2021 Camry XLE or 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid — which should I choose?

I’m deciding between a fully loaded used 2021 Camry XLE with low miles or a brand new 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid. The prices are about the same. I don’t have kids, so the backseat space isn’t a big deal to me. Anything else I should consider before making my decision?

Here’s how I see it:

For the Corolla Cross Hybrid:

  • New vehicles often have lower interest rates than used ones.
  • You get a brand new car, so no worries about previous owners neglecting maintenance.
  • The eCVT transmission in the hybrid is simpler and more durable than a regular CVT.
  • Hybrid means lower fuel costs.
  • Hybrids don’t have some of the parts that gas-only cars have, like alternators or serpentine belts, which means fewer repairs.
  • Regenerative braking means less wear on your brake pads and rotors, saving more money over time.

For the Camry:

  • It’s a bigger car.
  • A fully loaded Camry XLE is very nice and could last a long time.
  • If something goes wrong with the hybrid system in the Corolla, it could be costly to fix. Replacing a hybrid battery can run between $3,000 and $4,000.
  • Eventually, there could be taxes on hybrids because they use less gas, like what’s being discussed in other countries. This could add up over time.

So it’s 13 points for the Corolla Cross Hybrid and 9 points for the Camry in my book. Just my opinion!

Swift said:
Here’s how I see it:

For the Corolla Cross Hybrid:

  • New vehicles often have lower interest rates than used ones.
  • You get a brand new car, so no worries about previous owners neglecting maintenance.
  • The eCVT transmission in the hybrid is simpler and more durable than a regular CVT.
  • Hybrid means lower fuel costs.
  • Hybrids don’t have some of the parts that gas-only cars have, like alternators or serpentine belts, which means fewer repairs.
  • Regenerative braking means less wear on your brake pads and rotors, saving more money over time.

For the Camry:

  • It’s a bigger car.
  • A fully loaded Camry XLE is very nice and could last a long time.
  • If something goes wrong with the hybrid system in the Corolla, it could be costly to fix. Replacing a hybrid battery can run between $3,000 and $4,000.
  • Eventually, there could be taxes on hybrids because they use less gas, like what’s being discussed in other countries. This could add up over time.

So it’s 13 points for the Corolla Cross Hybrid and 9 points for the Camry in my book. Just my opinion!

I like how you broke it down, but I don’t agree with everything. I didn’t downvote you, though! Everyone’s perspective helps.

LORAH said:

Swift said:
Here’s how I see it:

For the Corolla Cross Hybrid:

  • New vehicles often have lower interest rates than used ones.
  • You get a brand new car, so no worries about previous owners neglecting maintenance.
  • The eCVT transmission in the hybrid is simpler and more durable than a regular CVT.
  • Hybrid means lower fuel costs.
  • Hybrids don’t have some of the parts that gas-only cars have, like alternators or serpentine belts, which means fewer repairs.
  • Regenerative braking means less wear on your brake pads and rotors, saving more money over time.

For the Camry:

  • It’s a bigger car.
  • A fully loaded Camry XLE is very nice and could last a long time.
  • If something goes wrong with the hybrid system in the Corolla, it could be costly to fix. Replacing a hybrid battery can run between $3,000 and $4,000.
  • Eventually, there could be taxes on hybrids because they use less gas, like what’s being discussed in other countries. This could add up over time.

So it’s 13 points for the Corolla Cross Hybrid and 9 points for the Camry in my book. Just my opinion!

I like how you broke it down, but I don’t agree with everything. I didn’t downvote you, though! Everyone’s perspective helps.

Thanks for the feedback! I’m curious, is there anything specific you disagreed with?

LORAH said:

Swift said:
Here’s how I see it:

For the Corolla Cross Hybrid:

  • New vehicles often have lower interest rates than used ones.
  • You get a brand new car, so no worries about previous owners neglecting maintenance.
  • The eCVT transmission in the hybrid is simpler and more durable than a regular CVT.
  • Hybrid means lower fuel costs.
  • Hybrids don’t have some of the parts that gas-only cars have, like alternators or serpentine belts, which means fewer repairs.
  • Regenerative braking means less wear on your brake pads and rotors, saving more money over time.

