What is the boot capacity of the Lexus CT 200h?
The boot capacity of the Lexus CT 200h is about 443 liters (15.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats up, and roughly 1,132 liters (40 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded. These figures help determine how practical the car is for daily errands or weekend trips.
The question of cargo space for the CT 200h hinges on how the rear seats split and fold, the measurement method used by different markets, and whether the spare wheel or inflation kit sits under the floor. Below is a closer look at what to expect in real-world use.
What the numbers look like in practice
To give readers a clear sense of capacity, the following figures summarize typical cargo space for the CT 200h across markets and configurations. Note that exact values can vary slightly depending on equipment and measurement standards.
- Boot space with the rear seats up: approximately 443 liters (15.7 cubic feet).
- Boot space with the rear seats folded: approximately 1,132 liters (40 cubic feet).
- Factors that can affect capacity: presence of a spare wheel versus a repair kit, under-floor storage design, and whether the seats are split 60/40 or fixed.
In practice, the CT 200h’s trunk is well-suited for groceries, small suitcases, and day-to-day gear, but it isn’t a class-leading cargo carrier among compact hatchbacks. If you frequently need to transport larger items, folding the rear seats and stacking carefully is the best way to maximize usable space.
Considerations by market and configuration
Market-specific packaging and measurement conventions can lead to small variations in the quoted capacity. Plus, some versions include a spare wheel in the under-floor area, while others use a tire-repair kit, which can slightly change the usable volume. For buyers evaluating a used CT 200h, it’s wise to check the exact cargo figures for the specific model year and trim level.
How seats affect practicality
The CT 200h typically features a split-fold rear seat (often 60/40), allowing longer items to be accommodated while still maintaining some passenger seating. If you regularly need to carry long items such as skis or a small rack, this configuration increases versatility considerably.
Summary
In conclusion, the CT 200h provides a respectable level of cargo versatility for a compact hybrid hatch, suitable for groceries, weekend trips, and small- to mid-sized luggage. Always verify the exact figures for your specific vehicle configuration and market to be sure it meets your needs.
Why did Lexus discontinue the CT 200h?
Lexus discontinued the CT200h primarily due to slow sales, as it failed to compete with other luxury entry-level cars and was outclassed in fuel efficiency and performance by its own Toyota Prius sibling. The vehicle's aging platform and powertrain, along with a shift in the market towards luxury crossovers, also contributed to its discontinuation.
- Poor sales: The CT200h's sales were consistently low, particularly in the U.S. market, where it sold just under 9,000 units in 2016 compared to competitors like the Mercedes CLA and Audi A3.
- Underwhelming performance: Reviewers and consumers noted the powertrain felt underpowered and uninspiring, despite the Lexus badge, with a slow 0-60 mph time.
- Outclassed by the Prius: Its hybrid system was based on an older Toyota Prius platform, meaning its fuel economy was lower than the newer generation of the Prius, which offered better efficiency and improvements in other areas.
- Market shift: The automotive market was increasingly moving toward smaller luxury SUVs (crossovers), a segment that Lexus addressed with the later introduction of the UX.
- Aging platform: The CT200h had been around since 2011 with only minor updates, making its technology and design feel outdated compared to newer competitors.
How much luggage can fit in the Lexus CT 200h?
The Lexus CT200h has 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 34.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. This space is described as adequate for a small luxury car, but a high cargo floor and angled rear window limit height and overall utility compared to some other hatchbacks. The cargo area also has a flush floor and 60/40 split-folding rear seats for flexibility.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Lexus CT200h's cargo area and how much stuff you can fit in it: 59sDriveAndBeDrivenYouTube · Oct 8, 2016
Key features and limitations
- Standard cargo space: 14.3 cubic feet (375 liters) with the rear seats up.
- Expanded cargo space: 34.8 cubic feet (985 liters) with the rear seats folded down.
- Folding rear seats: The 60/40 split-folding rear seats help accommodate longer items.
- High cargo floor: A high cargo floor, partly due to the battery placement, limits the height of objects that can be stored without folding the seats.
- Flush floor: The floor is flush with the bumper lip, which makes loading and unloading easier.
- Rear-angled window: The sloping rear window design can reduce overall cargo height.
This video demonstrates the cargo space with the rear seats folded down: 53sReDrivenYouTube · Feb 11, 2024
How big is the trunk of the Lexus CT 200h?
All in all, the Lexus CT 200h's cargo space is good for a small luxury car due to its hatchback design. However, the Lexus provides less space than most hatchbacks of its size. With the rear seats in use, the CT Hybrid has 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
What year is the best Lexus CT 200h?
The best Lexus CT200h years are generally considered to be 2014-2017, as this is the period when it received its most significant updates, including the modern "spindle grille," revised bumpers, and updated LED lighting. However, models from 2015-2017 are also highly sought-after for their modern features, such as optional larger screens and the F Sport package, which adds a sportier look and feel.
2014-2017
- Significant redesign: The major exterior and interior updates in 2014 gave the CT200h a much more modern look, incorporating Lexus's signature "spindle grille" and revised bumpers.
- Updated features: These model years included new wheel options, LED daytime running lights, and a new "shark-fin" antenna.
- Top-spec options: Higher trim levels in later years, like 2016, offered remote features through an app and improved navigation.
- F Sport package: The F Sport package offered a sportier aesthetic with enhanced interior and exterior styling.
Pre-facelift (2011-2013)
- Pros: These years are generally reliable and can be good value.
- Cons: The design is less modern than later models, and earlier versions lacked some of the technology features found in the 2014 refresh.
Post-facelift (2018-2022)
- Pros: These models retain the modern exterior styling but have slightly different technology features.
- Cons: They do not receive any mechanical updates over the 2017 model year.
