After its transformative redesign in 2020, the C8 Corvette surpassed a number of high-end sports car rivals in our luxury sport coupe rankings. And thanks to a few additional tech improvements, it's likely cemented its place at the top of the heap for a while to come. The Corvette is bonkers fast, it handles beautifully, and it still manages traffic and daily errands. The styling may be controversial, but its price and performance certainly are not.
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
Pros
Impressive power and acceleration
High handling limits don't take heroic skill to reach
Relatively affordable price for what you get
Cons
Not the easiest car to get in and out of
Poor rear visibility
Lacks some of the latest advanced driver safety features
What's new
The high-performance Z06 makes its debut
A 70th Anniversary Special Edition model joins the lineup
Race-inspired C8.R edition is discontinued
Part of the eighth Corvette generation introduced for 2020
Overview
Since the Chevrolet Corvette's debut in the 1950s, it's become one of America's most successful sports cars and a household name. The current C8 model is a mid-engine masterpiece boasting exotic styling and performance that's on par with vehicles two to three times its price. For 2023, Chevrolet introduced the more powerful and higher-performing Z06. It's currently the only high-performance variant that's offered above the base Stingray model.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2dr Coupe w/1LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM) 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
The centerpiece of the new Z06 is the all-new LT6 5.5-liter V8 engine. It's not turbocharged or supercharged, and it's actually smaller than the standard 6.2-liter V8, but it packs some race-inspired technology. The Z06's V8 features a lightweight flat-plane crankshaft that's normally found on high-dollar exotic cars, and it has a sky-high redline of 8,600 rpm. That's 2,100 rpm higher than the standard Corvette Stingray's. Those enchantments, among others, allow the engine to generate a whopping 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
But that's just the beginning. When compared to the standard Corvette, the Z06 also includes larger and wider wheels, gripper tires, performance-oriented adaptive suspension dampers and larger Brembo brakes. It also has distinct front and rear styling and a shorter drive ratio for quicker acceleration. Speaking of acceleration, Chevy claims the Z06 can blast from 0 to 60 mph in an astonishing 2.6 seconds.
If you're in the market for a highly capable sports car, the Corvette's blend of performance, comfort and price makes it hard to pass up. And if you want more, the Z06's Ferrari-like capability is well worth its six-figure price tag. When comparing performance numbers, the Corvette can compete against more expensive vehicles, but if you want to stay in its price range, take a look at the BMW M4 and Porsche Cayman. If you have a larger budget, consider the Z06, and make sure to check out the Porsche 911. To help you decide, read our test team's full review of the Corvette in the Edmunds Expert Rating below.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds bought a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette, and so far we have put over 25,000 miles on it. We love its performance and comfort, and surprisingly for a V8-powered sports car, its average mpg. We've kept track of its maintenance costs and share what we think of its technology and what it's like as a daily driver. For complete details and for several videos, make sure to check out our Corvette long-term road test.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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.
Great
8.5
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
After its transformative redesign in 2020, the C8 Corvette surpassed a number of high-end sports car rivals in our luxury sport coupe rankings. And thanks to a few additional tech improvements, it's likely cemented its place at the top of the heap for a while to come. The Corvette is bonkers fast, it handles beautifully, and it still manages traffic and daily errands. The styling may be controversial, but its price and performance certainly are not.
How does the Corvette drive? Even in a class full of impressive performance cars, the Corvette stands out. In Edmunds' testing and using the car's launch control system, our 3LT coupe test car with all-season tires ripped from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds (3.3 seconds with 1 foot of rollout) and cleared the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds at more than 118 mph. Both times are very quick, and if you opt for the Z51 Performance package, those numbers are 3.4 seconds (3.2 seconds with rollout) and 11.5 seconds at 120 mph, respectively. Braking performance is excellent though not quite class-leading, but that's largely due to the narrow front tires. Our 3LT test car came to a stop from 60 mph in 109 feet; the Z51 Corvette with its sticker tires needed just 105 feet.