For the Camry:

  • It’s a bigger car.
  • A fully loaded Camry XLE is very nice and could last a long time.
  • If something goes wrong with the hybrid system in the Corolla, it could be costly to fix. Replacing a hybrid battery can run between $3,000 and $4,000.
  • Eventually, there could be taxes on hybrids because they use less gas, like what’s being discussed in other countries. This could add up over time.

So it’s 13 points for the Corolla Cross Hybrid and 9 points for the Camry in my book. Just my opinion!

I like how you broke it down, but I don’t agree with everything. I didn’t downvote you, though! Everyone’s perspective helps.

I just don’t see that 2-cent per mile tax on hybrids happening anytime soon. I think it’s more likely that gas-only cars will be phased out in favor of hybrids and EVs.

LORAH said:

Swift said:
Here’s how I see it:

For the Corolla Cross Hybrid:

  • New vehicles often have lower interest rates than used ones.
  • You get a brand new car, so no worries about previous owners neglecting maintenance.
  • The eCVT transmission in the hybrid is simpler and more durable than a regular CVT.
  • Hybrid means lower fuel costs.
  • Hybrids don’t have some of the parts that gas-only cars have, like alternators or serpentine belts, which means fewer repairs.
  • Regenerative braking means less wear on your brake pads and rotors, saving more money over time.

For the Camry:

  • It’s a bigger car.
  • A fully loaded Camry XLE is very nice and could last a long time.
  • If something goes wrong with the hybrid system in the Corolla, it could be costly to fix. Replacing a hybrid battery can run between $3,000 and $4,000.
  • Eventually, there could be taxes on hybrids because they use less gas, like what’s being discussed in other countries. This could add up over time.

So it’s 13 points for the Corolla Cross Hybrid and 9 points for the Camry in my book. Just my opinion!

I like how you broke it down, but I don’t agree with everything. I didn’t downvote you, though! Everyone’s perspective helps.

That could be true, but with other countries already talking about taxes for electric vehicles, hybrids might not be far behind.

I would test drive both and see which one you’d be more comfortable in for a long drive, like 8 hours on the road.

What’s your budget? The price of a new Corolla Cross Hybrid is pretty close to that of a new Camry Hybrid. You might want to consider that too.

Are you ready for the maintenance that comes with a hybrid? Regular gas cars like the Camry might be cheaper to maintain long term. If you neglect a hybrid, you could end up with expensive problems, like an inverter or battery replacement. Whichever you choose, make sure to stick to a strict maintenance schedule.

What hybrid maintenance are you talking about? The only major thing is a battery replacement after 10+ years. Otherwise, it’s mostly the same as a gas car.

ruth said:
I’m deciding between a fully loaded used 2021 Camry XLE with low miles or a brand new 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid. The prices are about the same. I don’t have kids, so the backseat space isn’t a big deal to me. Anything else I should consider before making my decision?

My 2008 Highlander Hybrid has 235,000 miles on it, and I’ve never had to do any special hybrid maintenance. Just regular driving keeps it running fine.

ruth said:
I’m deciding between a fully loaded used 2021 Camry XLE with low miles or a brand new 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid. The prices are about the same. I don’t have kids, so the backseat space isn’t a big deal to me. Anything else I should consider before making my decision?

What kind of maintenance are we talking about? I’m fine with bringing it in for service, but if it’s something I have to do myself, I’m clueless!

ruth said:
I’m deciding between a fully loaded used 2021 Camry XLE with low miles or a brand new 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid. The prices are about the same. I don’t have kids, so the backseat space isn’t a big deal to me. Anything else I should consider before making my decision?

Don’t worry about that. Toyota makes some of the best hybrids around. Just make sure to change fluids a bit earlier than the manual suggests to extend the life of your engine and transmission. It’s worth the extra cost to avoid big repairs down the road.

ruth said:
I’m deciding between a fully loaded used 2021 Camry XLE with low miles or a brand new 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid. The prices are about the same. I don’t have kids, so the backseat space isn’t a big deal to me. Anything else I should consider before making my decision?

There’s just a bit of extra work with hybrids, like keeping the hybrid battery air filter clean and changing the coolant. But you’re also saving on things like alternator and starter repairs that you’d have with a gas-only car.

ruth said:
I’m deciding between a fully loaded used 2021 Camry XLE with low miles or a brand new 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid. The prices are about the same. I don’t have kids, so the backseat space isn’t a big deal to me. Anything else I should consider before making my decision?

I don’t have a hybrid, so I can’t say for sure. You could look up the maintenance schedule online.