What kind of gas does Lexus CT200h take?
The CT200h uses regular unleaded gasoline; in the United States that means 87 octane (AKI). Premium fuel is not required and will not significantly improve performance in this hybrid. This article explains the official fuel guidance and regional considerations for the model.
As a compact hybrid, the CT200h combines a gasoline engine with electric motors. Using the recommended fuel helps maintain efficiency and engine longevity, and understanding octane ratings is key for owners in different markets.
Official fuel requirement
According to Lexus, the CT200h’s gasoline engine is designed for regular unleaded gasoline. Most model years specify 87 octane (AKI) for normal operation. Using higher-octane fuel is not required and typically yields little, if any, benefit in this hybrid powertrain.
Regional notes and practical tips
Fuel grades vary by market. Always refer to the owner’s manual for your exact model year and region to confirm the recommended octane and fuel type. The notes below provide general guidance for common regions:
Before listing the regional notes, consider this quick reference:
- United States/Canada: Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane, AKI) is the standard recommendation; higher-octane fuel is optional but not required.
- Other markets: Check the local owner’s manual for the recommended grade; the CT200h is designed to run on standard unleaded fuel with the octane grade that is typical in your country or region.
Conclusion: For most CT200h buyers, filling with regular unleaded gasoline at or above 87 AKI is appropriate. Premium fuel should only be used if your manual specifically calls for it or if you notice knocking, which would warrant a regional adjustment per the dealer.
Summary
Summary: The Lexus CT200h takes regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane in the United States). Higher-octane fuels are not required and generally do not provide performance gains in the hybrid drivetrain. Always follow the fuel guidance in your owner’s manual for your model year and market.
What gas goes in a Lexus hybrid?
Most Lexus models require you use at least 91 octane (premium) gasoline, while there are a few that can use 87 octane regular unleaded.
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.
What kind of gas does a Lexus CT200h take?
| Model Year | Model(s) | Recommended Minimum Octane Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | CT 200h, ES 300h, ES 350, NX 300h, RX 350 | 87 |
| 2016 | GS 200t, GS 350, GS 450h, GS F, GX 460, IS 200t, IS 300, IS 350, LS 460, LS 600hL, LX 570, NX 200t, RC 200t, RC 300, RC 350, RC F, RX 450h | 91 |
| CT 200h, ES 300h, ES 350, NX 300h, RX 350 | 87 |
Can I use 87 gas for Lexus?
The short answer—most do, but not all. Lexus is known for its high-performance engines, and many models are designed to run on 91-octane premium fuel for optimal efficiency and longevity. However, a few models in the lineup can safely run on 87-octane regular unleaded gas without compromising performance.
