2021 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

In a comparison of the 2021 Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry, starting with aesthetics, the Corolla presented a noticeable evolution that aimed to attract those who favor a sportier appearance. Particularly in the SE and XSE trims, it featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille, a twin-outlet exhaust, and impressive 18-inch aluminum wheels. An optional Celestite Gray metallic paint with a blue undertone further enhanced its appeal. However, some design elements like the pronounced hood shut line and an over-styled rear bumper might come across as a bit overdone, especially in the new Apex Edition that accentuated these features dramatically.

On the other hand, the Camry also aimed to shake off its traditionally conservative image in 2021. Designers endeavored to inject excitement with flared wheel arches and slim lighting elements that visually expanded the car's stature. The SE, XSE, and TRD trims added aggressive styling cues like fake vents, which could be perceived as cluttered by some. The Nightshade Edition brought a sleek, blacked-out theme which continued Toyota's push towards more visually dynamic styling. Both models showcased Toyota's intent to infuse more personality into their sedan line-up, though with varying degrees of subtlety and success.

Performance-wise, the Corolla's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine provided a capable 169 horsepower, paired beautifully with a Dynamic Shift CVT that included a mechanical first gear for smoother take-off. Opting for the SE trim allowed for a manual transmission, appealing to traditional enthusiasts. The TNGA platform ensured a balanced and enjoyable handling experience, though the Corolla was not overtly sporty but aligned well with compact sedans like the Honda Civic or Mazda3 in terms of dynamics and was fun in its own right.

The Camry offered more variety in its powertrains. The standard 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine was available across most trims, producing up to 206 horsepower in the XSE trim thanks to a dual-exhaust system. A 3.5-liter V6, exclusive to certain models, pushed out a robust 301 horsepower, providing a compelling option for more power-thirsty drivers. Additionally, the introduction of a hybrid model combining a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor made a total output of 208 horsepower, presenting a blend of performance and efficiency. The Camry's handling struck a balance between responsiveness and comfort, further marked by the availability of AWD which added versatility.

For interior space and utility, the Corolla XSE offered enhancements such as SofTex seats, heated fronts, and an eight-way power driver's seat which not only contributed to comfort but assisted in ease of ingress and egress. Rear seating, although supportive, was cramped for both legroom and headroom, typical of compact sedans. The Trunk space was average at 13.1 cubic feet, somewhat limited compared to rivals but sufficient for day-to-day needs.

The Camry shined with more generous rear legroom and headroom, making it a better option for families or those frequently carrying adult passengers. However, its front legroom and headroom were less impressive compared to the Corolla. Like the Corolla, Camry provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, decent for the midsize sedan category but not groundbreaking. Cargo management in both models was adequate but unremarkable, typical of the sedan market segment.