2021 Toyota Camry vs Corolla: Which Is Right For You?

In 2020, Toyota sales reached $2.8 million in the US. The Japanese vehicle manufacturer focuses on innovation and producing high-quality, reliable cars.

But when it comes to choosing a specific model, which one do you go for? Are you buying a car this year but find yourself embroiled in the 2021 Toyota Camry vs Corolla debate?

Look no further than this comparative post. We’ll outline all you need to know, so you can make an informed decision before making your way to Universal Toyota.

2021 Camry and Corolla Overview

Whether you have a family or ride solo, the latest Toyota Camry and Corolla models have plenty of appeal.

At a San Antonio Toyota dealership like Universal Toyota you can find up to 12 Camry models. These include a hatchback, the Luxury Edition (LE), the LE Hybrid, and the Extreme Sport Edition (XSE) V6.

The Corolla is available in nine models. These range from entry-level (L) and the Hybrid LE to the XSE Apex Edition.

Performance

When you pull out onto the road — whether it’s for a weekend break, a long trip, or a short ride to the store — you want a sedan that fits all your driving needs. Buying an automobile that’s right for you is vital.

Let’s talk about the Toyota Camry first. The 2021 version comes as standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This features 203 horsepower and 184 pounds per foot of torque.

A larger 3.5-liter V6 engine is also available, with 301 horsepower and 267-pounds per foot of torque.

There’s 8-speed electronic controlled automatic transmission as standard. Some specs feature electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode.

And how about the 2021 Toyota Corolla? The sedan comes as standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, 139 horsepower, and 126 pounds per foot of torque. There’s also the option for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 pounds per foot of torque.

At entry-level, there’s standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmission. Other specs have dynamic-shift CVT, ECVT, or 6-speed intelligent manual transmission.

Miles Per Gallon (MPG)

What’s the deal when it comes to gas mileage? The 2021 Camry’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine earns an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-rated 28 miles per gallon (mpg) for the city. It also gets 39 mpg for the highway.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine comes in at 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

How does the 2021 Corolla compare? The EPA rated the entry-level 1.8-liter engine and the XSE Apex Edition 2.0-liter at 30 mpg and 38 mpg for the city and highway, respectively.

The Sport Edition four-cylinder engine earned 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

What else? Both the Camry and the Corolla have eco-conscious hybrid models if you’re a driver who’s interested in performance and fuel economy.

Toyota Camry vs Corolla: Price

The Camry starts at $24,970, with the XSE V6 coming in at $35,545. The Corolla starts at a more competitive $19,925 and goes up to $28,210 for the XSE Apex Edition.

Although the Corolla is cheaper, both are still reasonable options.

Safety

When it comes to feeling secure in your vehicle, both the Camry and the Corolla boast Toyota Safety Sense and Star Safety systems.

These offer a wide array of driver-assist features such as pedestrian detection and brake assist. They also include anti-lock brake technology, lane departure alert, and traction control automatic high beams.

And how about safety ratings? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2021 Camry five out of five stars across all categories.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla received four stars in the rollover test and five stars overall.

Technology

To meet your connectivity and entertainment requirements, the Camry has a 7-inch touchscreen. With pricier specs, there’s a 9-inch touchscreen option.

There are also options for navigation, a nine-speaker JBL sound system, HD radio, and Qi-compatible wireless charging. Other features that are available include a panoramic moonroof and dual-zone automatic climate control.

With the Corolla, you get a 7-inch touchscreen display as standard for your infotainment needs. An 8-inch option is available with some of the more expensive vehicles in the range.

These come alongside a 7-inch digital driver display, wireless charging, and an extra USB port. There’s also a nine-speaker JBL sound system, HD radio, and navigation. Other Corolla features include a moonroof and automatic climate control.

Both the Camry and the Corolla boast Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Plus they come with a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, a pair of USB ports, and a six-speaker stereo.

Interior

In terms of shoulder, head, leg, and hip room, here’s what you can expect on entry-level models:

2021 Camry Interior (Front/Rear, Inches)

• Shoulder room: 57.7/55.7
• Headroom: 38.3/38.0
• Hip room: 55.4/54.7
• Legroom: 42.1/38.0

2021 Corolla Interior (Front/Rear, Inches)

• Shoulder room: 54.0/51.7
• Headroom: 38.3/37.1
• Hip room: 53.9/51.3
• Legroom: 42.0/34.8

Trunk-wise, the Camry comes in at 15.1 cubic feet, while the Corolla offers 13.1 cubic feet (hatchback 17.8). Both seat five people in well-built cabins decked out with high-quality materials. Each option offers comfort and a driver-focused design.

Toyota Camry vs Corolla: Decision Time

Will it be a Toyota Camry or a Toyota Corolla? There will always be comparisons between vehicles, and when it comes to the Toyota Camry vs Corolla debate, there’s plenty to think about.

Finding the right car for you is something that takes time and consideration. If you’re going solely on price, there’s a winner: the Corolla. But if it’s the overall picture you’re looking at, there’s more to consider.

For example, what about performance, transmission, gas mileage, technology, and interior size? The Camry offers power, with two performance-focused engines to choose from. But if gas efficiency is at the forefront of your mind, the Corolla has the fuel-friendly options you’re after.

Both the 2021 Camry and Corolla have their merits. It comes down to personal preference.

Ready to browse for your next car? Head over to our vehicles page.