Lexus CT hatchback - Practicality & boot space (2011-2020)
Batteries cut into the Lexus CT's boot and passenger space
The hybrid technology used to keep the Lexus CT cheap to run results in several compromises when it comes to practicality – and this is almost entirely because of the batteries. They’re placed under the back seats, which eats into both rear passenger space and boot capacity.
Front-seat passengers are fine, though and there’s plenty of storage space around the cabin. The driving position is excellent and the extremely comfortable seats mean the car is pleasant on longer journeys.
Lexus CT 200h interior space & storage
The location of the hybrid batteries under the rear seats results in a high-set seating position, which affects tall occupants’ headroom. Legroom isn’t particularly great for those passengers, either, particularly if there’s also someone tall sitting in front of them.
Space is much better up front, with plenty of legroom and extremely comfortable seats. There’s also good storage, including an air-conditioned glovebox, several cup-holders and a handy lidded centre console cubby that’s pretty deep. The USB connection for a mobile device is handily located where the handbrake would normally be (the CT has a foot-operated parking brake) and there’s a cubby to hold your mobile when it’s plugged in, too.
Boot space
The 375-litre boot is nowhere near the leaders in this class, but it’s to be expected when you factor in that the batteries for the hybrid system eat into the available space. Folding the rear seats frees up 985 litres of space, but this is still significantly less than what you get in cars like the Toyota Prius and Audi A3 e-tron. Still, the boot floor is flush with the lip, making for relatively easy loading. There’s an extra storage cubby beneath the floor, but it isn’t very deep so it’s of limited usefulness.
Towing
The Lexus CT isn’t suitable for towing, so if this is something you’ll need from your hatchback, you’ll have to look at alternatives that have more pulling power. Attaching a tow bar to the car yourself is likely to void your warranty and possibly have implications for your insurance cover.
