2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was noted for its appealing design, which included sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, enhancing its attractiveness. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, were seen as less appealing. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including the L, LE, and XLE, for those seeking a more understated look. The Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable option for better fuel efficiency, with prices ranging from $19,350 to $27,450 Canadian, excluding fees and destination charges. The sporty SE and XSE versions featured a more powerful engine and sportier styling, with the XSE test car priced at $30,771 Canadian, including destination and fees. The interior of the Corolla XSE was praised for its quality materials and minimalist design, though it lacked practical storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry, especially in the TRD model, caught attention with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint and performance-tuned design. The Camry TRD featured an aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, and red accents, making it stand out. Despite its bold styling, the Camry's design was not universally loved, with some finding it reminiscent of 1990s Pontiacs. The interior offered an unusual dashboard layout and driver-oriented centre console, though the red gauge illumination and accents were seen as tacky. The Camry TRD's design was polarizing, but it delivered on performance, unlike its predecessors. The Camry lineup offered 13 versions, with prices starting at $27,750 Canadian for the base LE and reaching $41,390 for the XSE V6. The TRD model, priced at $37,040 Canadian, included a JBL premium sound system and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, with paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode, was paired with this engine, offering a more engaging driving experience. The XSE test car's CVT was praised for its mechanical first gear, which improved acceleration and reduced the typical CVT droning. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Corolla offered a low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The Corolla's handling was predictable and engaging, making it a competent compact car. Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test car averaging 7.6 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Camry TRD's Sport transmission mode and paddle shifters enhanced its performance, while the Sport driving mode adjusted throttle response and steering effort. The Camry TRD's fuel consumption was rated at 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test car averaging 9.5 L/100 km. The TRD model boasted track-tuned driving dynamics, with increased torsional rigidity, stiffer suspension, and larger brakes. The Camry TRD's performance was impressive, though it lacked all-wheel drive, making it easy to break the front wheels loose. The suspension provided a communicative ride without sacrificing comfort, and the brake system was responsive and fade-free.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous upgrades over the SE trim, including SofTex leatherette seats, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The driver's seat provided added comfort and a commanding driving position, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered good support but limited headroom and legroom, with no rear climate control vents. The Corolla sedan's trunk provided 371 litres of cargo space, with no interior handle to close the trunk lid.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD's front seats featured red accents and TRD logos but lacked additional bolstering. The sporty driving position and tall centre console kept occupants secure during spirited driving. Both front seats offered power height adjustment, enhancing comfort. The Camry's rear seat accommodated two adults comfortably, though the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a folding back seat. The fixed rear seatback limited cargo flexibility, with the trunk offering 428 litres of space. In-cabin storage was generous, with a large centre armrest bin and ample stash space.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Corolla XSE added Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect, with features like remote engine starting and vehicle finder. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons, though the radio knobs could be difficult to grasp.

The 2022 Toyota Camry featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Camry TRD and XSE models upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with additional subscription services and a JBL premium audio system. The JBL system was bass-heavy but decent for the price. The Camry TRD lacked dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternative solutions. Other Camry models offered a head-up display and surround-view monitoring, but not the TRD.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Corolla added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The safety features performed well, though adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance occasionally required driver intervention. The 2020 Corolla received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Camry included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and more. The Camry TRD and XSE models came standard with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The lane-departure warning system could misread pavement scars, and the lane-centring assistance was sometimes insistent. Safety Connect was standard, offering collision notification, emergency assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.