Steering and handling are both impressive, and the car's considerable limits can be explored even by drivers with only moderate skill. Likewise, the new eight-speed automatic transmission impresses with its smooth and quick shifts.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the Corvette? The Corvette is one of the more comfortable cars in its class. Our test car had the optional MagneRide adaptive suspension. We found that it offers excellent compliance over a variety of road surfaces and smooths out bumps that would likely upset other sports cars. Adding to the comfort is the relative lack of wind and engine noise, though tire noise can be prominent on rough road surfaces.
The Corvette's GT2 bucket seats are road-trip champions that can help you stay comfortable over thousands of miles. They're less aggressive than the optional Competition seats but still hold you in place during high-speed cornering, and they're well padded enough for long-distance comfort. The climate system provides good airflow from its stylish vents, and the heated and ventilated seat functions work well.
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How’s the interior? Maybe just as striking as the exterior design, the Corvette's interior is certainly eye-catching. While it is relatively easy to use, there is quite a bit of controversy around the placement and design of the climate control buttons. They simply aren't arranged intuitively. Passengers might also feel left out since there's little they can interact with.
It's a bit more difficult to get into the Corvette than some other higher-riding sports cars, and getting out of it is even more of a challenge. This predicament is exacerbated in tight parking situations. But buyers will likely figure out a way and won't be too bothered. The compromised rear visibility will take some getting used to as well. Chevy added a camera-based rearview mirror display to help out, but the blind spots created by the rear pillars are still significant.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? The Corvette benefits from Chevrolet's newest infotainment system. The graphics are crisp and modern, and the touchscreen's proximity to the driver makes it easy to operate. As small as the interior is, the optional 14-speaker Bose audio system manages to produce high-quality sound with plenty of power. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is also standard, and both smartphone integration systems worked well during our test.
It lacks adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, but rear cross-traffic warning is a very welcome feature, as are the cameras that help with low-speed maneuvering. An optional nose-lift system can use GPS to remember steep driveways, which is handier than you might imagine. Of course, Chevrolet's Performance Traction Management software is available and excellent.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? Mid-engine sports cars aren't well known for their practicality. But the Corvette makes pretty good use of its available space. The front trunk can hold a couple of grocery bags, and the rear is big enough for two golf bags. Rear storage all but disappears, however, when you store the Corvette coupe's removable roof panel in the trunk.
Similar to other cars in this class, interior storage is limited to a small, shallow center console box and an equally small pair of cupholders. The door pockets are long and lined with felt but can't hold a whole lot.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Corvette gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg (16 city/24 highway). Our test Corvette returned 21.8 mpg on our 120-mile mixed-driving evaluation route — not bad when you consider the sort of spirited driving that the Corvette encourages. As with all high-performance cars, single digits are just a good road and a heavy foot away.
Value
8.0/10
Is the Corvette a good value? If you don't find performance to be the strongest argument for buying the Corvette, perhaps it's the pricing. Starting around $60,000, the Corvette is a relative bargain among performance cars. Even if you outfit it with a number of options, whether you're talking the upgraded performance of the Z51 or the enhanced luxury of the 3LT, it's still a reasonable $75,000-$80,000. Build quality has always been a sore spot with Corvettes, but this generation doesn't have that problem. The interior looks and feels premium, and paint and panel gaps are similarly well done.
The three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and the five-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty are average for the class. Roadside assistance is covered for the first five years/60,000 miles and the first maintenance visit is free.
Wildcard
10.0/10
It's easy to be impressed by the C8. Its performance rivals that of sports cars costing nearly twice as much, yet the Corvette is still everyday comfortable and practical. But it's the performance that shocks the most. The transformation has been nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Which Corvette does Edmunds recommend?
The Corvette's midlevel 2LT trim (or the Z06's 2LZ trim) is the one to get for the most value. It includes the generous list of features found in the base trim and adds heated and ventilated seats, a front-view parking camera to help prevent damaging the Corvette's nose, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning for a safer driving experience.
