The Camaro is one of the most popular Chevrolet cars, and it’s one of the few muscle cars to stand the test of time. We’ve seen plenty of generations of Camaro since its introduction in the 1960s, and the current Camaro is a very different car from the first generation. With 8 different trim levels, you can find a Camaro to suit almost any budget now, but how do you check the best version for you?
It can be difficult to pick through all the different information, and with all these trims and the optional extras, it’s a confusing situation. We’ve tried to make this easier, and in the article below we’ve broken down each Camaro trim level to show their key features, the cost, and the performance.
Let’s get started!
1LS
- From $27,795 (Coupe)
- 2.0L Turbocharged Engine (275 bhp / 295 lb-ft)
- 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic transmission
Key features included
- 9 exterior paint choices
- 18-inch wheels only
- Black / Gray interior
- Rear spoilers available (as optional extras)
Key features missing
- Painted brake calipers
- Power adjustable passenger seat
- Bose sound system
- Chevrolet infotainment Plus
- Sirius XM trial
- Wireless charging
- Heads-Up Display
- Heated & Ventilated seats
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Change Alert
- Rear Park Assist
The entry-level Camaro, and the only trim level not available on convertible models, is the 1LS spec. Starting at just under $28,000 for the manual gearbox option and just over $29,000 for an automatic transmission, this trim level misses out on a lot of useful features.
With a two-liter engine generating 275bhp, the 1LS isn’t a slow car, but it’s underpowered compared to the rest of the Camaro lineup. It’s good to see Chevrolet offer a less powerful model for under $30,000, but this is a very basic spec. You do get the full range of exterior paint colors to choose from here (some are an extra cost), so that’s a bonus, but everything else on this car falls short.
There are too many features to list here, but the key options excluded from the 1LS are a HUD, heated & ventilated front seats, and a number of driver assistance features. The interior feels functional but too basic, and design-wise, the 1LS misses out on so much of what makes a Camaro stand out. The only wheel options are 18-inch; although the ride quality is great on these, they look too small for the car.
Overall, the 1LS isn’t a trim level I’d recommend for anyone. If you’re desperate for a Camaro and on a tight budget, you’re better off finding a preowned model in the 1LT or 2LT trim with some of those key features included.
1LT
- From $28,295 (Coupe) / $34,295 (Convertible)
- 2.0L Turbocharged Engine (275 bhp / 295 lb-ft)
- 3.6L V6 Engine (335 bhp / 284 lb-ft)
- 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic / 10-speed automatic transmission
Key features included
- 9 exterior paint choices
- Black / Gray interior
- Brembo front brakes as an option
- Quad exhausts
- Colored brake caliper options
- 18 and 20-inch wheel options
- Powered sunroof (coupe models only)
- RS design package
- Power adjustable passenger seat
- Bose audio system
- Chevrolet infotainment plus
- Recaro bucket seats
- Sirius XM subscription
Key features missing
- Wireless Charging
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Carbon fiber instrument panel trim
- Heated & Ventilated seats
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Change Alert
- Rear Park Assist
Our next trim level is the 1LT Camaro. Despite being only a few hundred dollars more than the 1LS trim, this feels like a great step up in quality and quantity of features. It’s worth pointing out that 1LT models come with the option of Coupe or Convertible body styles, and you can swap the 2.0L engine for a 3.6L V6.
That engine choice is key because a true Camaro (like any muscle car) needs a solid engine. Ok, it’s not a V8 (we’ll get to those soon), but with 335 bhp, the V6 from Chevrolet is going to be enough for most drivers. You also get the option of 20-inch wheels here, which suit the Camaro better than those 18-inch alloys.
Inside the 1LT there are some major differences between this model and the 1LS. You get the options for a powered sunroof, bucket seats, and various styling changes for the interior trim. The sunroof is a major addition and a great balance if you don’t want the full convertible model, and for $995 it’s less expensive than I thought it would be.
Technology-wise, the 1LT includes some key options here. The Technology pack, for $900, adds a Bose sound system, an upgraded infotainment screen, and a 12-month Sirius XM subscription. The Bose upgrade is significant, and if you’re an audiophile, it’s a must-have option.
Overall, you’re going to have to spend a few thousand on options to get the best out of the 1LT trim, but even with these extras, you can pick up a V6 version for under $35,000, which is difficult to argue with. It’s not the most powerful Camaro, and it’s missing some premium features, but the 1LT is a good balance if you’re on a budget.
