Does the Lexus CT have CarPlay?
No. The Lexus CT (CT200h) does not come with Apple CarPlay, and the model line was discontinued before CarPlay became standard in Lexus vehicles. There is no current CT model that offers official CarPlay.
This article explains why CarPlay isn’t present on the CT, how the situation differs by market, and what options exist for CT owners who want CarPlay-like functionality.
CarPlay and Lexus: a quick overview
Apple CarPlay is designed to mirror iPhone apps on a car's infotainment screen. Lexus began adding CarPlay to more recent models in the late 2010s and expanded availability in the following years, but the CT200h never received an official CarPlay update. The CT line was discontinued, and newer Lexus models offer CarPlay while the CT does not.
Why the CT never got CarPlay
The bullets below explain the main reasons CarPlay isn’t available on the CT.
- When the CT launched in 2011, CarPlay did not exist as an option in Lexus vehicles.
- The CT's infotainment system (Lexus Display Audio) was not updated with CarPlay hardware or software in later years.
- Lexus focused CarPlay integration on more recent models (NX, ES, RX, IS, etc.), and the CT’s generation was phased out.
As a result, there is no official CarPlay support for the CT line in any major market. If CarPlay is essential, buyers typically need to choose a newer Lexus model or install an aftermarket solution.
CarPlay status by market and model year
The CT200h was produced and sold mainly from 2011 to 2017, with some markets offering residual stock for a time after. Across these markets, Lexus did not offer an official CarPlay upgrade for the CT. The absence of a later CT refresh means there was no factory CarPlay option added to this model line.
Market caveats
While Lexus added CarPlay to many of its latest models, there is no evidence of a CT-specific CarPlay option in official dealer catalogs or contemporary press releases. If you are evaluating a used CT, CarPlay should not be expected from the factory, though aftermarket solutions exist in many car-amplification ecosystems.
Alternatives and next steps
For CT owners or shoppers who want CarPlay functionality, several routes exist, each with its own trade-offs. The options below summarize practical paths forward.
- Install an aftermarket CarPlay head unit. This can provide a native CarPlay experience, but installation quality and compatibility with the CT’s dashboard and wiring should be reviewed by a professional.
- Upgrade to a newer Lexus model that supports CarPlay. Models such as the NX, ES, RX, and IS offer CarPlay integration as part of their infotainment systems.
- Use your iPhone’s features via Bluetooth or USB for music and calls, though this does not provide a full CarPlay experience.
Consider the cost, warranty implications, and how important systemic CarPlay integration is to you before deciding on an upgrade or an aftermarket install.
Summary
The Lexus CT does not come with Apple CarPlay, and the model line has been discontinued without an official CarPlay upgrade. For CarPlay, you’ll need to upgrade to a newer Lexus model or install an aftermarket head unit. If you own a CT today, you can still access basic iPhone features through standard Bluetooth or USB connectivity, but not the CarPlay interface.