Chevrolet Corvette models
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette and high-performance Z06 model are available as coupes (with a manually removable roof panel) or as convertibles featuring a power-retractable hardtop. The standard Corvette Stingray is available in 1LT, 2LT and 3LT trim levels. The Z06 is available in 1LZ, 2LZ and 3LZ trim levels.
All Corvette models have mid-mounted engines and are rear-wheel-drive only. The standard Corvette Stingray is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine (490 horsepower, 465 lb-ft of torque) and the Corvette Z06 boasts a high-revving 5.5-liter V8 (670 hp, 460 lb-ft). Both engines are matched with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Feature highlights for the standard Corvette Stingray include:
1LT Standard features include:
19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
LED headlights
Brembo brakes
Limited-slip differential (helps maximize available traction during hard acceleration)
Heated outside mirrors
Keyless entry with push-button start
Power-adjustable leather seats
Power-adjustable and leather-wrapped steering wheel
Digital instrument panel with three themes based on driving mode
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
10-speaker Bose audio system
Rearview mirror camera (convertible model only)
Rear parking sensors
2LT The midlevel trim upgrades comfort and usability with:
Auto-dimming and power-folding outside mirrors
Heated and ventilated seats
Heated steering wheel
Additional power adjustments for driver and passenger seats, plus memory settings
Navigation system
14-speaker Bose audio system
Wireless smartphone charging
Performance data recorder (records info and video for high-performance driving)
Front-view parking camera
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Rearview mirror camera
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
3LT The top trim level comes with premium materials, such as:
GT2 sport seats
Premium leather upholstery
Leather-wrapped interior panels
Microfiber headliner
Feature highlights for the Corvette Z06 include:
1LZ The base Z06 starts off with:
20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged wheels
High-performance summer tires
Unique front and rear fascias
LED headlights
Performance exhaust system (its sound varies depending on drive mode)
2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2dr Convertible w/2LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM)
I am a life long vette owner and while I have seen it continuously improve over the years, I never expected it could be this good. Speechless!
Loving my new C8
5 out of 5 stars
Marc B , 05/05/2022
2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2dr Convertible w/2LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM)
This is my 3rd corvette . I love everything about the the C8 it’s exotic looks , the comfortable ride and it’s power . By far the best corvette I have owned . In the past I owned a 2008 C6 and a 2014 C7.
2022 corvette
5 out of 5 stars
Anne, 03/08/2022
2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2dr Convertible w/3LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM)
I love my new Vette.This is my 8th Vette since 2000 .The ride is great,quieter,smoother but you feel the power.Love lay out of interior .
Transmition issues GM hasnt resloved
3 out of 5 stars
WALL-E THE 2023 CORVETTE, 09/26/2023
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2dr Coupe w/2LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM)
I have a 2023 Corvette, and i do love the car! but a car is worthless if its not reliable. GM is selling these cars at a premium with market value adjustments knowing there is a Transmission issue with these vehicles! they simply don't care and will throw parts at it later... that is a problem and should be addressed at a Corporate level.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette, so we've included reviews for other years of the Corvette since its last redesign.
The M4 is BMW's high-performance version of the 4 Series coupe and convertible. Unlike the mid-engine Corvette, the M4 has a front-mounted engine, but the base models of both sports cars have similar starting prices and horsepower. Power, performance and engaging driving dynamics are the name of the game for these rivals, but the M4 offers more powertrain options such as a manual transmission and all-wheel drive. When we compared the Corvette and the M4 Competition at the track, the Corvette was quicker to 60 mph and stopped from 60 mph in a shorter distance.
The 718 Cayman is Porsche's entry-level sport coupe. If you want a convertible, go for the 718 Boxster. The Cayman's light weight and small size help make it very nimble, and it delivers an exciting driving experience. Its steering feel and the way it handles a winding road are almost unmatched. But if you're looking for more power and quicker acceleration, the Corvette is the way to go. It's also more comfortable and offers superior tech. If you're cross-shopping both sports cars, aim for the higher-horsepower Cayman S.
