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 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 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.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Neither the EPA nor Chevy have announced fuel-economy ratings for the 2021 model year, but the four-cylinder engine should continue to have the highest city and highway estimates in the Camaro lineup. While the V-6 and V-8 powertrains are less frugal, they performed well in our real-world testing. 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.

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 hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the mechanically similar 2020 model earned a five-star rating. Likewise, the 2021 Camaro hasn't been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); the 2020 model was not named a Top Safety Pick, however. 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 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles

Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

More Features and Specs