Jump LinksInfotainment: Performance FocusedPerformance ImpressionsRide and HandlingFuel Economy"It's like a Prius," I joke to my friend as I click the button on the remote, and the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray roars to life with a V8 growl. "Yeah, exactly the same," he smirks. The E-Ray introduced several firsts to the Corvette lineup when it was revealed in early 2023. It was the first hybrid Corvette and the first to feature all-wheel-drive. It was also the quickest of the C8 generation released up to that point, so you'd think diehard enthusiasts would be quick to embrace it, right? You'd be wrong.Based on production data from the National Corvette Museum, the E-Ray represented just 12.2% of Corvette production (3,153 units), less than half of what the Z06 sold (34.3%) and second-last only to the limited production ZR1 (0.7%), which had just gone on sale. That is an improvement from 2024, when the E-Ray only sold 1,417 units, representing just over 3% of Corvette sales.After driving the E-Ray for a week, it's not hard to see why this model is gaining traction. The only AWD 'Vette literally has more traction than any of its siblings, making it the ideal version for anyone who wants to drive a sports car in a cold climate (Chevy will even sell you an E-Ray with all-season tires). The 2026 model year brings with it some important changes across the Corvette lineup, mainly focused on the cabin where the giant row of buttons is gone in favor of a lower console. There are also some new screens to improve functionality, and make the Corvette feel more modern inside. After spending some time in the 2026 Corvette E-Ray, we are ready to comment on these interior changes and explain why the E-Ray deserves more attention than it's currently getting.2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hero Exterior Looks: Subtle But Better Though it doesn't fill the exact spot in the Corvette lineup, the E-Ray essentially uses the formula previously deployed by the Grand Sport: a Z06 body with a Stingray engine. The E-Ray is 3.6 inches wider than a base Stingray, giving it meaner proportions that can accommodate some pretty sizable wheels and tires. Our tester came wearing some massive Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, size 275/30R20 in the front and 345/25R21 in the rear.2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray frontThose fat tires are wrapped around five-spoke wheels in one of four finishes: Pearl Nickel (no cost), black (dealer pricing), Carbon Flash ($995), or Bright polished ($1,495). Alternatively, you can opt for some epic-looking carbon fiber wheels, which can be finished in painted Carbon Flash ($11,995), Visible Carbon ($13,995), or Visible Carbon with a red stripe ($15,550). It's a hefty amount to spend on wheels, but they save 41 pounds of unsprung weight, and they look phenomenal when unpainted. Just be careful not to scrape them, as replacements are likely to be a huge expense.Chevy offers six no-cost colors, including our tester's Blade Silver Metallic, as well as four optional hues. Other customization options include a transparent ($995) or visible carbon fiber roof ($2,495), various brake caliper colors ($695), and several stripe packages ranging from $500 to $1,195. Interior & On-Board Technology: Buttons Be Gone Aside from the square steering wheel, the giant wall of buttons was the C8 Corvette's most controversial interior detail. For 2026, it's gone, replaced by a cleaner center console with more conventional climate controls. It's mostly a positive change, though physical buttons for heated/ventilated seats now exist only on the touchscreen. Deleting the giant button waterfall freed Chevy's designers to add a second wireless phone charger and remove the superfluous cupholder lid. Overall, the cabin looks cleaner and more modern thanks to the new larger and extended screens.2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray interiorThe E-Ray is positioned as a high-level Corvette trim, which is why even the base 1ZL trim comes well-equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, head-up display, single wireless phone charger, and rear camera mirror. GT1 seats are standard, but buyers can upgrade to Competition Sport or GT2 buckets, which range in price depending on which trim you purchase. 3LZ buyers can even have a Competition Sport driver seat with a GT2 passenger seat, so the passenger can be slightly more comfortable.Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/ValnetUpgrading to the 2LZ adds a nicer Bose audio system, Performance Data Recorder, power folding mirrors, heated/ventilated memory seats, heated steering wheel, a universal home remote, dual wireless phone charging, and more interior trim packages such as a carbon fiber/suede steering wheel. The 3LZ is the most premium with a microfiber interior package, standard GT2 buckets, carbon/leather steering wheel, and more. We also love that Chevy offers seven interior colors, including Jet Black, Sky Cool Gray, Adrenaline Red, Natural (brown), Santorini Blue, Habanero, and Very Dark. If that's not enough, you can even choose from six seatbelt colors: black, orange, Natural, Santorini Blue, Torch Red, and yellow. Infotainment: Performance Focused For 2026, the Corvette's interior sees a major technology overhaul that completely modernizes the cabin. The outgoing eight-inch touchscreen was starting to look completely dated for such an expensive sports car, which is why Chevy replaced it with a new 12.7-inch unit. It still has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it now gains built-in Google integration like other GM vehicles. A 10-speaker audio system comes standard, but the 2LZ and 3LL trims get a nicer Bose Performance Series system with 14 speakers.2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray infotainmentIn addition to the larger touchscreen, the gauge cluster grows from 12 to 14 inches, and there is a new 6.6-inch touchscreen to the left of the steering wheel (like in many Cadillac models) that can show various information. This new screen provides quick access to trip information, gauge cluster adjustment, performance data, launch control, and Performance