The discontinuation of the Shelby GT500 for the 2023 model year makes the Mach 1 the most powerful and capable Mustang for now. The next-generation Mustang will be released for the 2024 model year. The Mach 1 gets a power increase over the GT model and shares some mechanical components with the GT500. When Edmunds tested it, the Mach 1 stopped from 60 mph in a shorter distance than the Corvette and boasted impressive grip. The Corvette, however, has superior acceleration, offers more comfort and sports a more striking design.
While the previous-generation Corvette (internally referred to as the C7) was an absolute gem, high-octane variants like the Z06 and ZR1 made it clear that Chevrolet engineers could only go so far with the front-engine setup. In short, there just wasn't enough traction to make the most out of the ample horsepower. That's why the switch to a mid-engine platform for the current C8 was such a revelation — not only could owners of the base Corvette enjoy more predictable handling, but the new configuration opened up the possibility for a lot more headroom in terms of usable power. And now that possibility has turned into reality with the 2023 Corvette Z06.
Under the engine cover is an all-new, rather exotic V8 with a lofty redline. You also get a number of aero and mechanical upgrades to make the most of the prodigious horsepower on tap — especially if you opt for the Z07 track attack package. The result is an American sports car that can finally go toe to toe with automakers like Ferrari or McLaren.
What's under the Corvette's hood?
The standard Corvette will continue to be powered by a 6.2-liter V8 mounted in the middle of the car, just behind the driver. Its 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque is quite potent, affording the base Corvette a 3.3-second 0-60 mph time in Edmunds' testing — quicker than both the previous-generation Z06 and ZR1. The importance of the switch to a mid-engine layout cannot be overstated.
This is why we're so excited to get behind the wheel of the new Corvette Z06. Its new LT6 5.5-liter engine is actually down on displacement compared to the normal Corvette, but it's far more powerful. Chevy keeps the engine naturally aspirated but switches to a flat-plane crank like you'd find on exotic supercars. The 2023 Z06 produces 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque and redlines at 8,600 rpm, or 2,100 rpm higher than the standard Corvette. Power will continue to be sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but the Z06 has a shorter drive ratio for even quicker acceleration. Chevy estimates the Z06 will rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, which would make it one of the fastest cars in the world.
Other Z06 enhancements include wider tires, which measure 275 mm in the front and 345 mm in the rear — an increase of 30 mm and 40 mm, respectively. The staggered 20-inch front, 21-inch rear wheels are wrapped in the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that also put power down in the base Corvette with the Z51 performance package. A unique front and rear end, large adjustable spoiler, adaptive suspension dampers, and larger Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes round out the performance upgrades for the Z06.
The track-focused Z07 package adds even more performance bits. It starts with a carbon-fiber aero kit — consisting of a prominent front splitter and fixed rear wing — unique suspension tuning, carbon-ceramic brakes with a larger diameter than the "normal" Z06 stoppers, and Michelin Sport Cup 2 R tires. Opting for the Z07 package also opens the door to carbon-fiber wheels, which Chevy says reduce unsprung mass by 41 pounds.
How does the Corvette Z06 drive?
Depending on where you're driving the Z06, it can be as docile and friendly as the standard Corvette or an absolute monster, capable of chasing down just about anything with four wheels. On the road, it's definitely the former. The Z06 can be driven with a light touch thanks to nicely weighted steering and an intuitive brake pedal. Even with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, the Z06 can be slowed predictably and gently with none of the grabbiness you can sometimes get with carbon-ceramic brakes.
But when you turn the Z06 loose on a racetrack, you should really know what you're doing. The throttle response in the Z06 is arguably the most immediate and responsive of any car we've driven in recent memory. The digital tachometer cracks like a whip to the engine's stratospheric 8,600 rpm redline and a delicate touch is needed to keep the Z06's 14-inch-wide rear tires from spinning up at the wrong moment. The steering response is just as immediate but also demands a delicate touch as the Z06 will go right where you point it, right now.
