Overview
There’s nothing quite like hearing the thrilling timbre of a throbbing exhaust note or feeling the gratifying feedback from a superbly tuned steering system while flying down a twisty road. Few affordable cars offer both these satisfying sensations, but the Chevy Camaro is one of them. It’s not focused solely on being loud and going fast, however—even though it does both of those tasks very well. Chevy’s two-door pony car comes as a coupe or convertible, and it offers copious features and countless personalization options. While the 650-hp Camaro ZL1 is the most raucous version—and reviewed separately—every model from the base four-cylinder to the V-6 to the V-8 can be enhanced for track duty with the transformational 1LE package. Sure, the interior can feel claustrophobic and has several other quirks, but the 2021 Chevy Camaro is primarily geared towards those who love to drive. Like us.
What’s New for 2021?
Chevy improves the 2021 Camaro with some different color options, new features, and wider transmission availability. While Rally Green metallic and Garnet Red Tintcoat have been removed from the paint palette, Wild Cherry Tincoat is now offered—for extra coin. All models now come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means the app can be streamed to the car’s infotainment system without needing to be plugged in. The track-oriented 1LE package is now available with the 10-speed automatic transmission on V-8-powered SS models. Previously, all 1LEs (except for the ZL1 1LE) were offered only with a six-speed manual.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
In our humble opinion, the best way to experience any new Camaro is with the optional 1LE Track Performance package. It adds distinct appearance pieces such as black-painted 20-inch wheels and satin-black exterior accents as well as unique interior bits that include microsuede trim and more supportive Recaro front seats (SS models only). However, the most important upgrades are the ones that affect performance. Every 1LE has a dual-mode exhaust system, enhanced powertrain-cooling components, more powerful brakes, a limited-slip differential, and special suspension tuning. While we love that even models with the four-cylinder and V-6 engines offer the 1LE package, we’d choose to pair it with the 1SS trim that only comes with the hearty V-8. That decision would coincide with picking the standard manual transmission, of course.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base 275-hp four-cylinder isn’t slow—we tested a manual model that proved surprisingly quick. But uneven throttle responses and unpleasant, unsporting sounds accompanied its dull demeanor. On the other hand, upgrading to the 335-hp V-6 completely changes the car’s character. The gutsy six has its own distinctly searing soundtrack. The Camaro LT1 and SS feature Chevy’s iconic small-block V-8, with 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Its tremendous low-end torque, linear power delivery, and chest-compressing acceleration are enhanced by the optional dual-mode exhaust, which erupts with a sharp bark at startup and thunderous sounds during wide-open-throttle blasts. The standard six-speed manual transmission maintains the enthusiast’s spirit. (For cars not equipped with the 1LE package, the six-speed manual transmission is standard.) An eight-speed automatic is optional with the four-cylinder engine, and the 10-speed automatic can be paired with the V-6 and V-8. The Camaro’s astonishing chassis provides a car-and-driver connection (see what we did there?) that’s unparalleled among pony cars. Its solid structure engenders precise handling and a quality feel. Its well-balanced ride is firm enough to be agile on curvy roads yet still compliant on rough surfaces. Paired with the 1LE setup, the coupes transcend their class—competing with cars costing much, much more. The 1LEs-equipped models are taut on the track yet relaxed on regular roads. Their electrically assisted power-steering systems have reasonable efforts and highly accurate responses. The hot Chevy completes the performance trifecta with excellent brakes; the brake pedal consistently provides progressive and assuring responses. The 1LE models get even more powerful, track-ready Brembo brakes.
Chris Doane AutomotiveCar and Driver
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the 2021 Camaro with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine will earn up to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The V-6 and V-8 powertrains are less frugal, with the six topping out at 18 mpg city and 29 highway and the eight topping out at 16 mpg city and 26 highway. Still, the latter engines performed well on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. We’ve tested each of the Camaro’s three available engines—paired with the manual transmission—and they were all within 1 mpg (plus or minus) of their government highway ratings.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Camaro interior is an improvement versus the previous generation, with better materials and a more modern look. Its comfortable front seats and straightforward layout are high points, but its torturously small back seat and compromised visibility inhibit livability. An optional head-up display is useful and not offered the Dodge Challenger or Ford Mustang. The Camaro also can be equipped with customizable ambient interior lighting, which adds a cool appearance. The Chevy outshines its rivals on the track and in the fun-to-drive department, but its back seat is basically unusable for adults. The Camaro is also outmatched in terms of cargo space and interior storage. It held the least amount of carry-on luggage compared to its space-stingy rivals, and has a laughably small trunk opening.
Chris Doane AutomotiveCar and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Camaro has a user-friendly touchscreen that supports Chevy’s Infotainment 3 software. While the larger 8.0-inch touchscreen fills the space better, the plastic bezel looks chintzy, and its downward angle is awkward. Otherwise, its mix of controls and organized menus is appreciated. Chevy’s setup has everything standard—intuitive controls, attractive menus, responsive feedback, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that can be accessed without plugging a smartphone into a USB port.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2021 Camaro earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it wasn’t named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Although the Chevy pony car also has less driver-assistance technology than either of its rivals, it’s available with several pieces of safety equipment. Key features include:
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available forward-collision warning
- Available rear parking sensors
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chevrolet offers a limited and powertrain warranty that compares favorably with Ford and Dodge. The Bow Tie brand provides the first maintenance service free of charge, too.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
Specifications
Specifications
2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$49,270 (base price: $37,995)
ENGINE TYPE
pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement 376 cu in, 6162 ccPower 455 hp @ 6000 rpmTorque
455 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic with manual-shifting mode
CHASSIS Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/13.3-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 RunOnFlat F: 245/40ZR-20 95Y TPC SPEC 1485 R: 275/35ZR-20 98Y TPC SPEC 1486
DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 110.7 in Length: 188.3 in Width: 74.7 in Height: 53.1 in Passenger volume: 93 cu ft Cargo volume: 9 cu ft
Curb weight: 3788 lb
C/DTEST RESULTS Zero to 60 mph: 3.9 sec Zero to 100 mph: 8.8 sec Zero to 130 mph: 15.4 sec Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.2 sec Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.3 sec Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.6 sec Standing ¼-mile: 12.2 sec @ 118 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 150 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.96 g
C/DFUEL ECONOMY 75-mph highway driving: 30 mpg
Highway range: 570 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 20/16/27 mpg
Keyword: 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Review, Pricing, and Specs