Toyota Camry 89·Toyota Corolla 92on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Corolla about $3,576 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Corolla is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,576 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Toyota Camry counters with better mileage (51 vs 33 mpg combined) and more power (225 vs 139 hp).
Go with the Toyota Corolla for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota Camry if you prioritize better gas mileage and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Toyota Camry vs. Toyota Corolla
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Toyota Camry versus 2026 Toyota Corolla.
Metric
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
MotiveGrid Score
89
92
Cost of Ownership
89
92
Powertrain
74
73
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
57
70
Safety
99
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$38,182
$34,606
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,017
$7,909
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$7,697
$10,263
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,290
$9,310
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,340
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,408
$3,479
Registration (5-yr)
$880
$755
Starting Price
$29,300
$23,125
Horsepower
225 hp
139 hp
MPG (combined)
51 mpg
33 mpg
Cargo volume
15.1 cu ft
13.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Hybrid
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$636
$38,182 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Gas
2026$23,125
MSRP
$23,125
Mo · 5yr
$577
$34,606 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Toyota Corolla scores higher overall.
Toyota Camry
0
/ 100
Toyota Corolla
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Camry
89
Corolla
92
Winner: Corolla
$3,576 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Camry
74
Corolla
73
Winner: Camry
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Camry
43
Corolla
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Camry
57
Corolla
70
Winner: Corolla
+13 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Corolla is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,576 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota Camry still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.
Daily commuter
Toyota Camry
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Corolla
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Camry
Better safety rating with slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Camry
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Corolla
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Toyota Camry
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$636
$38,182 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$636/mo
Toyota Corolla
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$577
$34,606 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$577/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Camry recoups its $6,175 price premium in 12.0 years ($513/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Corolla comes out about $3,576 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
