What engine is in a Lexus CT?
The Lexus CT200h uses a 1.8-liter inline-4 petrol engine with an Atkinson-cycle design, paired with an electric motor within Lexus Hybrid Drive. The combined output is about 134 horsepower. Production of the CT200h ended after the 2017 model year in most markets, though used examples remain common.
In brief, the CT200h shares its hybrid architecture with Toyota’s Prius lineage, combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery. Power is managed by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), prioritizing efficiency and smooth transitions between power sources for city driving and moderate highway use.
Engine specifications
The following key facts outline the engine and how it integrates with the hybrid system.
- Engine: 1.8-liter inline-4, Atkinson-cycle, 2ZR-FXE
- Gasoline power output: approximately 98 horsepower (about 73 kW)
- Electric motor power: approximately 80 horsepower (about 60 kW) to assist propulsion
- Hybrid system total output: about 134 horsepower (roughly 100 kW)
- Battery type: Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT)
These specifications show how the CT200h blends modest gasoline output with electric propulsion to maximize efficiency, particularly in urban and suburban driving scenarios.
Hybrid system and driving dynamics
The hybrid system uses a balance of gasoline and electric power to optimize fuel economy and emissions. At low speeds, the electric motor can drive the car on its own for brief periods. When more power is required or the battery needs charging, the gasoline engine engages, and regenerative braking feeds energy back into the NiMH pack. The e-CVT ensures smooth acceleration without traditional gear changes.
Market availability and production timeline
The CT200h was introduced in 2011 as Lexus’ entry in the premium compact hybrid segment and shared its core powertrain with the Prius family. Production wound down after the 2017 model year in most regions, with final shipments occurring into 2018 in some markets. Lexus did not replace the CT200h with a direct hybrid hatch in the lineup; focus shifted toward newer crossovers and hybrid models in the brand’s portfolio.
Summary
In summary, the Lexus CT200h uses a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with an electric motor to form a 134-horsepower hybrid system. It relies on a NiMH battery and an e-CVT, and it was produced primarily from 2011 to 2017 (with some markets extending to 2018). The CT200h emphasizes efficiency and urban usability over performance, reflecting its role as a compact, fuel-efficient premium hatch.
