2017 Toyota Camry Vs. Corolla: Which Is Better?
Toyota Camry or Toyota Corolla? It depends on what you prefer: efficiency, affordability, and technology... or power, performance, and style.
Written by Jasmine Kanter
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Pricing
- Performance
- Fuel efficiency
- Technology
- Reliability
- Interior
- The final word
- How to find cheap Toyota car insurance
Load full table of contents
The 2017 Toyota model lineup offered buyers a wide variety of options that are even more affordable in today’s used car market. Would you prefer the composed, powerful Camry? How about the stylish and efficient Camry Hybrid? The value-packed Corolla? Or the spacious Corolla iM?
Introduced in 1966, the Toyota Corolla quickly became a worldwide bestseller. You’d think it was a tough act to follow, but then came the Camry in 1982. It currently outsells its older siblings in many markets. With 14 models to choose from between the two (if you count the Camry Hybrid and the Corolla iM hatchback), figuring out which Toyota is right for you can be a bit of a challenge!
Lucky for you,
Jerry
has a full comparison between the 2017 Toyota Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, and Corolla iM to help you make your decision. Then our licensed broker
super app will help you find the most affordable Toyota Corolla insurance costs
or Camry insurance costs
—whichever one you choose!Pricing
Originally, the 2017 Toyota Camry retailed for $23,965, and the 2017 Toyota Corolla for $19,395. Hybrid and hatchback versions carried a markup of $4,000 and $1,000, respectively. In today's market, you can find a used base Camry in good condition for around $15,500, and a base Corolla for less.
The 2017 Camry offered a hybrid powertrain in three trims, for a total of seven options:
Despite its lower MSRP, the Corolla doesn’t lack trims. Here’s the selection of Toyota Corolla trims from 2017:
Remember, used models have depreciated quite a bit since 2017—so you can expect to find much lower price tags than these. Just don't forget to include the true cost of ownership in your budget! The true cost to own a car includes all the payments needed to keep it in good working condition like fuel, repairs, maintenance, and insurance.
A brand-new 2017 Camry LE should have cost its original owner about $28,000 to maintain over the last five years. A 2017 Corolla LE, on the other hand, should have cost about $25,000 to maintain over the last five years. With lower costs of relative value and ownership, a 2017 Corolla should be the more affordable option.
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Performance
Although the Camry's V6, hybrid, and standard four-cylinder engines won't win any races, they're more thrilling than the Corolla and Corolla iM's underpowered inline-four.
The Camry XLE and XSE trims are the most exciting options on the table, powered by a healthy 3.5L V6 engine, producing 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. If you switch to a hybrid Camry, you lose a liter of engine displacement and 68-hp, but that's not so bad. With the Camry’s 2.5L inline-four gas engine, these numbers drop to 178-hp and 170 lb-ft.
Still, it's better than the 2017 Corolla, whose 1.8L inline-four produces a measly 132-hp. The same powertrain climbs to 137-hp in the iM hatchback and 140-hp in the LE Eco. As a result, the Corolla is happy to putter around town but struggles to catch up to freeway traffic.
If you savor the performance of a feel-good driving car, the Camry is the better choice.
MORE:
Toyota AWD cars
Fuel efficiency
The 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid takes the gold for fuel efficiency, but the Corolla LE Eco comes in a relatively close second place—for a gas-powered competitor.
It comes as no surprise that the V6 powertrain is thirsty. From most to least efficient, here are the full results for the Camry and Corolla from
the EPA's website
:
Model and trim(s) | Engine | Transmission | Fuel economy (combined/city/highway) |
|---|---|---|---|
2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE | 2.5L four-cylinder | CVT | 40/42/38 mpg |
2017 Toyota Corolla LE Eco | 1.8L four-cylinder | CVT | 34/30/40 mpg |
2017 Toyota Corolla L, LE, SE, 50th, XSE | 1.8L four-cylinder | CVT | 32/28/36 mpg |
2017 Toyota Corolla iM | 1.8L four-cylinder | Seven-speed automatic | 31/28/36 mpg |
2017 Toyota Corolla SE, iM | 1.8L four-cylinder | Six-speed manual | 30/27/35 |
2017 Toyota Camry LE, SE | 2.5L four-cylinder | Six-speed automatic | 27/24/33 mpg |
2017 Toyota Camry XLE, XSE | 3.5L V6 | Six-speed automatic | 24/21/30 mpg |
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Technology
Despite higher price tags, the 2017 Camry and Camry Hybrid don’t offer many more standard features than the 2017 Corolla and Corolla iM.
