2021 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Toyota Prius

The 2021 Toyota Camry strived to break away from the generic aesthetics of its predecessors, embracing a bolder design language. This transformation was characterized by flared wheel arches and slim headlights and taillights that visually widened the vehicle. However, not all styling elements were equally successful. While the SE, XSE, and TRD trim levels featured a multitude of fake vents adding visual clutter, the LE and XLE models offered a somewhat cleaner, though still substantial, grille design. The foundation for all this was the TNGA-K platform, shared with models like the Avalon sedan and RAV4 SUV. Toyota also tweaked the front fascia for 2021, especially in the TRD performance model, which boasted distinctive elements such as a larger rear spoiler. The Nightshade Edition, carried over from 2020, added blacked-out exterior trim and wheels, based on the SE trim. Inside, the Camry's design mirrored the exterior’s chaos, featuring contrasting trim materials and scattershot design elements that often felt disjointed, detracting from the overall coherence.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Prius maintained its signature boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, design cues that had become synonymous with the Prius identity since the second-generation model launched over 15 years prior. Despite technological advancements that allowed other manufacturers to achieve similar aerodynamic efficiency without such unconventional styling, Toyota chose to retain these elements. However, the resulting design didn’t win many beauty contests, even with the trendy blacked-out trim of the Prius 2020 Edition. The interior also embraced a peculiar layout with a strip of displays centrally placed on the dashboard and unique transmission controls, further accentuating its eccentricity. The presence of gloss-black trim that attracted dust and fingerprints added to the impracticality.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided a range of powertrain options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine dubbed "Dynamic Force." In most FWD trim levels, it delivered 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD versions produced slightly less at 202 hp and 182 lb-ft. The XSE variants benefitted from a dual-exhaust system that marginally elevated the power output. For those chasing more power, a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 offered 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. There was also the Camry Hybrid, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist for a total of 208 hp. The SE Nightshade Edition tested had the base four-cylinder engine and AWD, offering a surprisingly spirited drive with its eager-to-rev nature and commendable chassis tuning that balanced ride quality and handling, though it lacked the steering feel of competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. The Camry TRD took performance a notch higher with chassis upgrades and summer tires, enhancing its sporty credentials. Notably, the Camry featured an AWD system derived from the RAV4, capable of sending up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, reverting to FWD when extra traction wasn’t needed.

Comparatively, the 2021 Toyota Prius measured performance through fuel efficiency. The L Eco trim delivered an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving, while other FWD Prius models earned 52 mpg. The AWD-e models achieved a still commendable 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition, however, fell short of its EPA estimates, averaging 47.5 mpg. The powertrain combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, resulting in a modest total output of 121 horsepower. Nevertheless, the instant torque from the electric motor provided a lively feel at low speeds and allowed for electric-only driving at speeds under 25 mph. Featuring selectable driving modes (EV, Eco, Normal, and Power), the Prius aimed to maximize efficiency but struggled to impress with its acceleration. Urban environments allowed the Prius to shine, maximizing its fuel economy. The TNGA platform contributed to an unexpectedly nimble handling experience, though hard acceleration revealed the car’s limitations with significant powertrain noise and lack of road feel in the steering.

The 2021 Toyota Camry boasted generous rear headroom and legroom compared to other midsize sedans but fell short in front-seat space. The front seats offered ample adjustability and comfort, coupled with excellent outward visibility. The cargo space, at 15.1 cubic feet, was average for this class but significantly less than the 16.7 cubic feet offered by the Honda Accord. Interior storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders, and items often getting wedged in the door crevices. Fortunately, important functions retained analog controls, enhancing ease of use, although some controls were a bit of a reach from the driver’s seat. Higher trim levels added dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2021 Toyota Prius, contrary to perceptions of it being small, offered considerable interior space. Seating up to five, the Prius featured comfortable seats but suffered from the sticky nature of the SofTex synthetic leather upholstery. The equipped eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and heated steering wheel provided comfort, though the low seating position complicated entry and exit. Ventilated seats would have been a welcome addition. The rear seats provided adequate foot, leg, and headroom but lacked air-conditioning vents, potentially making long journeys uncomfortable in warm weather. Prius excelled in cargo space, offering between 24.6 and 27.4 cubic feet behind the back seats, expanding to 47.9 to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, significantly outstripping the Camry’s cargo capacity.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free voice control, and SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, offering WiFi for up to five devices, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. The XSE and XLE trims had an optional 10-inch head-up display (HUD). However, the Camry’s infotainment system, while functional, lacked standout graphical appeal.

In the 2021 Toyota Prius, the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system mirrored the design and functionality common across Toyota models, incorporating stereo-volume and tuning knobs, and shortcut buttons. It offered Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, along with Safety Connect and WiFi Connect services. The Limited trim featured an 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen with a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system and navigation. Unfortunately, this system did not support Android Auto, and the sound quality was underwhelming, struggling against substantial road noise. The digital instrument display atop the dashboard felt dated and lacked sophistication.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned top marks for safety, securing a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The new TSS 2.5+ package came standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Enhanced features provided better adaptive cruise control lane change assistance and advanced forward-collision detection. The newly added Rear Seat Reminder aimed at preventing unattended children or pets, although its effectiveness was debatable. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on XLE and XSE trims and optional on LE and SE.

For 2021, every Prius came standard with the upgraded TSS 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. LE trim and above included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. While the TSS 2.0 worked well, the lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance could detract from the steering feel, and the lane-departure warning’s incessant beeping was a potential annoyance. Safety Connect services were also standard for three years. The Prius hadn’t been rated by the NHTSA, but the IIHS awarded it favorable marks, although it had yet to receive a Top Safety Pick designation due to some deficiencies in headlights and front-passenger protection.