2021 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive iterations of the model. The SE and XSE trims enhanced its appeal with sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, making the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, the design had its quirks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and the over-styled rear bumper. The Apex Edition further amplified these design peculiarities. For those seeking a more understated look, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more anonymous presence on the road. The Corolla Hybrid provided a cost-effective path to better fuel efficiency, sharing its powertrain with the Toyota Prius.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to shed its past image of being a generic sedan by incorporating more exciting styling details. The flared wheel arches and thin headlights and taillights worked well to visually widen the car. However, the SE and XSE trims added fake vents that cluttered the design. The LE and XLE trims featured a cleaner, albeit massive, grille. The Camry's interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of trim elements that lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite this, the materials felt low-rent. The Camry's Nightshade Edition, based on the SE trim, featured blacked-out exterior trim and wheels, adding a touch of uniqueness to its appearance.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. The SE trim offered a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The XSE demonstrated predictable handling characteristics, making it a competent compact car. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 7.6 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque with FWD, and slightly less with AWD. The XSE models featured a dual-exhaust system, increasing output to 206 hp and 186 lb-ft with FWD. The Camry also offered a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist, producing 208 hp. The SE Nightshade Edition test car, with its base four-cylinder and AWD, surprised with its eager-to-rev nature and responsive steering. The Camry's chassis tuning balanced handling and ride quality, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE trim offered numerous upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat adjustment. This feature provided added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seat cushions offered good support but had limited headroom and legroom. The Corolla's trunk provided 371 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors. The lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was below average. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was 428 litres, average for a midsize sedan but less than the Honda Accord. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. The Camry featured analog controls for important functions, improving ease of use, though some controls were a long reach from the driver's seat.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. The SE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE included Service Connect and Safety Connect. Remote Connect offered features like remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons, though the radio knobs could be easier to grasp.

The 2021 Toyota Camry's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on the XSE and XLE trims. The touchscreen menus were easy to navigate, though the graphics were plain. The system was functional but not a standout feature.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The addition of rear side-impact airbags required re-testing for new ratings.

The 2021 Toyota Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The TSS 2.5+ package included enhanced safety features like adaptive cruise control with lane-change assistance and forward-collision warning with cyclist detection. The Camry also introduced a Rear Seat Reminder to prevent leaving children or pets unattended.