Comparison of Toyota Sedans: Camry vs. Corolla

Toyota Camry vs. Corolla: Comparison of The Most Popular Sedans

Since manufacturers are trying to improve their new models as much as possible, the line between some of them is blurred - Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla are good examples. Today we are comparing used cars in indiana secondary market to find all the pros and cons of these Toyota models for daily use. Our consultants are technicians and service engineers from the Indy Auto Man used car dealership, Indianapolis.

The Major Differences Between Camry and Corolla?

The Toyota Corolla is a compact class model that dates back to 1966. The first generation Corolla offered a body length of only 151.2 in and 1.1-1.2-liter engines. Further in the history of the Corolla model, you can find versions with a 2-3-speed automatic, WRC cars, diesel engines and hybrids, hatchbacks, and station wagons. The history of the Toyota Corolla is so extensive and multifaceted that we can write a whole book. Today, Toyota Corolla has 12 generations, and more than 46 million cars are sold in total - it is one of the most popular cars in the world.

With the Camry model, Toyota decided on a risky step - the creation of a new class of cars: business premium. The first generation Camry appeared in 1982. Its designe corresponded to the fashion of the 80s - a large three-volume body with flat panels and chopped edges. But with the years, the car took on a more sporty look. The technical stuffing of the Toyota Camry represented a big step forward. The engine range started with the 1.8-liter 1S series engine. At times, its power ranged from 90 to 115 hp. In 1983, an engine with a volume of 2 liters, 120 hp, appeared, and an economical turbodiesel of the same volume with a power of 88 hp. To date, eight generations of this model have been released.

Here is the comparative table of technical parameters of the 2018 Corolla vs. Camry.

Is Camry as Reliable as Corolla?

When it comes to reliability and safety, the Toyota Corolla shines bright, and the Camry does not lag behind, but it is more powerful, spacious, and comfortable.

The Exterior of the Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla

Toyota Camry is associated with confidence and reliability. But after a series of upgrades from generation to generation, the presentability of the model has lost its fundamentality.

The latest model causes conflicting opinions regarding its design. The light and the mobile front end do not match the massive and heavy profile, and the wing attached to the rear does not fit into any design standards.

The side view is recognized as the best camera angle of the Toyota Camry. It allows you to feel the solidity and power of this model. Compared to its predecessors, the Camry is clumsy and does not meet the originally assigned requirements. The concepts of completeness and unity inherent in Japanese cars have been erased.

The Toyota Corolla, compared to the Camry, pleases with its design. Compared to previous models, it has acquired a more aesthetic appearance. The elongated headlights fit perfectly with the arched grille and the large opening at the bottom of the bumper. And the pointed lines of the body do not detract from the dignity of the appearance. The only negative point in the design is the disproportionate difference between the front light part and the massive rear bumper.

How reliable are the Toyota Camry and Corolla models, and do they have different reputations for dependability? What is the most reliable year for production for each of them?

Regarding reliability, both the Toyota Camry and Corolla have strong reputations for dependability. Toyota’s longstanding reliability is reflected in studies where the 2025 Corolla was named the best compact car and the Camry the best midsize car in the U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Both frequently last beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Typical ownership costs favor the Corolla slightly as a more economical vehicle, though the Camry’s reliability remains excellent. Specific model years often cited as very reliable include the Camry years around 2012-2017 and Corolla years around 2010-2015 based on consumer reports and reliability studies, but the newest models maintain Toyota's high standards overall.The 2015 Camry received a very high reliability rating of 90/100 from J.D. Power and is considered one of the most durable in this range due to a mid-cycle refresh improving design and features. It also has low maintenance costs and minor recalls.

1. The 2016 and 2017 Camry models, continuing the same generation, also score high (89/100 and 86/100 respectively) and are praised for reliability, though lacking some newer tech features.
2. The 2018 Camry started a new generation and maintains a solid reliability rating of 85/100 with modern features and hybrid options, though being newer, it has slightly less track record for long-term durability.
3. For later model years like 2019 to 2025, reliability is generally expected to be average to above average based on Toyota's consistency, but long-term data is still emerging. The 2025 model is anticipated to have average reliability, consistent with Toyota's standards.

For Toyota Corolla model years from 2015 to 2025:

1. Corolla models from around 2015 to 2020 show strong reliability records, consistently rated among the top compact cars for dependability with few major recalls.
2. The Corolla continues to offer economical maintenance with hybrid variants enhancing fuel efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
3. Newer Corolla models up to 2025 also maintain good reliability projections but long-term owner data is more limited.

In summary:

1. The best durable and most reliable Camry years in 2015-2025 are centered around the 2015-2017 range within the same generation, with slightly lower but solid consistency through 2018 and beyond.
2. The Corolla maintains steady reliability across 2015-2025, with no single standout year but a reputation for being a dependable compact choice consistently.

