2020 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Camry had evolved significantly from its predecessors, once synonymous with durability and luxury through its association with Lexus. This generation introduced a style that was daringly expressive, a stark departure from the more conservative designs of the past. Notably, its design featured a bold front fascia and taut lines, making it the sportiest Camry to date. Although it adopted design elements reminiscent of German sport sedans, such as a character line extending across the doors and an upturned kink at the C-pillar, it maintained a distinct identity with options like a dramatic black roof and 14 color choices. The interior also reflected a higher quality with premium materials and thoughtful touches like red trim accents, especially in the TRD model, which brought an unexpected sportiness to the Camry's cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Corolla presented a striking improvement in aesthetics over its previous iterations, particularly in the SE and XSE trims which featured sport-design bumpers and sleek 18-inch aluminum wheels. The option of Celestite Gray metallic paint highlighted the model's more appealing design traits. However, some design choices like the pronounced hood shut line and an exaggerated rear bumper were less favorably received, suggesting an over-stylized approach. The Corolla's interior, notably in the XSE trim, demonstrated significant enhancements in material quality and design simplicity, positioning it well above its predecessors in terms of cabin feel and functionality.

The 2020 Camry offered a diverse range of powertrains. The standout was the 3.5-liter V6, producing 301 horsepower, which underscored Toyota's luxury aspirations for the Camry, particularly in the XLE trim. However, the V6 was considered underwhelming in the sport-oriented TRD model. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder option, delivering up to 206 horsepower in the XSE trim, was praised for its efficiency and sufficient power, which was enhanced by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The addition of all-wheel drive was a notable enhancement, providing better handling in adverse conditions without a significant penalty to fuel economy, which stood at 31 mpg in combined driving for front-wheel drive models.

Conversely, the 2021 Corolla used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across its sportier trims, offering 169 horsepower. While not as powerful as some competitors, it was paired with a dynamic-shift CVT that performed admirably, mimicking a traditional automatic transmission's feel. The Corolla's use of the TNGA platform resulted in a lower center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, surprising many with its capability, particularly in XSE trim. It offered a satisfactory fuel economy at 34 mpg combined, slightly above what was typically expected in its class.

Interior space in the 2020 Camry was comfortably laid out, with increased legroom and hip room in the front seats compared to earlier models. Despite a slight reduction in rear legroom and cargo space, the Camry maintained a competitive edge with 15.1 cubic feet in the trunk. The integration of all-wheel drive did not affect the interior dimensions, which was a significant design achievement.

The 2021 Corolla's interior showcased notable upgrades in the XSE trim, such as SofTex leatherette seats and front-seat heating, alongside a more substantial eight-way power adjustment for the driver. Rear seat comfort was robust, although space was compact, and the trunk capacity was slightly less than the Camry at 13.1 cubic feet. The overall design emphasized accessibility and comfort, making it an attractive option for drivers prioritizing interior quality and ergonomic design.

Technology in the 2020 Camry included the introduction of Android Auto, enhancing connectivity options alongside Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. The infotainment system, while criticized for its outdated appearance, was user-friendly and responsive. Optional upgrades like a larger touchscreen and a mobile hotspot capability rounded out its tech offerings.

The Corolla similarly excelled in connectivity for 2021, offering an extensive suite of standard technologies including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a free Wi-Fi hotspot for initial use. Its 8-inch touchscreen in the XSE trim and additional features like a premium JBL sound system and advanced voice recognition further augmented its appeal for tech-savvy consumers.

Safety features in the 2020 Camry were comprehensive, with Toyota's Safety Sense technology providing a range of driving assists and earning high ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It also included modern conveniences like a Bird's Eye View camera for superior parking ease.

For the 2021 Corolla, Toyota extended its safety innovations with the introduction of Safety Sense 2.0, enhancing the functionality with systems like rear side-impact airbags and a more sophisticated blind-spot warning system. Its safety ratings remained impressive, reflecting Toyota's commitment to passenger security.