The Corolla and the Camry may be different in a lot of ways, but they are built using the same ideology. They are both affordable cars that try to offer the best value for money in their individual classes, something they both excel at. So why is the Camry so much more popular?
Looking back, 2024 was an excellent year for the Camry, with the sedanselling over 300,000 units. This meant that it was the best-selling passenger vehicle of the year, a title that it has held for 23 consecutive years. With January sales figures now in, we’re starting to see how the new ninth generation continues this legacy of success.
Comparing the hybrid Corolla and the Camry, we uncover some of the key reasons that the mid-size sedan sells in much higher quantities. We look at factors like power, style, efficiency to demonstrate why the Camry is such a force to be reckoned with.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, J.D. Power, and TopSpeed.
10The 2025 Camry Has Entered a Brand New Generation
A New Bold Design
While the Corolla has received a steady flow of updates to keep it modern and relevant, including three facelifts, the current generation model launched all the way back in 2012. Meanwhile, the 2025 Toyota Camry has been completely redesigned, now in the first year ofthe ninth generation model.
Changes To The 2025 Camry
The ninth generation of the Camry runs on the same platform as the outgoing model, but just about everything else is new. From a brand-new look, to tons of new interior features, it is more value-packed than ever before. If you’re looking for a modern Toyota sedan, the 2025 Camry is about as up-to-date as it gets.
9There Is Tons More Space Inside a Camry
More Legroom And Headroom
The Corolla currently competes in the compact car segment. It makes sense, then, that the Toyota Camry, which is a mid-size sedan, would have more space. While the Corolla might attract people looking for something simple, the added room for passengers means the Camry has wider appeal.
15.1 Cubic Feet
13.1 Cubic Feet
Those up front in the Camry and Corolla will find that they have almost identical amount of space. However, passengers relegated to the back will find that they have much more room to stretch their legs in the Camry. The trunk is also a decent amount more spacious in the Camry, making it the more practical option.
8It’s a Small Jump in Price From the Corolla to the Camry
It Is Worth The Premium
Obviously, with the Camry being the much larger vehicle, the Corolla is the more affordable option. However, the jump up to the Camry isn’t too large for most people to handle. Considering the extra levels of practicality and comfort offered in the Camry, we’d say it’swell worth the added cash.
$28,700
2025 Corolla (Hybrid Sedan)
$23,825
To get a 2025 Corolla equipped with the hybrid powertrain, you’ll have to pay an additional $1,500 over the starting price of the gas-only model. With Toyota making the Camry a hybrid only affair for 2025, they’ve managed to reduce the MSRP of all models compared to outgoing 2024 models with the hybrid powertrain. This means there is effectively less than $5,000 between the two sedans.
7Even the Base Camry Comes With Tons of Equipment
Loads Of Standard Features
The 2025 Camry is a super impressive package with an excellent starting price point. For those worried that you have to climb the trim ladder and tack on expensive options to get the most out of the new Camry, fear not. Even the most affordable model comes with plenty of bits and bobs.
Camry LE Key Features
Unless you want a larger infotainment screen, it’s harder to suggest a different trim as the best value option. The Camry LE comes fitted with all the most desirable features you’d want in a budget-oriented sedan. It is one of the most complete basic models we’ve seen in a while.
6Top Trims Feature Some Entry-Level Luxury Features
More Premium Than You’d Expect
The Camry never ditches its budget-oriented mindset, no matter which model you go for. However, if you opt for trims near the top of the ladder, you get access to some genuinely luxurious features. While not as plush as a Lexus, it comes closer than you’d expect for a lot less money.
Camry XSE Standard Features
While the Camry is not going to rival mid-size European luxury saloons any time soon, it can certainly be equipped to give you a taste of luxury. With soft-touch materials covering every surface of the cabin, a good amount of digital real estate, and super comfortable seats, most people will be more than chuffed with this sedan.
5For 2025, the Camry Comes Standard With a Hybrid Powertrain
Performance And Efficiency
As mentioned a couple of times already, the Camry is now a hybrid-only model. Meanwhile, you have to fork out some extra cash for the hybrid powertrain in the Corolla. The Camry’s powertrain is smooth and efficient, and it’s also not as boring to drive as it used to be.
232 HP
163 LB-FT
FWD or AWD
0-60 MPH
Top Speed
115 MPH
If you opt for the front-wheel drive Camry, you get a naturally aspirated inline-four with two electric motors that make a combined 225 horsepower. The all-wheel drive model, outlined above, adds an additional motor which sends power to the rear axle. If you opt for the SE or XSE, you also get a sportier suspension tune.
4Toyota’s Camry Achieves Exceptional Fuel Economy
Super Light On Fuel
The Corolla is smaller, lighter, and less powerful. This may lead you to believe that it is the more efficient sedan. However, according to the EPA, the Camry is actually capable of better fuel efficiency, and not by a small margin. In most forms, the Camry will actuallysave you more on fuel.
53 MPG
50 MPG
51 MPG
49 MPG
48 MPG
47 MPG
46 MPG
44 MPG
43 MPG
Due to the different wheels and suspension tunes offered across the various trims, each model achieves different levels of efficiency. They vary quite drastically, so you’ll have to decide which features are worth the lost efficiency. Regardless, even the most efficient Corolla Hybrid only manages 47 miles per gallon.
3Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 Is Standard on All Camrys
A Comprehensive Suite
As technology in vehicles has evolved over the years, one thing that has become important is driver assists and safety features. Regardless of which model you buy, every Camry comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0. While the Corolla matches this, the Camry comes with some additional driver assists.
Key Safety Features
The features above are just some of the key features included in Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite. Alongside these features, the Camry also gets standard blind spot monitoring and a rear-cross traffic alert. Every model is equipped with the same driver assists, meaning you don’t have to pay for a more expensive trim to get the whole suite.
2The Camry Has a Fantastic Reputation for Reliability
A Bulletproof Icon
Toyota has a fantastic reputation for building sturdy vehicles that last a long time. While this reputation extends to most of their lineup, the Camry nameplate stands above the rest. It was a trailblazer, setting new standards for reliability and helping Toyota garner the reputation that they have today.
87/100
92/100
Eighth Gen (2018-2024)
88/100
The scores above were awarded to the Camry on J.D. Power based on their quality and reliability. Since 2007, no model year has scored below 80 in this section, meaning that it hasalways sat in the ‘Great’ category. We’ll have to see if the all-hybrid ninth generation lives up to this reputation.
1This Sedan Has Consistently Dominated the American Market
The Nation’s Best Selling Sedan
While the Corolla certainly does well in terms of sales, the Camry absolutely dominates the market. It is by far the more popular option. This means that there are more of them on the road and a better perception of the car all around. Your neighbor is much more likely to recommend a Camry than a Corolla.
309,876
Corolla
232,908
In 2024, Toyota sold 70,000 more Camrys than they did Corollas in the United States. This includes hybrid models for both cars. In January 2025, Toyota sold 19,007 Camrys and 17,341 Corollas. This includes gas-only models of the Corolla, meaning that the gap between the Corolla Hybrid and the Camry is even larger.