Traction Management. Performance: Ready To Pounce The E-Ray is among the most interesting Corvette trims for two reasons: it's the first hybrid Corvette and the first to feature all-wheel-drive. These attributes are no longer exclusive to the E-Ray, since the ZR1X is also an AWD hybrid with a twin-turbocharged engine. Chevy's formula for creating the E-Ray is fairly simple, and isn't dissimilar from past Grand Sport models.The E-Ray uses the same engine found in the Stingray, a 6.2-liter pushrod LT2 V8 producing 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque sending power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The "E" portion of the E-Ray name comes from an electric motor at the front axle (160 hp and 125 lb-ft), powered by a small 1.9 kWh battery that brings the total output to 655 hp and 595 lb-ft, and effectively giving the car an e-AWD system. Performance Impressions 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray engineThanks to its front electric motor and AWD, the E-Ray Coupe is the third-quickest vehicle CarBuzz has tested to 60 mph thus far, bested only by the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E Performance (2.68) and Audi RS e-tron GT (2.17). We recorded the zero-to-60 sprint in 2.77 seconds, which is slightly off Chevy's quoted 2.5-second time, though that is stated to be on a closed course and "based on initial vehicle movement." There is an initial hesitation off the line as the gas engine and e-motor get into sync, then an explosion of acceleration with little drama or wheel spin as the E-Ray fires off the line. Ride and Handling Chevy envisions the E-Ray as a Grand Touring car, which means it makes virtually no sacrifices compared to a base Stingray. Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 suspension comes standard with three suspension settings, and even the firmest mode isn't punishing. Drivers can choose from Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode, and a quickly accessible Z Mode on the steering wheel, which can alter various elements of the steering, brakes, engine, and suspension.On top of these modes, the Performance Traction Management (PTM) system turns off traction control to varying degrees with Race 1, Race 2, Sport1, Sport 1, Dry, Wet, and Pro. PTM Pro completely disables stability and traction control, but leaves ABS and the E-Rays front axle activated.2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray steering wheelDuring 95% of driving, the E-Ray could be mistaken for a Stingray. It sounds like a normal Corvette until you hit full throttle, at which point the electric motor emits a whine that sounds a bit like a supercharger. During normal commuting, the electric motor doesn't overpower the V8, but you do hear the motors regenerating energy into the battery during braking. Though the E-Ray is AWD, most of the power is going to the rear, so the front axle only acts as a mild helper rather than a major force of traction.At the limit, you can reach the point where the E-Ray will understeer, and the way to counteract it is by applying more throttle. This is counterintuitive compared to a normal AWD vehicle, but since the front axle is not attached to the rear, it can pull the front as you accelerate more. There's just one problem: there's a limit to how fast you'd reasonably want to drive a car like this on a public road. The E-Ray can best be described as the stealthy Corvette for people who want the fast one, but don't want to shout about it. If you want the best-sounding Corvette that will attract more attention, the Z06 is the one you should get. But if you like the idea of a Corvette that's quicker than the base one but just as livable, the E-Ray is a better option. Fuel Economy Despite being a hybrid, the E-Ray achieves slightly worse fuel economy than the base Corvette: 16/24/19 MPG (city/highway/combined). The base Stingray gets 25 MPG on the highway, and the same in the other categories. However, if you factor in how much more power the E-Ray produces, a one MPG hit isn't too big a sacrifice. It's also far more efficient than the Z06, which is rated at 12/21/15 MPG. The twin-turbo ZR1 is the thirstiest at 12/18/14.ChevroletChevy includes Stealth and Shuttle Modes, which let the E-Ray run full on electric power at up to 45 mph in the put lane or leaving your neighborhood. However, they are both only available before you start the car, and require a specific procedure that isn't immediately obvious without consulting the owner's manual or YouTube. If Chevy actually wanted owners to use the electric range, it would have made these modes easier to enter. Verdict & Pricing: The Smart Option ChevroletPricing for the Corvette E-Ray Coupe starts at $108,600 for the 1LZ trim, placing it well above the $70,000 Stingray but significantly below the Z06 at $120,300. In many ways, that makes the E-Ray the smart option within the E-Ray lineup since it delivers acceleration that's quicker than the Z06 with livability that matches the Stingray. Buyers looking for a mid-engine sports car that feels more "special" will want to opt for the Z06 and its high-revving LT6 engine, but they must pay a trade-off in comfort and usability.The 2LZ trim seems like a no-brainer at $114,100 to get the nicer Bose audio, heated/ventilated seats, PDR, and additional safety features, but we'd probably add nicer seats à la carte rather than step up to the 3LZ for $119,550. Carbon fiber wheels are spendy but look phenomenal, and the ZER Performance Package is a must-have for just $500, bringing Micheling Pilot Sport 4S tires and retuned suspension.Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/ValnetAs the C8 Corvette reached hypercar territory with the ZR1X, the E-Ray could be considered the sneaky value in the lineup. It launches harder than cars that cost significantly more, all without the drawbacks. The E-Ray is not the Corvette our heart would tell us to drive on a last-minute trip on our favorite road, but it is the one our brain would tell us to use on a commute that also includes some fun stretches. If that sounds like your type of sports car, don't sleep on the E-Ray just because Chevy has a newer, shinier Corvette in the showroom.
+12 others
