2011 Lexus CT: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2011 Lexus CT

The 2011 Lexus CT is an all-new model and the CT’s first U.S. model year. It debuts as a compact five-door hybrid with front-wheel drive and two trims: CT 200h and CT 200h Premium.

Shop 3 in stock at Carvana

About the 2011 Lexus CT

1st generation CT (2011-2017), first U.S. model year

Lexus positioned the CT as its gateway luxury hatchback: a small five-door hybrid for drivers who wanted very strong fuel economy, hatchback practicality, and Lexus quality in a more youthful package. The main appeal was not straight-line speed but the mix of 42-mpg efficiency, easy city manners, a quieter and nicer cabin than mainstream hybrids, and a more driver-focused feel than many hybrids of the era. For most shoppers, the CT stood out by pairing luxury-brand finish and reliability with unusually low fuel use.

The CT 200h is the straightforward version, with synthetic leather, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and Bluetooth and USB audio. The CT 200h Premium keeps the same hybrid powertrain but adds heated front seats and a power moonroof for a more comfort-focused setup.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
The CT launches with a 1.8-liter gas-electric system producing 134 total horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Tech
Four-mode Drive Mode Select is standard, with EV, ECO, Normal, and Sport settings that alter how the car responds.
Structural
The all-new compact five-door model uses a sport-tuned chassis with a double-wishbone rear suspension and performance dampers.

2011 Lexus CT specs and features by trim

Feature
2011 Lexus CTCT 200h3 in stock
2011 Lexus CTCT 200h Premium1 in stock
Engine4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter
TransmissionAutomatic, CVTAutomatic, CVT
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Fuel TypeHybridHybrid
MPG City43 mpg43 mpg
MPG Highway40 mpg40 mpg
Horsepower134 hp134 hp
Torque105 lb-ft105 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo14.3 cu-ft14.3 cu-ft
Rear Legroom32.9 in32.9 in
Seats55
Doors44
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
LED Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start

How the 2012 Lexus CT compares

The main change for the 2012 Lexus CT is a standard low-speed warning sound that helps alert pedestrians and cyclists. Otherwise, this is a light update with the same hybrid powertrain, two-trim lineup, and first-generation design as 2011.

Frequently asked questions

Was 2011 the first model year for the Lexus CT?

Yes. The 2011 CT was the model’s first U.S. model year, launching as an all-new compact five-door hybrid.

What powertrain does the 2011 Lexus CT use?

The 2011 Lexus CT uses a 1.8-liter gas-electric powertrain producing 134 total system horsepower. It has a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

What is the difference between the 2011 CT 200h and CT 200h Premium?

The CT 200h Premium mainly adds heated front seats and a power moonroof. Both trims use the same hybrid powertrain and include synthetic leather, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and Bluetooth and USB audio.

What drive modes does the 2011 Lexus CT have?

The 2011 Lexus CT has four standard drive modes: EV, ECO, Normal, and Sport. These settings adjust the car’s response for low-speed electric driving, efficiency, everyday use, or a more responsive feel.

Does the 2011 Lexus CT have all-wheel drive?

No. Every 2011 Lexus CT uses front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive was not part of the lineup.