Toyota makes some of the most dependable cars on the market. Consumers usually want to know how the automaker’s two most popular vehicles stack up. So, we created this Corolla vs Camry comparison guide to help. It covers vehicle sales, trims, size, options, history, and more.
Table of Contents
Main Differences Between Corolla vs Camry
- Corolla was introduced in 1966, whereas the company did not produce the first Camry until 1983
- Corolla runs on a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder motor, whereas the Camry runs on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor
- Corolla MSRP base price is $20.025, whereas the Camry’s base price is $24,970, which is $4,945 less than the
- Corolla owners receive 32 mpg on the road and 42 mph on the highway, which is better than Camry’s 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the freeway
- Corolla bests the Camry with a 40 percent depreciation after five years of ownership, whereas the Camry’s depreciation is closer to 50 percent
Corolla Overview
Toyota Corollas were first sold in 1966. Since then, it has been one of the top-selling compact cars. Since its release, more than 44.1 million units have sold, and it is the highest-selling vehicle in more than 48 countries.
- Base MSRP: $20,025
- Seats: 5
- Doors: 4 or 5-door hatchback
- Engine: 169-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 gasoline-powered or a 1.8-liter, 1.8-liter
- Transmission: 2-speed continuous variable transmission (CVT) or 10-speed automatic w/ overdrive (OD) and auto/manual mode
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Combined Miles Per Gallon (MPG): 34
- Warranty: 3 years/36 months bumper-to-bumper
Camry Overview
In 2014, Toyota revealed that the Camry reached the 10 million mile mark. However, it is unclear how many units have sold since. Nevertheless, the Camry is number two in its class following closely behind the Honda Accord.
- Base MSRP:Â $24,970
- Seats: 5
- Doors: 4
- Engine: 203-hp, 2.5-liter I-4 gasoline-powered or 301-hp, 3.5-liter V6 gasoline-powered
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic w/ overdrive (OD) and auto/manual mode
- Drivetrain: FWD/All-wheel drive (AWD)
- Combined Miles Per Gallon (MPG): 29
- Warranty: 3 years/36 months bumper-to-bumper
Vehicle Sales
Vehicle sales are a good indication of the popularity of a particular model. Both the Corolla and Camry have excellent sales. However, over the past three years, there was an average of 324,912 Camrys and 281,920 Corollas sold in the United States.
If you look at worldwide sales, though, the Corolla outsells the Camry in many countries. The Corolla is more affordable, which makes it accessible to a larger audience. Plus, smaller cars are more popular in many other locations adding to Corolla’s international popularity.
5-Year Resale Value
The average loan takes five years to pay back in full. So, it is important to compare the five-year resale values of each car that you are considering. On average, vehicles depreciate by approximately 60 percent. Camry has an average five-year depreciation of 49 percent, while Corolla’s five-year depreciation is 40 percent. That means both cars are better than the average, but Corolla owners retain nine percent more value.
Trims
Each model vehicle comes with various trims. The term ‘trim’ in the automotive world refers to the standard way an automaker outfits that model. At times an automaker applies a trim to several models in its lineup. For example, the Camry, Corolla, and several other Toyota models are available in the ‘Nightshade’ trim, which includes blackout rims, emblems, and accents.
Corolla
The Corolla has eight trims, including the L, LE, SE, Nightshade, XLE, APEX SE, XSE, and APEX XSE. MSRPs range from $20,045 to $28,310.
A 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder engine with a 2-speed continuously variable (CVT) engine and a 2.0-liter 10-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (OD) and automatic/standard in the inline four-cylinder engine. A 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine equips the rest.
Camry
The nine Camry trims include LE, SE, SE Nightshade, Nightshade, XLE, XSE, TRD V6, XLE V6, and XSE V6. Each contains different equipment and interior and exterior features. MSRPs range from $24,045 and $35,620. The TRD V6, XLE-V6, and XSE V6 come with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with overdrive and auto/manual mode. All of the others have a 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder motor, and an eight-speed transmission.
Engine Options
Both vehicles have two engine options. Out of the two, the Camry engines are more powerful, with the smaller engine producing 269 hp and the larger 3.5-liter V6 producing 301 hp. Camry engine options produce more torque at 186 ft-lbs compared to 151 ft-lbs in the Corolla. That makes driving a Camry a bit more exhilarating.
Vehicle Dimensions
The vehicle dimensions affect the interior space, trunk space, and turning radius. For families with older children, the Camry is roomier. It also has more trunk space. Here are the rest of the specs:
Corolla
The Corolla is smaller than the Camry. However, it has a tighter turning radius which makes it easier to maneuver tight spaces. It also has comparable front legroom to the Camry.
- Interior Cargo Space: 13.1 cu.ft.
- Exterior Height:Â 56.5″
- Turning Radius:Â 17.8″
- Front Hiproom: 53.9″
- Front Legroom: 42″
- Front Shoulder Room: 54″
- Front Headroom:Â 38.3″
- Rear Headroom:Â 37.1″
- Rear Legroom:Â 34.8″
- Rear Hiproom:Â 51.3″
- Exterior Body Width:Â 70.1″
- Exterior Body Length:Â 182.3″
Camry
If you are looking for more cargo room and a larger backseat, the Camry offers it. There is 2 cu.ft. more cargo space in the Camry. It is also wider, so there is more hip room in the front and rear seats.
