2025 Toyota Camry vs. Corolla

Choosing between the Toyota Camry and the Corolla can be difficult. Both are excellent choices if you’re shopping for a Toyota sedan in El Monte, but they address different buyer preferences. One provides power and roominess, while the other focuses on economy. Our Longo Toyota team has investigated the differences between the Corolla and the Camry, including the most common car comparison specs, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

Performance and Engine Comparison

The 2025 Camry went hybrid-only this year. Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with electric motors, delivering 225 hp in front-wheel drive and 232 hp with all-wheel drive (AWD). The Corolla uses a smaller setup — the hybrid version has a 1.8L engine making 138 hp. Gas-powered Corollas get 169 hp with their 2.0L engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Real-world testing shows the performance gap clearly. The Camry XSE Hybrid hits 60 mph in 6.6 seconds in Sport mode. Car and Driver tested the XSE AWD and got a 0-to-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, while the Corolla FX required 8.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. That difference matters when you’re merging onto Interstate 405.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency Analysis

These sedans are both fuel-efficient. The 2025 Camry LE is EPA-rated at 53 mpg city/50 mpg highway/51 mpg combined; the LE AWD gets 51 mpg city/49 mpg highway/50 mpg combined ratings. The SE, XLE, and XSE trims achieve 48 mpg city/47 mpg highway/47 mpg combined. The Corolla LE is rated at 32 mpg city/41 mpg highway/35 mpg combined, while the updated ratings for Corolla Hybrid models are 50 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. These figures may differ slightly depending on the configuration.

Interior Space and Comfort Comparison

The difference in interior space is immediately apparent when you get inside their cabins. The Camry offers more cargo room, with 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space compared to 13.1 cubic feet for the Corolla. Rear passengers get 38 inches of legroom in the Camry compared to 34.8 inches in the Corolla. Those extra 3.2 inches make a real difference during long drives navigating L.A. traffic.

Their technology packages reflect each car’s market position. Higher Camry trims come with a 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus over-the-air updates. The base Camry LE comes standard with an 8-inch screen, dual-zone climate control, and a wireless charging pad. The XLE and XSE models add 12.3-inch digital instrument displays. The Corolla LE starts with an 8-inch infotainment touch screen and wireless phone connectivity, and the FX trim adds a 10.5-inch touch screen and sport seats.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety technology comes standard on both, though the Camry edges ahead in ratings. U.S. News and World Report gives the Corolla a rating of 9.3 out of 10 for safety, while the Camry scores 9.6. That small gap reflects the Camry’s structural advantages due to its larger size and more standard safety features than the Corolla. The 2025 Camry earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick status with “Good” ratings across moderate overlap front crash, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint protection.

Standard safety equipment is generous across both lineups. Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 includes forward collision warning, lane-departure alerts, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, pedestrian detection, and traffic sign recognition as standard on every model. The Camry has eight airbags and comprehensive protection systems. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the Camry but cost extra on the Corolla.

Pricing and Trim Level Breakdown

The 2025 Corolla LE gas-powered version starts at $22,325 MSRP; the Hybrid LE starts at $23,825. The SE gas-powered model has a starting MSRP of $24,765, with its hybrid version costing $26,265 MSRP. The XSE trim, available only in a gas-powered version, costs $28,040, while the XLE Hybrid has a $28,190 MSRP.

The Camry LE starts at $28,700 MSRP and the SE at $31,000, while the XLE and XSE models’ MSRPs are $33,700 and $34,900, respectively. A starting MSRP comparison shows $28,700 for the Camry versus $22,325 for the Corolla.

Toyota’s manufacturer financing specials make both accessible, and our Longo Toyota finance department is skilled at matching buyers with offers. These incentives help bridge the price gap, particularly for qualified buyers seeking to purchase a newer Toyota.

Exterior Design and Styling Differences

Let’s look at the Camry vs. the Corolla’s sizes; the difference is apparent when you view them side by side. The Camry is larger than the Corolla in all dimensions, which affects interior space and highway feel.

Their exterior designs target different buyers. The Camry features sculpted body lines, amber lighting accents, a honeycomb grille, and contemporary styling with 18- or 19-inch wheels. LED headlights and taillights, along with a fresh grille, create a polished look. The Corolla features classic sedan styling, characterized by a sloped hood, LED headlights, and a black mesh grille. The Corolla has 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, with other options available.

Reliability and Maintenance Considerations

Both cars benefit from Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability. The 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study awarded Toyota named the Corolla the best compact car and the Camry the best midsize car — both models regularly last beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Edmund’s five-year ownership costs show the complete picture. The average Camry costs about $31,797 to own, while a Corolla costs about $28,363. Both cars offer a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. The Camry hybrid includes an eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid component warranty and 10-year/150,000-mile battery coverage; these are also extended to the Corolla Hybrid models.

Find Your Perfect Toyota Sedan

What matters most for your driving needs in El Monte? The Corolla is ideal for daily commuters who seek Toyota reliability without paying for features they won’t use. Its size is especially well-suited for navigating crowded El Monte streets or searching for parking.

Choose the Camry if you need extra power for confident freeway merging, more space for passengers and cargo, premium features such as larger screens and nicer materials, and smoother rides during long commutes. Its hybrid-only powertrain delivers both performance and efficiency, while the available AWD comes in handy on trips to the mountains or during the rare rainy days in Southern California.

Test-Drive Both Cars at Longo Toyota Today

Experiencing both cars on real roads is essential to your decision. You can take a virtual test-drive of both vehicles, or contact us to test-drive the 2025 Camry and Corolla back-to-back on El Monte’s streets and highways. Our team can explain current deals and financing options and help you find the trim and color combination that best suits you. There’s no reason to wait; we’re eager to answer your questions and introduce you to both models.

Tags: 2025 Toyota Camry, 2025 Toyota Corolla
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