The seventh-generation Camry didn’t get a facelift until 2018, so drivers of 2017 models will have to make do with the following:
- Sunroof
- Automatic halogen headlights
- Heated power mirrors
- Remote keyless entry
- Cruise control
- Eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support
- Rearview camera
- 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Entune, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB 2.0 port, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and Siri Eyes Free
- Six-speaker sound system,
By contrast, the 2017 Corolla had just been refreshed for its 11th generation. Standard equipment is almost identical to the Camry's, including:
- Bi-LED headlights and LED running lights
- Power mirrors
- Heated mirrors (iM only)
- Dual-zone climate control (iM only)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Six-way manual driver’s seat
- Rearview camera
- 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Entune, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB 2.0 port, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and Siri Eyes Free
- 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (iM only)
- Six-speaker sound system
You can see a big difference in priorities between the top-of-the-line trims. The Camry XSE comes with heated leather seats, a 7.0-inch display, and a premium 10-speaker audio system. The Corolla XSE, on the other hand, offers a sunroof, heated front seats, keyless entry/ignition, and an eight-way power driver’s seat. It’s also $4,000 cheaper.
Last but not least, every 2017 Corolla includes Toyota Safety Sense P. This valuable software features automatic high beams, lane-departure warnings, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warnings with automated emergency braking. You'll need to find a Camry with the Technology package previously installed to get the same tech.
We're awarding this round to the 2017 Corolla due to its competitive features, low pricing, and generous driver assistance technology.
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Reliability
Both the 2017 Toyota Camry and Corolla boast top reliability ratings from J.D Power, RepairPal, and Consumer Reports.
Toyota swept
eight J.D. Power awards in 2017
, making it the third most accomplished automaker that year. Of these awards, two went to the Camry: one for quality and one for dependability, with a reliability rating of86/100. RepairPal gives it a 4/5 rating for reliability and third place out of 24 midsize cars.The Corolla, meanwhile, earned second place on the list of J.D. Power’s Best Compact Cars of 2017, with an 87/100 predicted reliability score. RepairPal gives it an “Excellent” 4.5/5 reliability rating, putting it in first place out of 36 compact cars.
Considering that Toyota has a superb reputation for
long-lasting reliability
we're calling it a tie.Interior
While the 2017 Camry offers a more luxurious interior, the Corolla boasts class-leading legroom and cargo space—especially in the iM hatchback.
Unlike its technology, there’s no mistaking the interior of the Camry for the budget Corolla. In clean and comfortable design language, the Camry lays out a lounge that's easy on the eyes and the rear. Odd shapes and gaps make the Corolla feel less fluent—its 50th Anniversary Edition (which adds badging, upgraded upholstery, and Black Cherry contrast stitching) doesn’t help.
However, Toyota's family cars are similar in the categories that matter most. They both seat five and have 60/40-split rear seats. More importantly, they share a
five-star crash rating from the NHTSA
and a Top Safety Pick+ title from the IIHS
. Let's look at the full table:
Measurement | 2017 Toyota Camry | 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 2017 Toyota Corolla | 2017 Toyota Corolla iM hatchback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo volume | 15.4 cubic feet | 13.1 cubic feet | 13.0 cubic feet | 20.8 cubic feet |
Front-row headroom | 38.8 inches | 38.8 inches | 38.3 inches | 39.7 inches |
Front-row legroom | 41.6 inches | 41.6 inches | 42.3 inches | 41.7 inches |
Front-row shoulder room | 58.0 inches | 58.0 inches | 54.8 inches | 54.3 inches |
Second-row headroom | 38.1 inches | 38.1 inches | 37.1 inches | 37.5 inches |
Second-row legroom | 38.9 inches | 38.9 inches | 41.4 inches | 32.7 inches |
Second-row shoulder room | 56.6 inches | 56.6 inches | 54.8 inches | 54.1 inches |
Our top pick for storage and seating is the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM hatchback, which offers the best ratio of passenger comfort to cargo space. Due to its large battery pack, the hybrid comes in last. Whether you're willing to sacrifice storage for lower fuel consumption is up to you.
The final word
Comparing a midsize car, a compact sedan, and a compact hatchback is like comparing apples to oranges to kiwis—they suit different tastes.
We recommend the 2017 Toyota Camry to drivers who prioritize power, performance, and comfort. Although it's more expensive to buy, insure, and drive, it's also more fun. Buy a hybrid if you can afford it—the fuel savings will make it worth your while.
The 2017 Toyota Corolla is for those who value—what else?—value! Your transportation will be basic, but it’ll also include a decent amount of technology and efficiency. Check out the LE Eco if you like road trips, and don’t forget the iM if you need more storage and extra comfort.
How to find cheap Toyota car insurance
If you’re looking for a
car insurance
policy that’s just as reliable and affordable as your Toyota, download Jerry
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Is a Toyota Camry bigger than a Corolla?
Yes. The 2017 Toyota Camry is 7.8 inches longer and 1.2 inches wider than the 2017 Corolla.
Which is better on gas, Camry or Corolla?
Corollas are more fuel-efficient than Camrys unless you choose the Camry Hybrid. Nevertheless, the Corolla LE Eco is a close second.
Is the Toyota Camry more expensive than the Toyota Corolla?
Yes. The 2017 Toyota Camry starts at $23,965 compared with $19,395 for the 2017 Corolla.
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