What type of gas does a Lexus CT200h take?
The Lexus CT200h uses regular unleaded gasoline. It’s a hybrid that pairs a petrol engine with electric propulsion, so it doesn’t require diesel or any special fuel.
In practice, fuel should be regular unleaded with a minimum octane rating of 87 (AKI). Higher-octane fuels aren’t required for everyday driving, though you may use them if you prefer. In many markets, gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable; always check your local owner’s manual for precise guidance.
Fuel type and octane requirements
To ensure proper fueling, here are the core specifications for the CT200h’s gasoline system.
- Regular unleaded gasoline (no diesel or other fuels).
- Octane: at least 87 AKI. Regular 87-octane fuel is suitable; higher octane is optional but not necessary for typical use.
- Ethanol content: gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is commonly acceptable in many regions; verify regional guidelines in the owner's manual.
In summary, use regular petrol with a minimum 87 octane and, where available, E10. Avoid diesel or fuels not listed in the manual.
Regional variations and tips
Fuel standards vary by market. In Europe, octane is labeled as RON, which can differ from the US AKI rating. Always follow the local owner’s manual or guidance from a Lexus dealer for your country.
Summary
The CT200h takes regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane of 87 (AKI); higher octane is optional. Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is generally acceptable. Do not use diesel or other fuels not listed in the manual. Always refer to your regional manual for any exceptions.
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.
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 happens if I put regular gas in a Lexus?
If you put regular gas in a Lexus that requires premium, you may experience reduced engine performance and hear engine knocking, especially under heavy acceleration. While a one-time mistake likely won't cause lasting damage, consistently using regular gas can lead to long-term engine problems over time. Check your owner's manual to confirm if your specific Lexus model actually requires premium fuel, as some models are designed to run on regular gas.
Potential effects of using regular gas
- Reduced performance: You may notice a decrease in power and acceleration.
- Engine knocking: The engine may "knock," which is a harsh metallic sound caused by premature or uneven combustion. Consistently ignoring this can lead to engine damage.
- Engine damage: Over time, continuous use of regular gas in an engine designed for premium can cause serious, long-term damage.
What to do
- Check your manual: First, consult your car's owner's manual to see if your model genuinely requires premium gas. Many Lexus models, especially certain SUVs and hybrids, are designed to run on regular 87-octane fuel without issue.
- If you accidentally used regular: If your car requires premium but you've put regular in, don't panic. It's best to avoid hard acceleration or heavy driving until you can top off the tank with premium fuel. Your car's computer will adjust the engine timing to compensate for the lower octane, preventing damage from a single fill-up.
- If you consistently use regular (when premium is required): This is when you risk serious engine damage. The long-term effects of engine knocking and underperformance can lead to costly repairs.
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.
