Hello, I’m bouncing back and forth between the gen1 plugin and the ct200h. I’m a soon to be realtor and like the aesthetic of the ct, but wonder how different fuel economy really is. What are your thoughts on these two cars? My typical commute is about 20 miles.
Lexus wins on the looks and luxury points. Prius wins on all other practical points including mileage and interior space, especially the back seat. If I was a realtor, I'd get the Lexus if I was shuttling clients.
welcome! agreed. you are looking at two very different cars. the plug in merits are all in the 10-12 miles of ev, and 60 mpg or so. it really depends on your needs and motivation. you definitely need to test drive. all the best!
I see a red flag in "interior, especially the back seat." This would suggest looking at at different Lexus and not the CT200h.
The space in the rear didn't seem any better than the Gen 3 Prius from what I saw. Luggage space is certainly worse. I believe it's largely based on the Auris (hatchback version of the Corolla outside of the US) which is a slightly smaller car than the Prius, with a 10 cm shorter wheelbase. One big advantage it has over the Gen 3 Prius is independent rear suspension (double wishbone), but that doesn't help with rear space either.
Lexus. The PiP will get better fuel economy even if you don’t plug it in but depending on the type of clients you deal with and your age, the Lexus may work in your favour. It is smaller but it rides better. There’s a lot of plastic for a Lexus but psychologically it’s a Lexus. If the type of clients don’t care what you drive, the PiP is better. It can haul more things to the open house and you can drive in EV mode more often. Lastly, with a full battery sitting in traffic with the A/C running, it’ll keep the engine off for longer.
You maybe able to get HOV stickers for the PiP ..they have been a life saver for the on ramp hov lanes more than the actual freeway hov lanes in so cal for me. The CT200h I was in last week seemed 'sporty' not luxurious compared to a Prius . If I was picking a car that got 39mpg I think I would jump toward a Avalon Hybrid before a CT200h. Kenny
You will find the Ct-200h to have a better ride than Gen 1 Plug-in Prius. If you are going to be using your vehicle to show prospective clients properties, the Prius has more room for rear seat passengers. Interior on the Lexus is more refined than Prius. One other note, Ct-200h was discontinued by Lexus this past year. Both vehicles would work for what you will be doing. Good luck.
I own both. Prius for trunk space and I can haul my dogs in it. Lexus for a refined hybrid. It is much nicer than the prius but I love them both.
The interior of the ct is more refined. The seat bolsters are better. The tachometer looks like a normal car and changes between sport mode and eco. The suspension and ride is sportier (fsport), tighter around corners and not as soft. I love the ct but I need the cargo space of the prius. That's the deal breaker for me so I'm considering selling the ct.
that's what i was thinking when they first announced the ct, but what a disappointment. and the sales numbers show it. but i suppose they figured they would only cannibalize prius sales
I suspect independent rear suspension is a requirement for Lexus, so basing it off the Gen 3 Prius at the time would have been no good.