No question, there is a need out there for a plusher Toyota Prius, combining fuel economy and versatility with added luxury. The Lexus CT 200h tries to take the mantle but it leaves a lot to be desired. It doesn't really live up to expectations.
The good news: It gets an impressive 40 mpg overall, and reliability has been consistently excellent. But if you expect a Lexus experience in a small package, chances are you'll be disappointed. With a stiff ride, noisy and extremely tight cabin, this stylish, green hatchback can be taxing. Sporty looks create a pretense but ultimately the handling and slow acceleration don't match the image. Stiff suspension and small dimensions make it capable enough and secure when pushed, but that's not enough to make the CT fun to drive.
Other frustrations stem from limited rear visibility, very cramped rear seat and a frustrating control system that uses a fussy mouselike controller. The toggle-like shifter also has a learning curve; it lacks some desired safeguards to prevent the car from rolling away when parked if the driver does not select Park as needed.
If good fuel economy and the Lexus badge is all you're after, the CT might satisfy but our owner satisfaction survey suggests that enough current owners wouldn't buy one again.