2LT
- From $30,295 (Coupe) / $36,295 (Convertible)
- 2.0L Turbocharged Engine (275 bhp / 295 lb-ft)
- 3.6L V6 Engine (335 bhp / 284 lb-ft)
- 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic / 10-speed automatic transmission
Key features included
- 9 exterior paint choices
- Black, Gray, White & Red interior colors
- 18 and 20-inch wheel options (11 choices)
- Adrenaline red interior package
- Carbon fiber instrument options
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heated and ventilated front seats
Key features missing
- Wireless charging
- Rear Park Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Change Alert
- Interior spectrum lighting
- Heated steering wheel
- Head-Up Display
Moving up to the 2LT trim level, there are fewer improvements at this stage, but if you want to customize your Camaro, this is a better choice than the 1LT version. This trim still comes with the option for a 2L or 3.6L engine with the same power outputs, so mechanically, there’s no difference here.
The changes for the 2LT trim are mainly interior. You get the option for heated and ventilated front seats as standard and the choice of red or white interior trims, in addition to the black and gray. You also have the option to add carbon fiber trim to the dashboard and door panels, adding a more aggressive design touch.
There isn’t a lot to be said on the technology front, though. It’s almost identical to the 1LT trim, with the same Technology Pack option and all the standard features. You do get a dual-zone climate control function though, and combined with the heated & ventilated seats, this makes your Camaro a better place to be on those cold or hot days.
Overall, the 2LT is only a minor trim upgrade. Depending on your climate, this model will be a must-have, but for most drivers, it’s probably hard to justify the extra cost. Our next trim level, though, does step things up a bit.
3LT
- From $34,295 (Coupe) / $40,295 (Convertible)
- 2.0L Turbocharged Engine (275 bhp / 295 lb-ft)
- 3.6L V6 Engine (335 bhp / 284 lb-ft)
- 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic / 10-speed automatic transmission
Key features included
- 9 exterior paint choices
- Black, Gray, White & Red interior colors
- 18 and 20-inch wheel options (11 choices)
- auto-dimming power mirrors
- 8-inch digital drivers display
- Aluminum interior trim parts
- Bose audio system as standard
- Chevrolet Infotainment Plus as standard
- Forward Collision Alert
- Heated steering wheel
- Interior spectrum lighting
- Lane Change Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Park Assist
- Wireless Charging
Key features missing
- Interior spectrum lighting in various colors
- Track performance packages
The 3LT trim level represents a mid-way point in the Camaro range. It’s the top-spec model to include the entry-level engines (the 2L and the V6), and as a result, you get almost every optional extra here. This is reflected in the price, starting at just under $35,000 for the coupe and over $40,000 for the convertible, though. Is it worth it?
From the outside, the 3LT trim doesn’t have a lot over the 2LT version. You get the same choice of wheels and the same exterior paint options. There are a couple of extra graphics packs, but nothing major, so it’s hard to say this model stands out from what we’ve seen so far. Does it fare any better once you’re inside the Camaro?
Absolutely. Most of the previous optional extras are now standard, with a host of new features too. You get upgraded ambient lighting, a heads-up display, wireless charging, and a heated steering wheel here. You also have a range of safety assistance techs, including lane change and forward collision alerts and parking assistance.
If you’re not concerned with a V8 engine in your Camaro, this is undoubtedly the best option. It’s packed with features, you have all the customization options you need, and the V6 engine is powerful enough for everyday use. It’s probably the model I would pick, but if you feel like something is missing under the hood, the next trim level fixes this.
LT1
- From $37,795 (Coupe) / $43,795 (Convertible)
- 6.2L V8 Engine (455 bhp / 455 lb-ft)
- 6-speed manual / 10-speed automatic transmission
Key features included
- 9 exterior paint choices
- 20-inch wheel options (10 choices)
- Black / Gray interior
- Powered front driver and passenger seats
- Bose sound system
- RS Package
Key features missing
- Wireless Charging
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Performance data and video recorder
- Head-Up Display
We’re finally into the V8 options, starting with the LT1 trim. This trim level dials back on the optional extras, but it starts at just over $3,000 more than the 3LT model. Put simply, you’re paying for the engine here, and with a 6.2L V8, you’re getting a lot of engines for your money.
With 455 bhp, this is a major step up from the V6 we’ve seen previously. Even more impressive is that Chevrolet still offers a 6-speed manual, so driving purists are covered here. It’s not the most powerful Camaro on sale (we’ll get to that soon) but you can’t argue this isn’t a proper muscle car, for the modern generation at least. With this engine option, you’re restricted to 20-inch wheels only, but there are plenty of design choices here.
Inside the Camaro, you miss out on a few extras, including heated & ventilated seats, wireless charging, and a heads-up display. For some of you, these wont be crucial options, but I would miss having these for everyday driving. You’re also limited to just the black and gray seat colors, but you have a few design packages to improve the interior, at least.
Overall, the LT1 trim is there for anyone wanting the lowest-cost V8 model and happy to go without a few options. You’ll get some bragging rights over V6 owners in this Camaro, but apart from that it’s not a trim level I’d consider.
