Toyota Camry vs. Toyota Corolla Review

Utility
While front head and legroom offered by the Toyota Camry and Corolla is about the same, the Camry starts to pull ahead when comparing shoulder room and rear headroom. Hip room is where the Camry really starts to show its larger size advantage, and more than an extra 2.5 cubic feet of trunk space finishes off the comparison.

Performance
Powering the 2010 Toyota Corolla is your choice of a 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter inline-four or a 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The heavier Camry sports two engine options: a 2.5-liter inline-four rated at up to 179 horsepower (base rating 169 horsepower), and a 3.5-liter V-6 that churns out 269 horsepower. Bolted to the Corolla's engine is a four- or five-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. The Camry sports six-speed automatic and manual transmission options.

Fuel Economy
The Corolla dominates on fuel economy with 22-26 mpg city and 30-35 mpg highway, while the Camry delivers 19-22 mpg city and 28-33 mpg highway.

Technology
Base-model Camry and Corolla models are similarly equipped, both either leaving out or making optional some of the basic power features, and both including a CD player. Upper Camry models display clout with speed-proportional power steering, automatic climate control, a sunroof, a six-CD changer, push-button start, a USB port and an available rear-view camera. Top-billed models for both sedans offer higher watt stereos and optional DVD-based navigation systems.

Safety
Both sedans have antilock brakes with brake assist and a full set of airbags. The Camry's equipment advantage is in rear disc brakes, where the Corolla has inferior drums. The Corolla got Four-Star ratings in three of four government crash tests, while the Camry dominates with a full sweep of Five-Star ratings in NHTSA impact tests.

5-Year Ownership Cost
When comparing entry-level models for both sedans, the Corolla comes out a clear winner in 5-year ownership costs with a $29,082 results versus the Camry's $33,413 value.

Other
The Toyota Camry features revised styling for 2010. While not direct competitors, the Toyota Corolla and Camry can be considered in the same car-shopping trip. Comparing base price alone, you can't get a cheap Camry at the price of a top-end Corolla, but they do compete in per-dollar value. The Camry has more available features, and more features standard in its model line, but you pay significantly more. There is much more space to be had in the Camry, but some of the Corolla's interior metrics are competitive or on par with those of its bigger cousin. If you need the trunk space, grab the Camry. If not, you can get a lot of car and save with the Corolla.