2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
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
Pros & Cons
- 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
- Difficult to see out of
- Tiny back seat is essentially useless
- Limited trunk space with small opening
- Some controls are awkward to use
2021 Chevrolet Camaro Review
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 ZL1, for example, can do a lot more than just rip down the drag strip or do burnouts until its rear tires are puddles of goo. Thanks to its precise steering and Herculean grip, it can also challenge the world's best sports cars on a racetrack.
As for features, the 2021 Camaro ZL1 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. That joins other cool features such as the available data recorder that lets you record video and telemetry from track day sessions. As has been the bane of this Camaro generation since its debut for 2016, poor visibility and a lack of storage space limit the car's usability as a daily driver. But when it comes to providing the purest driving experience of Detroit's muscle cars, the Camaro ZL1 is tops in its class.
Our verdict
7.7 / 10How does it drive?
9.5The V8 produces awesome acceleration, including an 11.8-second quarter-mile pass in our testing, but the tractability of its power might be more impressive. This is a smooth, responsive engine that's just as happy to idle in stop-and-go traffic as it is to embarrass exotic cars that cost twice as much. Wide and sticky tires provide high cornering limits, and the Camaro's balanced handling makes it pretty easy to get a feel for its limits.
How comfortable is it?
7.0The ride quality is firm but not harsh. The suspension mitigates impacts well enough to stop your head from getting tossed around, but you'll feel most road imperfections. The adaptive suspension's three settings feel distinct and can be changed independently of the drive mode.
How’s the interior?
6.5The Camaro's controls are easy to learn, and getting in and out isn't too bad. But you're better off pretending the Camaro is a two-seater. Rear leg- and headroom are almost nonexistent.
How’s the tech?
8.0How’s the storage?
5.5How economical is it?
7.0Is it a good value?
7.5Wildcard
10.0You can be a hooligan in the ZL1 if you want. Burnouts and powerslides are just a gas pedal smash away, and its exhaust blares terrific sounds. It also buttons up nicely when you need it to. But no matter where you go, or how fast you get there, you always feel like you're driving something special.
Which Camaro does Edmunds recommend?
2021 Chevrolet Camaro models
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 represents the pinnacle of performance within the Camaro lineup. It is available as either a coupe or convertible. Rumbling under the hood is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (650 hp, 650 lb-ft) paired to a six-speed manual transmission. A 10-speed automatic is optional. Features include:
- Magnetic Ride Control performance suspension
- 20-inch wheels with high-performance summer tires
- High-performance Brembo brakes
- Electric limited-slip differential
- Rear parking sensors
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Head-up display
- Virtual rearview mirror
- Heated and ventilated Recaro front sport seats
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Wireless charging pad
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Nine-speaker Bose audio system
- Wi-Fi hotspot with remote vehicle monitoring/control
- Forward collision alert
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
Options include:
- Sunroof
- Navigation system
- Performance and data recorder (eliminates forward collision alert)
- ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance package
- Upgraded suspension components
- Red brake calipers
- Satin-black hood wrap
- Carbon-fiber rear spoiler and other aerodynamic tweaks
Sponsored cars related to the Camaro
Features & Specs
| ZL1 2dr Coupe 6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $63,000 |
| MPG | 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 650 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| ZL1 2dr Convertible 6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $69,000 |
| MPG | 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 650 hp @ 6400 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Camaro safety features:
- 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 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4 / 5 |
| Driver | 4 / 5 |
| Passenger | 4 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 8.3% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Acceptable |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Chevrolet Camaro vs. the competition
Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang
Chevrolet gets the slight performance edge here, but the Mustang is a more usable and comfortable everyday car. It has a better-looking interior and more storage space. Picking between these two cars is tough.
Chevrolet Camaro vs. Dodge Challenger
The Challenger is the most traditional muscle car of the three American icons. It's big, brash and heavy. You can famously pack more than 700 horsepower under the hood, but the Challenger suffers when the road gets twisty. Still, its massive trunk and back seat and available Widebody treatment give it undeniable appeal.
Chevrolet Camaro vs. Toyota GR Supra
It's not the prototypical muscle car, but the GR Supra packs up to 385 horsepower (2021 model) into a lightweight coupe body. Acceleration is impressive, and it's naturally athletic around turns. Storage space and ride quality aren't great. But the GR Supra is a welcome entrant in the sports car world.
FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Camaro a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro:
- 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
Is the Chevrolet Camaro reliable?
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro?
The least-expensive 2021 Chevrolet Camaro is the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $63,000.
Other versions include:
- ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) which starts at $63,000
- ZL1 2dr Convertible (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) which starts at $69,000
What are the different models of Chevrolet Camaro?
More about the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro
2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Overview
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is offered in the following styles: ZL1 2dr Convertible (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M), and ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M).
What do people think of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Camaro ZL1.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Camaro ZL1 featuring deep dives into trim levels including ZL1, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 here.Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1?
2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M)
The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $64,435. The average price paid for a new 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) is trending $658 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $658 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $63,777.
The average savings for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) is 1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s are available in my area?
2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Listings and Inventory
There are currently 11 new 2021 [object Object] Camaro ZL1s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $65,695 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $2,415 on a new, used or CPO 2021 [object Object] Camaro ZL1 available from a dealership near you.
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 [object Object] Camaro ZL1 for sale near you.
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Find a new Chevrolet Camaro for sale - 1 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $13,950.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and all available trim types: ZL1, ZL1. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Chevrolet lease specials