Which has better ground clearance Camry or Corolla?
The Camry generally has higher ground clearance than the Corolla. For recent sedan models, the Camry sits around 5.7 inches (145 mm) of clearance, while the Corolla sits around 5.3 inches (135 mm), a difference of about 0.4 inches.
How the two sedans compare on ground clearance
Ground clearance is the distance from the road to the lowest point of a vehicle’s underbody. It affects how easily a car traverses speed bumps, driveways, and rough pavement. The figures below reflect typical sedan configurations in recent model years, and they can vary with trim, wheels, and drivetrain.
The following figures reflect common sedan configurations for recent model years:
- Camry (current-generation sedan): approximately 5.7 inches (145 mm) of ground clearance.
- Corolla (current-generation sedan): approximately 5.3 inches (135 mm) of ground clearance.
In practical terms, the Camry offers about 0.4 inches more ground clearance than the Corolla. This translates to a modest advantage in handling uneven pavement, steep driveways, and minor obstacles while remaining a comfortable street sedan.
What this means for drivers
For daily commuting, highway driving, and typical city use, both vehicles sit relatively low compared to SUVs or crossovers, but the Camry’s extra clearance can help with rough pavement and occasional curb or ramp contact. If ground clearance is a key priority, consumers should consider not only the sedan but also Toyota’s higher-clearance options in its lineup.
Variants and other Toyota models to consider
Beyond the standard sedans, some Toyota models offer noticeably different ground-clearance figures that can change the equation for buyers prioritizing clearance.
- Corolla Cross: a compact SUV with significantly higher ground clearance, typically around 8 inches (about 203 mm) or more, making it much better suited for rough roads or light off-road use.
- GR Corolla and other sport-tuned variants: generally have ground clearance similar to or slightly higher/lower than the standard Corolla, depending on wheels and suspension setup, but are not designed for off-road use and may not reach the Corolla Cross’s height.
Note: When comparing ground clearance, always check the exact numbers for the specific model year and trim you’re interested in, as wheel/tire size, suspension tuning, and hybrid configurations can shift the figure by a small margin.
Bottom line
For traditional sedans, the Camry typically has better ground clearance than the Corolla, by about 0.4 inches in recent model years. If you need a noticeably higher ride height, consider the Corolla Cross or other higher-clearance Toyota models rather than the sedan pair.
Summary
Among the Toyota sedans, the Camry generally offers more ground clearance than the Corolla, enhancing resilience against rough pavement and certain obstacles. However, if your priority is substantial clearance, exploring Toyota’s SUV/crossover options (like the Corolla Cross) provides a clearer advantage. Always verify model-year and trim specifications to confirm the exact figures for your chosen configuration.
What is the ground clearance of a Toyota Camry?
The ground clearance for a Toyota Camry is typically around 5.7 to 5.8 inches (145 to 147 mm), though some sources list it as high as 160 mm for specific models. This height is suitable for city driving and clearing small obstacles like speed bumps, but it is low compared to SUVs and some other sedans.
This video provides an overview of the specifications of the 2025 Toyota Camry, including its ground clearance: 53sAuto DetailsYouTube · Aug 8, 2024
- Standard clearance: Around 5.7 to 5.8 inches (145 to 147 mm).
- Model-specific variation: Some sources indicate a clearance of 160 mm for certain models, which is approximately 6.3 inches.
- Performance: The ground clearance is sufficient for urban driving and clearing minor speed bumps, but it is not designed for off-road use.
What's the ground clearance on a Corolla?
5.3 inches
Overall Height: 56.5 inches. Ground Clearance: 5.3 inches.
Why get a Camry over a Corolla?
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
The Camry's midsize frame allows for more legroom in both rows, making it more comfortable for families or drivers who regularly travel with passengers. If rear seat space is not as high a priority, the Toyota Corolla still offers a roomy front seat, especially for a compact car.
Which one lasts longer, Camry or Corolla?
If we had to choose, the Corolla is more reliable than the Camry. It earned a J.D Power reliability rating of 85/100 compared to 84/100 for the Camry.
