2011 Lexus CT: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

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.
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
2011 Lexus CT specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 43 mpg | 43 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 40 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Horsepower | 134 hp | 134 hp |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.9 in | 32.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| 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 | ||
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.
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — Pricing All New 2011 Lexus Ct 200H Start Below 30000
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Ct 200H Introduction
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Ct 200H Offers Standard Drive Mode Select With Four Driving Modes Acceleration Steering Feel Illumination And Meter Style Change Based On Driver Selection
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2012 Lexus Ct 200H Fuel Economy Dynamic Driving