This reflects a balance of J.D. Power scores, owner reports, maintenance data, and new model introductions for the past decade of both Toyota sedans

What Car Is Equivalent to a Camry?

The main competitor for the Toyota Camry is the Honda Civic. However, some buyers also choose between the Civic and the Corolla.

Body Style: Is a Camry Bigger than a Corolla?

The 2019 Toyota Camry is 192.7 in long, 72.4 in wide, and 56.9 in high. Sufficiently wide seats for five people, and the trunk volume is 493 liters. The rear seat folds down, so you can increase the volume of the luggage compartment.

The dimensions of the 2019 Toyota Corolla are as follows: length - 183.1 in, width - 69.9, height - 57.3 in. The trunk volume of the hatchback is 520 liters, which is even more than that of a comfortable Camry, for comparison, the sedan has a trunk volume of 520 liters. It also has a five-seat interior, but with significantly cramped seats.

If you spend more time transporting passengers, then you should better prefer Camry; if you have a lot of oversized cargo, then choose a car with a large trunk capacity, such as the Corolla hatchback.

If you are a supporter of the hatchback body, then pay attention to the Corolla. Adherents of the classics should like the Camry of impressive size. Its main advantage lies in its representative appearance - stylish, expensive, and modern. But the Toyota Corolla sedan will perfectly suit a small family.

Is the Camry More Expensive than the Corolla?

The starting price of the new Camry will be about five thousand dollars more than that of the Corolla. But when it comes to used vehicles, the cost may be almost the same, depending on the year of manufacture, mileage, and other parameters.

Comfort and Equipment: Is It Worth Buying a Toyota Camry in Indianapolis?

Of course, the Japanese provide the Toyota Camry with the necessary, useful, and convenient basic set, which includes:

• anti-lock system
• electronic stability control system 
• emergency brake assist
• six airbags
• Parking assistant
• cruise control
• rear View Camera
• multimedia with an eight-inch screen
• dual-zone climate control
• auto seat adjustment

The rear seat of the Toyota Camry is designed for maximum passenger comfort. Three adults can feel free in the back seat. The spacious seat allows you to even sleep comfortably for several hours. Speaking of the driver's seat, you should not rely on such comfort. The height of the backrest barely reaches the shoulders of an ordinary person. The seat puts a lot of strain on the upper body.

Compared to the Toyota Camry, the Toyota Corolla has a more modest interior. Here, the automaker showed the budget car without a pretense of luxury.

The basic trim includes:

• multimedia with a six-inch screen
• air conditioner
• four airbags
• anti-lock system

The back of the cabin is quite cramped, it is difficult for two to sit comfortably. Only preschool children can travel comfortably. The front seats will please the driver, but taller-than-average people will not be as comfortable due to the low seating position. The height and design of the backrest ensure the right position of the body - you can feel calm about your back.

Checking Toyota Camry and Corolla on the Road: Which Has Better Gas Mileage?

It is difficult to say which car is preferable to drive, the Toyota Camry or Corolla. The powerful Camry engine provides excellent movement for a heavy car but does not accelerate very quickly. The reason for this is a rigid gas pedal shock absorber.

In terms of the softness of the ride, without a doubt, the Camry remains the winner. A massive car easily overcomes small potholes on the roads, road surface defects, hills, and lowlands. But with special care, it is better to go around deep pits. Fuel economy in the combined cycle can reach 34 mpg.

The convenience of driving a car also has its drawbacks. The steering wheel is not sensitive - you have to wait until the unit understands the driver's commands. Without slowing down to enter a turn, the car leans heavily to the side, causing inconvenience to passengers. And on long asphalt waves, it sways smoothly, although some fans even like this feeling.

Compared to Camry, the Toyota Corolla is noisy from the start during acceleration, and you will feel a powerful jerk. Having pulled ahead, the power of this unit does not allow it to overtake the competitor Camry. The advantage lies in the maneuverability, thanks to the CVT engine compared to the automatic transmission installed on the Camry. In addition, the motor rotates at a constant speed without making noise as speed increases, as we often see with traditional motor options. The Corolla demonstrates a bit lower fuel economy than the Camry - 32 mpg combined. The steering wheel of the Corolla is supple and quickly responds to the driver's actions.

Most drivers agree that the Camry is suitable for softness, but it is worth considering the low maneuverability in emergency driving. The Corolla is a more economical and budget option. It can boast better handling, but each hole in the road will affect the passengers. 

If you want to decide whether Corolla or Camry is your best suit, schedule a test drive at Indy Auto Man and get your driving experience on Indianapolis roads.