2021 Toyota Camry vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, although redesigned, still appeared to be in need of a style revolution. With comparisons to malevolent aliens, its exterior wasn’t universally praised. However, when equipped with SE or XSE trim and painted in the attractive Celestite color, the Corolla showed its potential to look terrific, especially with its more palatable front face compared to other Toyota sedans. The interior saw significant improvements with higher-quality, soft-touch materials replacing the cheap, hard plastics from previous models, enhancing the overall elegance. Despite these advances, certain elements like the transmission shifter reminded owners of the Corolla’s economy car status. Priced starting at $19,600 for the L trim and going up to $28,800 for a fully loaded XSE, the Corolla provided various options from basic to sporty trim levels and even included a hybrid version for maximum fuel economy.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Camry was designed to distance itself from its previously generic sedans, incorporating modern and more aggressive styling elements. The flared wheel arches and thin headlights and taillights provided a visually wider stance. However, SE, XSE, and TRD trims featured cluttered, fake vents, while the LE and XLE trims sported a massive but cleaner grille. The TRD model included unique styling elements such as a larger rear spoiler. Inside, the Camry's design could be described as chaotic with a mix of trim elements and materials. The interior, despite its visual messiness, aimed to provide comfort. Starting at $25,045, the Camry offered various trims with features such as leather upholstery on the XLE and XSE models. Like the Corolla, some elements like faux carbon fiber and piano black plastic didn’t always hit the mark in terms of perceived quality.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a modest performance with the base 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) powering the front wheels. These versions, fitted with 16-inch wheels, were perceived as lackluster in performance. However, upgrading to SE or XSE trims added a more potent 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower, and a sportier CVT with paddle shifters and enhanced off-the-line acceleration response. This trim included 18-inch aluminum wheels and an optional 6-speed manual gearbox. The XSE trim’s dynamics were impressively tuned, offering a comfortable yet stable ride with its independent rear suspension. However, the powertrain at higher speeds left much to be desired, struggling with passing and hill climbs. EPA ratings for the XSE were 31 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined, with real-world testing yielding about 29.8 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Camry sported a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine called the Dynamic Force, generating 203 horsepower (206 hp in XSE trim). It could be paired with either FWD or AWD and was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota also offered a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 301 horsepower. The SE Nightshade Edition tested demonstrated a sprightly driving character with balanced handling and comfortable ride quality. Steering was responsive and precise, though feedback was limited. Fun to drive, yet practical, the TRD model enhanced the sporty appeal with stiffer chassis tuning and additional performance upgrades. AWD, borrowed from the RAV4, provided sure-footed handling in various conditions without compromising interior space.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its smaller dimensions compared to a Camry, still managed to offer a roomy interior classified as midsize by EPA standards. However, practical use highlighted drawbacks, particularly in the hot Southern California climate, where the lack of rear air-conditioning vents made journeys uncomfortable for backseat passengers. Tall passengers might find headroom an issue, especially while entering or exiting the car. Storage-wise, the Corolla was limited with small storage bins and cupholders. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of space—adequate for small families but still less than the Camry’s capacity.

The 2021 Toyota Camry boasted generous rear headroom and legroom at the cost of a bit less front seat space. Nevertheless, its front seats were adjustable and comfortable, ensuring drivers could find an optimal seating position. Visibility from the front seats was commendable. The Camry’s trunk space was slightly larger at 15.1 cubic feet, offering average storage capability for the segment but falling short compared to the Honda Accord’s generous 16.7 cubic feet. Interior storage space was minimal but adequate, with smaller cupholders and door bottle holders. The inclusion of physical controls for essential functions mitigated some inconveniences, though some controls were awkwardly placed.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota’s Entune 3.0 infotainment system, finally integrating Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims providing straightforward access to key features, supported by traditional volume and tuning knobs. Additional features included Amazon Alexa compatibility, a 3-year trial of Scout GPS Link, Safety Connect services, and a 6-month trial of WiFi Connect. Upgrades such as advanced voice recognition, SiriusXM, dynamic navigation, and a JBL premium sound system were available, primarily for XLE and XSE trims.

The 2021 Toyota Camry included a 7-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, WiFi, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was an option for XSE and XLE trims. USB and 12-volt outlets were standard, although additional outlets weren't provided for higher trims. The infotainment system was functional, yet its simplistic graphics and somewhat dated appearance didn’t stand out in a highly competitive segment.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0 across all models. This suite included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist—a lane-centering assist technology. While generally effective, aural lane-departure warnings could be annoying. The IIHS named the Corolla a Top Safety Pick for 2019, and it received a 5-star frontal impact rating from the NHTSA, although side-impact tests were pending.

The 2021 Toyota Camry achieved the highest safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, earning a “Top Safety Pick+” designation and five-star overall safety rating. It introduced the TSS 2.5+ package, which included enhanced adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and other advanced features. The new Rear Seat Reminder came standard to prevent leaving occupants behind. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional or standard depending on the trim level.