What are the differences between the Corolla and the Camry?
4 Answers
The differences between the Corolla and the Camry are as follows: 1. In terms of price, the official price of the top-end Camry is higher than that of the top-end Corolla. 2. In terms of overall body size, the top-end Camry has a longer body and wheelbase compared to the top-end Corolla. 3. In terms of power output, the top-end Camry is more powerful than the top-end Corolla. The Camry is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 178Ps, maximum power of 131kW, and maximum torque of 221N·m, paired with an E-CVT continuously variable transmission, along with an electric motor producing a maximum horsepower of 120Ps and maximum power of 88kW. The Corolla, on the other hand, is equipped with a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 98Ps, maximum power of 72kW, and maximum torque of 142N·m, paired with an E-CVT continuously variable transmission, along with an electric motor producing a maximum horsepower of 72Ps and maximum power of 53kW.
Right after graduation, I bought a Corolla and drove it for a few years before switching to a Camry. The Corolla is smaller, about 4.6 meters in length, making it super agile—perfect for city driving, whether in traffic or finding parking spots. Plus, it’s fuel-efficient, averaging around 6 liters per 100 km, which saves a lot on monthly fuel costs. The rear seats are compact; two adults fit comfortably, but three would be tight. The trunk can handle a suitcase and a backpack but is pretty much full after that. The Camry, on the other hand, is significantly larger with a longer wheelbase, offering a steadier ride on highways and quieter cabin noise. The rear seats have more legroom, comfortably seating a family of five without feeling cramped, and the trunk is spacious enough for a stroller or camping gear. However, the Corolla starts at just over 150,000 RMB, while the Camry begins at over 200,000 RMB, with slightly higher maintenance and fuel costs. The Corolla suits young people for daily commuting, while the Camry better fits family needs or long-distance travel—choosing between them depends on your life stage.
As a father of two, space and comfort were my top priorities when choosing a car. We used to own a Corolla, but it felt cramped in the back with my wife and two kids—legs couldn’t stretch out, and it was bumpy. The trunk could barely fit a large shopping bag with no room left for anything else. The Camry clearly has a space advantage: the rear seats comfortably fit three, and the trunk is big enough for a stroller plus several backpacks. Its softer suspension handles bumps better than the Corolla, and the improved sound insulation keeps the cabin quiet on long trips. In terms of performance, the Corolla feels nimble in city driving, while the Camry offers steadier acceleration at highway speeds. Safety-wise, the Camry comes with more airbags. The Corolla is more affordable and fuel-efficient, but the Camry, though pricier, significantly enhances the family travel experience.
Having driven many cars, the differences between the Corolla and Camry lie in power, chassis, and positioning. The Corolla is a compact car with a smaller engine displacement, typically 1.8 liters, offering lower horsepower but better fuel efficiency and agile handling, making it ideal for city driving. The Camry, a midsize sedan, often comes with a 2.5-liter or hybrid engine, delivering stronger power, quicker acceleration, and better performance on highways. In terms of chassis tuning, the Corolla leans towards a stiffer setup, providing solid cornering support but noticeable bumpiness, while the Camry offers a softer suspension that absorbs vibrations for a more comfortable ride. Interior craftsmanship is slightly more upscale in the Camry. Their target audiences differ: younger buyers favor the Corolla for its high cost-performance ratio and greater modification potential, whereas middle-aged drivers prefer the Camry for its reliability, stability, and suitability for business or family use. Used car resale values are fairly similar, with the Corolla slightly lower, and maintenance costs are comparable.