Grip levels are immense, but the mid-engine layout of the C8 Corvette prefers that you do most of your braking in a straight line in order to keep the back wheels of the Z06 behind the front ones. Highly skilled drivers can be a bit more aggressive with their inputs, but smoothness is still the name of the game. Any fast track will see the Z06 clearing 150 mph without a problem. Thankfully, the Z06 continues to use Chevrolet's much-loved, and -appreciated, Performance Traction Management (PTM) system. It allows the driver to select diminishing levels of stability and traction control intervention as they become more comfortable with the car, the track, the conditions or all of the above. It's extremely well engineered and can be enjoyed by drivers of all skill levels.
How comfortable is the Corvette Z06?
As extreme as the Z06 might be in terms of performance, it maintains almost all of the standard Corvette's on-road comfort. Its adaptive suspension can be relaxed and allows the Z06 to eat up hours of highway miles without unduly punishing its passenger. Bumpy roads are a bit bumpier than in the standard Corvette but we see any extra ride stiffness as a more than fair trade-off for the insane levels of grip the Z06 delivers on track.
Like the ride, the majority of the Z06's creature comforts carry over as well. The climate control works well, and the seats can be had with both heating and ventilation. As you might expect, noise levels are a bit higher in the Z06. Under normal driving conditions that's down to the much wider tires. But when you turn up the wick, the Z06's howling exhaust note permeates, not only the interior but your brain as well. If you love it, as well you should, you will never mind the sound of that engine.
How's the Corvette's interior?
This eighth-generation Corvette's interior was a massive step forward compared to the last Corvette, which in turn was significantly more luxurious than its predecessor. The C8 has a driver-focused interior with a touchscreen canted toward the driver and an arching control panel that clearly separates the driver and passenger compartments.
The cabin hasn't changed much for the Z06. You still get an interior decorated in leather and faux suede, though there is a new carbon-fiber package that adds copious amounts of the racy lightweight material throughout the cabin.
Edmunds says
The promise of the C8 Corvette's mid-engine layout has been fulfilled by the 670-horsepower Z06. Packing more power, more grip and more capability than any other Corvette in history, the Z06 is poised to take on Europe's best supercars for half the price.
FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Corvette a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Corvette both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.5 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Corvette gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 41 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Corvette has 12.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Chevrolet Corvette. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette:
The high-performance Z06 makes its debut
A 70th Anniversary Special Edition model joins the lineup
Race-inspired C8.R edition is discontinued
Part of the eighth Corvette generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the Chevrolet Corvette is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Corvette. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Corvette's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Corvette and gave it a 8.5 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Corvette gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 41 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Corvette is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette?
The least-expensive 2023 Chevrolet Corvette is the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2dr Coupe w/1LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $64,500.
Other versions include:
Stingray 2dr Coupe w/1LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM) which starts at $64,500
Stingray 2dr Coupe w/2LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM) which starts at $71,800
Stingray 2dr Coupe w/3LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM) which starts at $76,450
Z06 2dr Coupe w/1LZ (5.5L 8cyl 8AM) which starts at $105,300
Z06 2dr Coupe w/2LZ (5.5L 8cyl 8AM) which starts at $114,500
Z06 2dr Coupe w/3LZ (5.5L 8cyl 8AM) which starts at $119,150
What are the different models of Chevrolet Corvette?
If you're interested in the Chevrolet Corvette, the next question is, which Corvette model is right for you? Corvette variants include Stingray 2dr Coupe w/1LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM), Stingray 2dr Coupe w/2LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM), Stingray 2dr Coupe w/3LT (6.2L 8cyl 8AM), and Z06 2dr Coupe w/1LZ (5.5L 8cyl 8AM). For a full list of Corvette models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more