2014 Lexus CT vs. Its Competition

John Voelcker

The 2014 Lexus CT 200h has few direct competitors, since there are no other luxury compact hybrid hatchbacks on the market.

The high end of the expanding Toyota Prius range may be a jumping-off point for buyers of the littlest Lexus, which has less room but is more fun to drive--and offers far more features and options than any Prius.

The Ford C-Max is a more family-oriented hybrid hatchback, and offers a lot more luxury and style inside than most buyers expected--though its real-world gas mileage tends to be lower than its EPA ratings.

On the luxury label front, the Audi A3 hatchback is now in its final year before replacement, and its TDI diesel model comes closest to the CT's fuel efficiency, at least on the highway.

The all-new Audi A3 next year should provide tougher competition.

The Volkswagen GTI is similarly in its last year before an all-new 2015 model, but we're not sure how much cross-shopping VW and Lexus buyers do.

Finally, we're waiting to drive the all-new 2014 Mazda 3, which has been redesigned around its ultra-efficient four-cylinder engine.

That might be the most fun competitor to the Lexus, though it'll start at little more than half the price--which really only underscores the Lexus CT's unique market niche.