- Interior Cargo Space:Â 15.1 cu.ft.
- Exterior Height:Â 56.9″
- Turning Radius:Â 18.7″
- Front Hiproom: 55.4″
- Front Legroom:Â 42.1″
- Front Shoulder Room:Â 57.7″
- Front Headroom:Â 38.3″
- Rear Headroom:Â 38″
- Rear Legroom:Â 38″
- Rear Hiproom:Â 54.7″
- Exterior Body Width:Â 72.4″
- Exterior Body Length:Â 192.1″
Technology
Both vehicles receive a state-of-the-art infotainment center from the factory called the Toyota Entune. It has features like Apple CarPlay, AndroidAudio, Bluetooth, and Siri Eyes Free with Voice-Recognition Support (VRF). You can add upgrades to the system like Integrated Navigation that make the system even more intuitive.
Safety Features
Safety features are plentiful in the Camry and Corolla. Corolla’s standard package is Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), while Camry receives Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+(TSS 2.5+). Both systems include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning with lane-keeping assistance
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Road sign assistance
- Lane centering assistance
TSS 2.5+ adds detection for vehicles and pedestrians during left-hand turns and emergency steering-assist to stabilize the car during emergencies.
Maintainance Costs
When you purchase a vehicle, you have a lot to think about, like insurance, fuel-cost, etc. The average cost of maintenance is essential to know if you want to stay within your budget. Corolla’s average annual maintenance cost is $362 annually, while the Camry is around $388 per year. Both vehicles are considered ‘inexpensive’ to maintain.
Insurance Costs
The insurance cost for owning a Corolla or Camry may shock you. The Corolla is actually more expensive to insure with an average annual rate of $2,483 compared to $2,149 to insure the Camry. So, despite the base model corolla costing $4,000 less than the Camry, when you factor in the insurance cost over a 5-year period for both vehicles and subtract that from the initial investment, the two vehicles are pretty close in price.
Recalls
Over the past 29 years, Toyota issued recalls for both vehicles. Many of the recalls include both cars as the parts are manufactured at some of the same facilities. There have been 56 recalls on the Camry and 58 on the Corolla. When a recall affects one of these vehicles, it is likely to affect the other, as well.
Driving the Corolla vs Camry
Driving the Camry is more exhilarating, especially if you choose a V6 option. The engine produces more horsepower and torque than the Corolla, which makes it peppier off the line. However, both vehicles get decent pickup if you select the OD mode. We suggest investing in a higher-end Corolla if you enjoy a more joyful driving experience because the larger engine and 10-speed transmission produce nearly 70 horsepower more.
Reliability Corolla vs Camry
When buying a vehicle, reliability ranks among the most important aspects for consumers. After all, you want to know you will make it to your destination safely. In terms of reliability, the Camry earns four out of five stars. The Corolla is slightly more reliable, with a 4.5-star rating.
The Winner: Corolla vs Camry
Choosing a winner between two of the top-selling cars in their class is no easy task. Both vehicles offer a variety of valuable options. However, after looking at all of the information, we believe one of these vehicles is a better buy.
The Toyota Corolla is a budget-friendly vehicle. The fuel cost and 5-year depreciation value are both lower than the larger, mid-size Camry. Plus, you can expect your Corolla to drive for more than 300,000 miles while the Camry starts experiencing breakdowns closer to the 200,000-mile mark.
FAQs
When comparing Corolla and Camry models consumers, there are some answers they usually seek before deciding. Toyota shoppers most frequently asked these questions. They may help you make an informed decision.
Question: Which is more dependable Corolla or Camry?
Answer: Since 1992, there have been 58 Toyota Corolla recalls, and 56 Camry recalls. Both vehicles are dependable. However, the Corolla has a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and the Camry receives a 4.0. The Corolla should last for more than ten years or over 300,000 miles, and the Camry should last for more than 200,000 miles.
Both vehicles can last much longer in optimal conditions if you take care of them. You are more likely to have breakdowns past the 200,000-mile mark if you are driving a Camry, though.
Question: Which Corolla model is best?
Answer: Toyota’s top-of-the-line Corolla is the XSE. It is more powerful and includes a variety of innovative features that are not available on the lower-end models, like:
• Safety Connect
• LED automatic high-beams
• A rear spoiler
• You also have the option of adding many features that are not available on the LE trim.
Question: Which Camry model is best?
Answer: The XSE trim is the top-of-the-line Camry. It includes a powerful V6 engine, and it is also handsomely appointed with:
• A panoramic sunroof
• Audio Plus with JBL (includes nine JBL speakers and a 9.0-inch touchscreen display)
• Three driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)
• A 10.0-inch heads up display (HUD)
• Heated leather-trimmed front seats
• 19-inch premium rims
Question: Is Toyota LE or SE better?
Answer: The LE model is the base model of most Toyota vehicles. The SE is one step up from the LE in both lineups. While the LE has the best pricing, it lacks many of the features consumers want when purchasing a new vehicle.
On the SE, you get a sunroof and an innovative key system that allows you to open your car door without removing it from your pocket or purse.
Final Thoughts on the Corolla vs Camry
While we feel that the Corolla is a better buy, it will not be the right choice for everyone. Families who take many road trips or individuals who enjoy driving a larger vehicle with more power will likely want to opt for the Camry.
One thing is for sure, though, you can’t go wrong buying either one of these vehicles. They are both dependable, fun cars to own.
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