressive.
A subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes Consumer Reports road test reports (based on over 50 different tests).
Lexus Blog Content
Consumer Reports names its top-scoring cars
With the release of our Tesla Model S road test, there have been many questions regarding what other models stand out. Here, we present the current class valedictorians, those cars that have faced our more than 50 tests and managed...
Massive air bag recall hits 3.4 million cars; learn what it means to you
Six automakers have seen front air bags from supplier Takata blow up in their face, as 3.4 million cars will be recalled worldwide from BMW, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota. From the headlines, it sounds frightening, with fire...
Beyond turbos, what car technology works to boost mpg?
The past few years have shown dramatic fuel economy improvements in all types of cars in our testing. Rather than exotic technology, such as hybrids and vehicle electrification, most of the improvements have come the old-fashioned way: through conventional technologies...
Best cars for 'megacommutes': Super cruisers starting at $25,000
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly 600,000 Americans have "megacommutes" that have them working more than 50 miles from home or traveling more than 90 minutes each way. As a megacommuter myself, I can relate. Having given this much...
Consumer Reports names the best and worst cars by brand
While car brand reputation can be a strong influence on purchase decisions, such perceptions can be misleading. The reality is, every brand offers models that perform across a spectrum, with some are clearly better than others. As we see in...
