2018 Lexus CT vs 2020 Lexus RX300
What's the difference?

Lexus CT

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2018 price

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Lexus RX300

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2020 price

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Summary

2018 Lexus CT

2020 Lexus RX300

By Tim Robson

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.8L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.1L/100km (combined)

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great value-for-luxury
Intriguing and pretty looks
Spacious cabin

Dislikes

Awkward touch-pad media system
Shorter warranty compared to mainstream brands
Wobbly ride over speed bumps and city streets

2018 Lexus CT Summary

There are two ways to look at the Lexus CT200h; as either the cheapest model in the Japanese company’s range, or as a planet-saving hybrid.

Either way, the four-door, five-seat CT200h hatch – which has been updated for 2018 – differs from the rest of the Japanese luxury brand’s lineup for a number of different reasons.

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2020 Lexus RX300 Summary

Whether or not people like the look of the models in Lexus' line-up varies, but one thing's for sure, the Japanese luxury brand has a clear identity. The intent of occupying the rung between a mainstream brand and a prestige one is clear in the pricing, and the styling of Lexus's vechicles is akin to jewellery – just look at the intricate Spindle grille, which is particularly enormous on the RX300 Luxury I've tested in this review.

The RX300 Luxury is the entry point into the RX large SUV range, so does this mean it's missing much in the way of tech, equipment or grunt? Yes, and no. Read on to find out.

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Interested in a Lexus RX300?

Deep dive comparison

2018 Lexus CT 2020 Lexus RX300

Verdict

The cheapest Lexus of them all isn’t chasing badge snobs with the CT200h as blatantly as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi do with their entry level cars… but it’s perhaps not quite the Lexus you’d expect it to be.

It has a lovely front-of-cabin, for example, but there’s a lot of last-gen Prius in plain sight in the rear of the cabin.

The hybrid powertrain, too, is noble in concept, but the day-to-day reality is that it’s not as nice to drive, especially town to town, as a regular petrol-powered car of similar size.

The foot brake, silly multimedia joystick and odd gearshifter also spoilt the party a bit.

Empty nesters who are looking for a nice city runaround with a tinge of greenwash about it will love it… and if the current Prius is anything to go by, the next CT will be a very good thing indeed.

Verdict

The Lexus RX300 is luxurious but affordable, making it great value and superbly comfortable, with a high level of fit and finish. Fear not about the four-cylinder engine being small – it makes plenty of grunt and handles daily duties perfectly well.

Which would you go for: An entry level Lexus RX300 or a top-of-the-range Mazda CX-9? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

2018 Lexus CT vs 2020 Lexus RX300 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

2018 Lexus CT vs 2020 Lexus RX300
What's the difference?