2021 Chevy Camaro Review

Name: 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Price: 22993 USD

Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Coupe Exterior Shown

Chevrolet Camaro 3LT Coupe Exterior. 1LE Package Shown.

Regardless of engine, the Camaro is the best-driving muscle car of its segment, edging out more expensive sports cars when it comes to behind-the-wheel thrills. Poor outward visibility and a tiny trunk limit its practicality as a daily driver. If you can live with these downsides, you'll be rewarded every time you drive it. If not, the Mustang and the Challenger deliver similar thrills with fewer flaws.

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2021 Chevrolet Camaro Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Contributor
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.}

Pros

Impressively sharp and nimble handling around turns
Potent acceleration from V6 and V8 engines
Relatively smooth ride, especially with the adaptive suspension
Solid value thanks to a long list of standard equipment

Cons

Difficult to see out of
Tiny back seat is essentially useless
Limited trunk space with small opening
Some controls are awkward to use

What's new

Minor revisions to standard feature availability
Wireless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now available
Part of the sixth Camaro generation introduced for 2016

Overview

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 Drive^{Cost 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 $4.04 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$215/mo

$166/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The 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.}

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds 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 Edmunds 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 hotspot

1LT
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 packages

2LT
Adds just a few extras, such as:

Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated and ventilated front seats

3LT
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 sensors

LT1
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 wheels

1SS
Has a few more features such as:

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

2SS
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 wheel

Many 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.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#21 out of 28 among Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Camaro from 2008-2022.}

$542/yr

vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.64x/yr

vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

16.9%

vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Chevrolet Camaro.

5 (71%)

4 (20%)

3 (6%)

2 (3%)

1 (0%)

4.6

34 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Best band for the buck anywhere!!

StevesCamaro, 04/17/2019

2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M)

Wow, what a car! Best bang for the buck. Great interior even if somewhat limited visibility. The '19 model makes up for that with the review camera/mirror feature though. Awesome power and it puts it down to the ground without being as sinister and scary as the Corvette. Can't go wrong with this car.

Young at Heart

Richard Basile, 06/10/2021

2021 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I am a 78 old man and I have always loved cars that make you feel special And add a positive upper in your life. I love my Camaro, it looks great and it makes me feel young. It handles great interior is great, back seat area a little tight, but I am the driver so back seats don’t worry me. It handles great rides good, looks great top up or down. I highly recommend for the adventurous …

Like a Vette, but with emergency back seats!

JJ, 04/03/2021

2021 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl 6M)

2SS with 1LE Track Package. Lots of power (of course) but also really spectacular handling with the 1LE. As a previous Corvette owner, I was very surprised at how sports car like the car is. Interior is also very comfortable (for front seat occupants) and much higher quality than Corvettes of 10-15 years ago. Much like a Vette, very limited storage inside the cabin. A small center …

WOW!!!!

Shane, 05/21/2019

2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M)

I have been a Corvette lover for years. I have owned 2. Was ready to upgrade to the Z06 so I started shopping. It took me about 3 hours to make a decision between the Corvette and the Camaro ZL1. I ended up with the ZL1. No regrets. After driving both the Camaro has awesome speed and is much easier to get in and out of. Don't hesitate to make this purchase. Even now when I see a …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro, so we've included reviews for other years of the Camaro since its last redesign.

See all 34 reviews of the Chevrolet Camaro

Write a vehicle review

2021 Camaro Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Trim:

1LS

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$25,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$215/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	9.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Camaro models:

Side Blind Zone Alert: Notifies the driver if vehicles are in a blind spot or if cars are approaching in parking lot situations.
Forward Collision Alert: Signals to the driver that the vehicle's cameras, radar, or both detect an approaching vehicle that may result in a collision.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Provides alerts when the vehicle is in reverse and the system detects approaching traffic from either side that may be out of the driver's view.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover8.3%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Acceptable
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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