2019 Toyota Camry vs 2019 Toyota Prius

The 2019 Toyota Camry offered a choice between standard and sporty styling, with options for a 4-cylinder, a V6, and a hybrid powertrain. Trim levels varied based on engine selection, including L, LE, XLE, SE, and XSE. The Camry XSE with a V6 engine was quick and entertaining to drive, though not the recommended trim for value. The standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in LE trim was suggested for better value, while the upscale XLE was a favorite. The Camry Hybrid, despite excellent gas mileage, required a significant upfront cost that took years to offset in fuel savings. The styling of the Camry, especially in XSE trim, was bold but not cohesive, with oversized forms that didn't appeal to everyone. Inside, the Camry XSE featured high-quality materials, but some elements like the windshield pillars and switchgear felt out of place. The car's perceived quality was further dented by creaky front fascia and side mirrors, and a tinny noise from the front doors.

The 2019 Toyota Prius was not known for its looks, but its styling made a statement, especially with the fourth-generation model introduced in 2016. The Prius offered a practical solution for daily driving with a lineup that included L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited trims. The test car, an XLE with AWD, featured a new Electric Storm Blue color and an Advanced Technology Package. The interior was unusual, with centralized controls and a dust-attracting gloss black trim. Despite its offbeat design, the Prius functioned well, though the transmission controls required acclimation. The Prius was equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower. The optional AWD-e system added a rear electric motor, affecting fuel economy and cargo space. The Prius excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 48.6 mpg during testing, though the AWD-e option was not deemed cost-effective compared to snow tires. The Prius offered a good ride and decent handling, with a quiet cabin in urban settings, though road noise was more noticeable on the freeway.

The 2019 Toyota Camry's standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivered 203 horsepower, suitable for daily driving. However, the 301-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine provided a thrilling experience, with 83 more pound-feet of torque. The V6's weight was noticeable but didn't hinder handling, and the 8-speed automatic transmission offered precise shifts. The Camry XSE's sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels provided responsive handling without sacrificing comfort. Steering was firm and natural, and the brakes performed well under stress, though the pedal's "thunk" detracted from refinement. Fuel economy was lower than the EPA's 26-mpg rating, with a test result of 21.9 mpg, possibly due to the V6's enjoyment and air conditioning use.

The 2019 Toyota Prius combined a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 121 horsepower. The AWD-e system added a rear electric motor, affecting fuel economy and cargo space. The Prius AWD-e averaged 48.6 mpg, slightly lower than the standard FWD model's 52 mpg. The CVT managed power to the front wheels, with a unique dashboard-mounted control setup. The Prius offered a good ride and decent handling, with instant torque in Power mode. The EV mode allowed electric-only driving at low speeds, and regenerative brakes recharged the battery. The Prius was quiet in urban settings, though road noise was more noticeable on the freeway. It was a no-hassle daily driver with decent handling on twisty roads.

The 2019 Toyota Camry featured ample storage, including a large center console bin and a hidden compartment under the wireless charging pad. However, the glove box was small, and door-panel storage pockets were narrow. The trunk was unexpectedly small for a midsize car, measuring 15.1 cubic feet, with a short floor that limited luggage capacity. The front seats offered 8-way power adjustment and heating, but ventilated seats were unavailable. Rear-seat passengers found the Camry snug, with narrow door openings and a low seating position. The climate control system was effective, but a ventilated seat option was missed during hot weather.

The 2019 Toyota Prius provided comfortable seating for four adults, with manual height adjustment for the driver's seat. The front seats were heated, as was the steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed good thigh support and legroom, though air conditioning vents were absent. The Prius's SofTex leatherette upholstery trapped sweat, making it uncomfortable in hot weather. The hatchback design offered up to 27.4 cubic feet of luggage space, expandable to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Prius was pitched as an alternative to small crossovers, though it lacked ground clearance for off-road use.

The 2019 Toyota Camry's dashboard layout was smart and intuitive, with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system offering Apple CarPlay and a WiFi Connect subscription. However, Android Auto was absent. The test car featured a wireless charging pad and a navigation system, though the latter was slow to load traffic data. The JBL sound system lacked clarity, producing a bass-heavy experience. A 10-inch head-up display was visible with polarized sunglasses, enhancing driving convenience.

The 2019 Toyota Prius's most impressive infotainment system was limited to the Limited trim, featuring an 11.6-inch display and JBL sound system. The XLE AWD-e test car had a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and a CD player. The Prius's instrumentation was housed in a strip below the windshield, with a mix of modern and outdated displays. The Advanced Technology Package included a head-up display and adaptive headlights. The Prius lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless charging was available.

The 2019 Toyota Camry excelled in safety, earning 5-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured a standard Toyota Safety Sense suite with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Camry also included a Safety Connect subscription for three years, offering collision notification and emergency assistance.

The 2019 Toyota Prius offered standard Toyota Safety Sense features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The Prius received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with some areas rated as Acceptable instead of Good.