1SS
- From $41,295 (Coupe) / $47,295 (Convertible)
- 6.2L V8 Engine (455 bhp / 455 lb-ft)
- 6-speed manual / 10-speed automatic transmission
Key features included
- 9 exterior paint choices
- 20-inch wheel options (12 choices)
- Black / Gray interior
- 1LE Spec Suspension Package
- Goodyear Eagle F1 tires
- Chevrolet Infotainment Plus as standard
- Head-Up Display
- SS 1LE Track Performance Package
- Interior spectrum lighting
Key features missing
- Wireless Charging
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Bose sound system
- Rear Park Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Next up we have the first SS trim level, the Camaro 1SS. This version keeps the same V8 engine as the LT1, with the same 455 bhp, in both coupe and convertible models. As an SS model though, the changes come in the form of unique designs to help your Camaro stand out and a few interior improvements.
Mechanically, you have a couple of new wheel choices (20-inch only) and the option for Goodyear Eagle tires. You also have access to the 1LE pack upgrades, including a suspension pack and a track performance option. The former increases steering precision, with the track performance package adding performance seats, a unique spoiler and front splitter, and an electronic LSD. It’s a $7,000 extra, but if you want to take your Camaro on the track, it’s undoubtedly the best option.
The 1SS is clearly focused on owners who want performance and can live without some comforts. You miss out on heated & ventilated seats, parking assists, wireless charging, and more. If you want a V8 that will stand out, and that’s the only thing that matters, the 1SS trim is probably perfect for you.
2SS
- From $46,295 (Coupe) / $52,295 (Convertible)
- 6.2L V8 Engine (455 bhp / 455 lb-ft)
- 6-speed manual / 10-speed automatic transmission
Key features included
- 9 exterior paint choices
- 20-inch wheel options (13 choices)
- Black, Gray, White & Red interior colors
- Auto-dimming side mirrors
- Shock and Steel edition
- Bose sound system
- Carbon fiber interior trim
- Dual-zone climate control
- Forward collision alert
- Heated & ventilated front seats
- Rear park assist
- Wireless charging
Key features missing
- ZL1 performance package
- Rear bench seat
- Recaro bucket seats as standard (with red accents)
- ZL1 rear spoiler
- Carbon fiber hood and spoiler
If you want your Camaro with that SS trim and a V8 engine but you also want some comfort for daily driving, the 2SS trim is the one for you. It’s the same performance as the 1SS model, but instead of missing out on features like park assist and heated seats, they are included here.
Ok, we can’t avoid the price – this trim starts at $5k more than the 1SS, and that gap widens if you want all the extras. Still, for a coupe version under $50,000, this is a lot of car for your money, and the 2SS is a car I honestly think you could live with daily, even with regular trips to the gas station.
As mentioned, you get all the features that 1SS drivers miss out on. They may not sound like much, but for me having dual-zone climate control, a Bose sound system, and auto-dimming mirrors all help to make my time in a car more enjoyable. And once the fun of that V8 starts to wear off, you have to learn to live with your Camaro.
This isn’t the perfect version though. The 2SS has almost everything you need and a powerful V8, but what if that’s not enough? We’ve got one final trim level to cover, and it steps things up a bit…
ZL1
- From $68,695 (Coupe) / $74,695 (Convertible)
- 6.2L V8 Supercharged Engine (650 bhp / 650 lb-ft)
- 6-speed manual / 10-speed automatic transmission
Key features included
- 9 exterior paint choices
- 19-inch & 20-inch wheel options (2 choices)
- Goodyear Eagle tires only.
- Jet black interior only
- Recaro bucket seats
- ZL1 Extreme Track Performance Pack
- Bose sound system
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated & ventilated front seats
- Rear bench seat
Key Features Missing
- All previous design packs
- Interior trim colors
The final trim level for the current Camaro generation is the ZL1 spec. The most obvious change compared to the 2SS (and earlier trims) is the performance difference here, and the ZL1 is outstanding. With a supercharger on that V8 engine, you come away with 650 bhp, almost 200 more than the previous trim levels. That’s a healthy increase, and the changes don’t stop there.
The ZL1 comes with two tire choices, one 19-inch and one 20-inch. They are both forged aluminum and come with Goodyear Eagle performance tires. You also get a single choice of interior trim color and Recaro seats as standard. In short, this Camaro is designed to stand out, even when it’s not moving.
When you do want to push your Camaro, you’ll probably want to test its full potential on the race track, and for that, you have the ZL1 Extreme Track Performance Package. This adds a carbon fiber spoiler and hood, a black hood wrap, and unique red brake calipers. You also get an upgraded suspension, and all this is available for another $7,500.
Inside the ZL1, you don’t miss out on any comforts, either. You have all the features we saw on the 2SS trim, so if you’re brave enough to use your ZL1 Camaro as a daily driver, you’ll have all the luxuries you need from a modern car.
If you want to find out more about the options on Camaro models, and other Chevrolet vehicles, check out the articles below:
