2021 Chevy Camaro Review

　　

2021 Chevrolet Camaro Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　Muscle cars never died; they just evolved. Today, these symbols of Americana are more sophisticated and more technologically advanced than their forebears. The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro, for example, can do a lot more than just rip down the drag strip. It also offers excellent handling, the latest infotainment features, and plenty of speed no matter which engine you choose.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro 1LS 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$201/mo  for Camaro 1LS

　　Camaro 1LS

　　1LS 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $25,000 MSRP1LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) (Most Popular) - $25,500 MSRP1LT 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $31,500 MSRP2LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $27,500 MSRP2LT 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $33,500 MSRP3LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $31,500 MSRP3LT 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $37,500 MSRPLT1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl 6M) - $34,000 MSRPLT1 2dr Convertible (6.2L 8cyl 6M) - $40,000 MSRP1SS 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl 6M) - $37,500 MSRP1SS 2dr Convertible (6.2L 8cyl 6M) - $43,500 MSRP2SS 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl 6M) - $42,500 MSRP2SS 2dr Convertible (6.2L 8cyl 6M) - $48,500 MSRPZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) - $63,000 MSRPZL1 2dr Convertible (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) - $69,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　A mighty 6.2-liter V8 engine is the jewel of the lineup, but the V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder also have spirit. As for features, the 2021 Camaro now comes with wireless capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can integrate your phone to the touchscreen without having to plug it in with a USB cable. As before, poor visibility and a lack of storage space limit the Camaro's usability. But when it comes to the driving experience, the Camaro is tops in its class.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

9.0/10

　　How does the Camaro drive? This Camaro is a strong performer that blends speed with precision and enjoyment in a way that previous Camaros never did. The V8 is stout and our choice if you want the full muscle-car experience, but even the V6 and four-cylinder are punchy. Most models will out-drag an equivalent Mustang by a slight margin, and the brakes are up to the task of getting it stopped in a hurry.

　　Handling feels more precise with the smaller and lighter engines, but the V8 with its stickier tires exhibits higher limits. The manual transmissions have great positive gates, and rev matching ensures downshifts that are as good as a pro racer's.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Camaro? The base suspension delivers a supple ride. The optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension (V8 only) is more capable over a variety of surfaces. The ride quality is very good considering the Camaro's mission. All engines are quiet cruisers, but only the V8 sounds good when driven hard.

　　The well-shaped front seatbacks offer good lateral support without being confining, but the bottom cushion can feel tight to some. We also like the effectively padded door and center armrests. Unsurprisingly, the back seat is cramped even for short drives. The climate control center vents are oddly placed in front of the shift lever where they excel at freezing or heating your hand while cruising.

　　

Interior

6.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Visibility remains a big concern, and it makes the Camaro harder to operate and park in tight places than it should be. Surprisingly, the view forward and the view to the sides are even bigger problems. It's very hard to place the Camaro on tight roads (watch that rock wall!) or in tight spots (watch that shopping cart!). Shorter passengers can't see over the dashboard.

　　Interior controls are arranged in an unusual way that comes with a surmountable learning curve. The forward half of the interior feels large provided you don't opt for the sunroof. In back, people of average height won't find much space, especially if the driver is tall. In true performance coupe fashion, this back seat is for kids only.

　　

Technology

7.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The Camaro is a little hit-or-miss in this category. There's a respectable level of tech features, and we like the infotainment system's quick reactions and modern aesthetic, but the screen is oddly angled on the dash. The base touchscreen is also on the small side, which is one reason to upgrade to the larger one that comes with optional navigation. You must upgrade to higher trims for rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system — things it sorely needs due to its terrible rear visibility.

　　

Storage

5.0/10

　　How’s the storage? At 9.1 cubic feet, the Camaro coupe's trunk has not only the smallest volume in the segment, but it also has a tiny opening and a high liftover height. If you ever wondered why tourists who rent Camaro convertibles put their suitcases in the back seat, this is why.

　　Interior storage is minimal. The door pockets and under-armrest bin are tiny. At least the cupholders are of a fair size and mostly out of the way during shifting. And although the back seat may be useless for adults, it does allow for extra interior storage.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the V6 automatic at 22 mpg combined (19 city/29 highway), the V8 automatic at 20 mpg combined (16 city/27 highway), and the four-cylinder automatic at 25 mpg combined (22 city/31 highway) rating. These figures are similar to those for other muscle cars.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Camaro a good value? The strong performance value really trumps all else here. The Camaro is the best driver's car of its type. There are some hard plastics that seem out of place in an otherwise pleasant interior. That said, the construction and assembly are strong with no creaks or squeaks.

　　From its mid-$20,000 base models to the top-level ZL1, the Camaro costs about the same as an equivalent Mustang. Features for the dollar are comparable too, be they the track packages or exterior styling upgrades, but performance is squarely in the Camaro's favor.

　　

Wildcard

9.0/10

　　The Camaro delivers a surprisingly cohesive and involving driving experience that competes at a class above. The V8's sound is compelling and the tremendous thrust addictive. Handling with the V6 and four-cylinder models is honest and lithe, but the sound from either engine is hard to like. Exuberantly styled, this low-slung coupe grabs attention, which may or may not be to your liking.

　　

Which Camaro does zzdcar recommend?

The Camaro is at its best with a V8 under the hood. From there, consider the 1SS trim level. While the LT1 is the cheapest way to get the V8, you miss out on a few desirable features (such as the bigger infotainment display, Brembo brakes and extra powertrain cooling capacity) that only come on the SS trims.

　　

2021 Chevrolet Camaro models

The 2021 Camaro comes in eight trim levels, starting with a four-cylinder 1LS and progressing to the 1LT, 2LT and 3LT that can be optioned with a V6. The LT1 comes with a V8, while the 1SS and the 2SS receive further performance upgrades. Finally, the mighty ZL1 offers a supercharged V8 and track pedigree. Most come as either a coupe or convertible. Highlight features include:

　　1LS

　　This entry trim is coupe-only. It starts you off with:

　　Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (275 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque) Six-speed manual transmission (with rev matching) or optional eight-speed automatic 18-inch wheels Power-adjustable driver's seat Single-zone automatic climate control 7-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (wireless capable for 2021) Six-speaker audio system 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot1LT

　　Very similar to the 1LS but with:

　　Optional 3.6-liter V6 engine (335 hp, 284 lb-ft); can be paired to a 10-speed automatic Power-adjustable front passenger seat Greater access to optional features and packages2LT

　　Adds just a few extras, such as:

　　Dual-zone automatic climate control Heated and ventilated front seats3LT

　　Comes with a bunch of extra features, including:

　　8-inch touchscreen Nine-speaker Bose audio system Upgraded driver information display Forward collision alert Head-up display Rear camera mirror (rearview mirror can display live rear video camera feed) Driver-seat memory settings Heated steering wheel Wireless device charging Rear cross-traffic alert Rear parking sensorsLT1

　　Essentially reverts back to the 1LT's feature set but has:

　　6.2-liter V8 engine (455 hp, 455 lb-ft) Six-speed manual transmission or optional 10-speed automatic 20-inch wheels1SS

　　Has a few more features such as:

　　Brembo brakes Enhanced powertrain cooling Rear spoiler 8-inch touchscreen and upgraded driver information center2SS

　　The 2SS combines the V8 engine with features from the 3LT.

　　ZL1

　　King-of-the-hill Camaro that adds onto the 2SS with:

　　Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine (650 hp, 650 lb-ft) Upgraded Brembo brakes Adaptive suspension dampers (Magnetic Ride Control) Electronic limited-slip rear differential Recaro front bucket seats Three-spoke suede microfiber-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheelMany of the features found on the higher trims can be added to the lower trims through option packages. Notably, you can also add the 1LE Track Performance package to most Camaros to upgrade the brakes, V6 powertrain cooling, suspension and tires, and aerodynamics.

　　

2021 Camaro Highlights

Type: ZL1CoupeConvertibleSSCoupe

　　Trim: 1LS1LT2LT3LTLT11SS2SSZL11LS

　　

Base MSRP	$25,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$201/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	9.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles