The Lexus CT is a compact car built from 2011 to 2017 over 2 generations. Between 2011 and 2017 it grew 3 cm longer and gained -380 kg. Engines offered: Hybrid. Worth buying? It scores near the top of what we track at 4.5/5 — and the year you pick matters far more than the badge (best and worst years →).
What the CT is
The Lexus CT is a compact car that Lexus built from 2011 to 2017 — 7 model years. Our measurements put it at 2 generations, the current one starting in 2014. It has been offered with Hybrid power. Its closest siblings in the Lexus range: IS, UX, HS.
CT generations, and what changed
These boundaries are not copied from a brochure — they fall out of the measurements. Where the CT's length or wheelbase jumps between consecutive model years the platform changed: a facelift moves a bumper by centimetres, a new generation moves the whole car — for the CT that gives 2 distinct generations below.
| Generation | Length | Wheelbase | Weight | vs previous | Weight change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 432 cm | 260 cm | 1840 kg | - | - |
| 2014-2017 | 435 cm | 260 cm | 1460 kg | +3 cm | -380 kg |
Between 2011 and 2017 the CT gained 3 cm in length (+0.7%) and -380 kg in weight (-20.7%). Cars did not so much grow as thicken — crash structures, airbags and equipment weigh more than the metal they replaced, and on the CT that is -380 kg against 3 cm. Full dimensions by year →
Lexus CT tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment CT owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What engines does the Lexus CT have? Power & range
The Lexus CT is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.8L 4-cyl Hybrid. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain — 1 for the Lexus CT, against one or two on most rivals.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 1.8L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
The CT by the numbers
What the federal and market records say about the Lexus CT. Each line opens the full breakdown by year.
| Topic | CT | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Recalls | 2 campaigns | NHTSA, all years |
| Reliability | 4.5 / 5 | Best and worst years |
| Insurance | $1,675/yr | Estimated full coverage |
| Used value | 175 listings | What it sells for now |
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Lexus CT?
The CT is a compact car, built from 2011 to 2017 across 2 generations. Engines offered: Hybrid.
How many generations does the CT have?
2 by our measurements, the latest starting in 2014. We draw the boundaries where length or wheelbase jumps between model years — a facelift moves a bumper, a new generation moves the whole car. Over its life the CT grew 3 cm longer and gained -380 kg.
What is the Lexus CT warranty?
New models carry 4 years / 50,000 miles basic cover and 6 years / 70,000 miles on the powertrain. Worth knowing: across our complaint records the typical car reaches the halfway point of its faults at five years, so most repairs land after the basic warranty ends.
Is the CT reliable?
It scores 4.5/5 in our data. The honest answer depends on the year far more than the model — see the best and worst years, and when this car starts to break.
How do I check a specific CT?
This page describes the model; it cannot tell you whether that car has an open recall or a branded title. Run its VIN against the records — free, and matched to the exact production run.
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