2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Test Drive Review: Spirit Of A Sports Car
Chevrolet Camaro Convertibles have always had a special place in pony car culture that lives on to this day. Along with the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro forms the American muscle car trio. But while Dodge remains content leaving the Challenger as a pure muscle car, Ford and Chevy have aimed for a different market: the sports car market, replete with soft-top convertible variants.
The current sixth-generation Camaro is based on GM's excellent Alpha platform that also underpinned cars such as the Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V. It's this platform that's key to the Camaro's brilliance, placing it in a different league from its competitors in terms of poise, handling, and pure driving pleasure. Available with a slew of engines ranging from a turbo four-cylinder to a V8, the Camaro Convertible feels more laid back than its Coupe counterpart, built more for cruising than track days. But don't be trapped into thinking that the Camaro Convertible only belongs in a rental car lot outside Disney World; it's still a tremendous sports car bargain. After spending a week driving a V6-powered Camaro Convertible with the RS Package, we came away surprised by the spirit of this car. It feels like the distant relative of one of our favorite performance cars of all time.
Chevy Camaro Convertible Exterior
The Camaro Coupe's basic design translates well to the convertible, with the same aggressive stance and the same head- and taillights. The low roofline is noticeable, although those acutely angled A-pillars remain an issue when it comes to forward visibility. Base models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels and feature LED daytime running lamps, a power-folding soft-top roof, and a rear stanchion spoiler. On higher-spec models, you get 20-inch alloy wheels, a vented hood, and Black bowtie emblems. All versions have dual-exit exhaust tailpipes. The exterior can be comprehensively customized with extras like a Satin Black Appearance Package, Redline Edition graphics, and a hood stripe.
Dimensions
The Camaro Convertible shares its wheelbase and length with its hardtop counterpart, with these dimensions coming in at 110.7 and 188.3 inches, respectively. It's marginally shorter than the coupe, though, with a height of 52.9 inches. Excluding the mirrors, the width works out to 74.7 inches. The curb weight ranges between 3,627 pounds and 3,937 lbs, with the 2SS being the heaviest model in the range.
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
188.3 in | 110.7 in | 52.9 in | 74.7 in | 62.5 in | 63.7 in | 3,627.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
Chevrolet has been generous with the Camaro Convertible's color palette, with nine standard shades available on the base model 1LT and a further three premium colors. Standard shades include Red Hot, Summit White, and Black, along with metallics like Satin Steel Grey, Shadow Grey, and Riverside Blue. The retina-shattering premium shades are Crush (a vivid orange), Shock (yellow), and Wild Cherry Tintcoat, with the first two going for $395 each and the Cherry costing $495. Three colors - Black, Blue, and Kalahari - are available for the soft-top roof, but the latter two roof colors can't be paired with all the primary paint colors. This is one of those cars that works equally well in louder colors, so even the shocking Crush holds some appeal. We loved the new shade of Wild Cherry Tintcoat on our test car, and would highly recommend it for $495.
Camaro Convertible Performance
Three distinct engine options provide the Camaro Convertible with more than enough performance to quickly rearrange your hairdo, as we discovered on our test drive. All versions send power to the rear wheels.
Although a four-cylinder engine seems at odds with the Camaro nameplate, the base 2.0-liter turbo still provides punchy performance, with 0 to 60 mph coming up in 5.6 seconds when this engine is paired with the six-speed manual gearbox. The mid-range 3.6-liter V6 provides a more stirring soundtrack but isn't all that much quicker with a 0-60 time of around 5.3 seconds. Without a doubt, the 6.2-liter V8 in the LT1, 1SS, and 2SS is the most evocative power plant, with a massive 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of twist. It comes with either a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic gearbox and will help the Camaro drop-top reach 60 mph in as little as 4.2 seconds. The quarter-mile slips by in 12.5 seconds in automatic guise and a top speed of 155 mph is possible.
Engine and Transmission
The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 275 hp and 295-lb-ft of torque. It comes with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. One notch up gets you the 3.6-liter V6 with 335 hp and 284 lb-ft; this engine is paired with a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic. The range-topping 6.2-liter V8 shares the V6's transmission options but unleashes a full 455 hp and 455 lb-ft to totally transform the Camaro Convertible's driving experience. In all our reviews, this V8 has never disappointed. The engaging manual gearbox is a joy to use on all models and comes with Active Rev Matching on the LT1 and SS versions, but as is often the case, the automatics will accelerate slightly quicker.
In our most recent review, we were handed the keys to a V6 model. It doesn't significantly outperform the four-pot but has a unique sound character that we prefer: get it up to the top of the rev band and it really sings. The V8 still provides a more muscular grunt, but we think you will be pleasantly surprised by the V6. If we had one complaint, the 10-speed automatic pairs better with the V8 and its 455 lb-ft of torque. It's still a fantastic gearbox, but we'd prefer a manual because the V6 feels happier in the higher rpm range.
Handling and Driving Impressions
The V6-powered model is not our first exposure to the Camaro Convertible, but it is, surprisingly, our favorite one so far. By opting for the convertible, you are sacrificing a bit of the sharpness of the coupe in favor of a relaxed, open-top driving experience. By extension, you don't really need the most powerful engine. The V6 is potent enough, and because the peak power doesn't hit until 6,800 rpm, you can mash the throttle without fear of losing control. With less weight over the front end than the V8, the Camaro brilliantly takes advantage of the Alpha platform and delivers a European sports car-style driving experience.
The steering feels precise, allowing the driver to command the front end on a whim. You can balance the car using the throttle, chucking into a corner and powering out with ease. There is plenty of body roll, but you can use it to your advantage. Once the suspension sets, the chassis remains stable so you can nudge your way through the corner with ease. Tour mode is your standard setting, while a Sport mode tightens up the steering a bit. There's also a Snow mode, should you need to drive the car in the winter. The Camaro feels less like a Challenger or Mustang, and more like an E46 BMW M3, especially with the V6. Ushering praise of this level on a Camaro feels strange, but it feels like the closest thing we've driven to an E46 M3 in 2020.
Camaro Convertible Gas Mileage
The most fuel-efficient version is the 2.0-liter engine paired with the automatic transmission which returns EPA-rated figures of 22/30/25 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. With the manual gearbox, consumption works out to 19/29/22 mpg. The V6 in manual guise returns figures of 16/26/20 mpg, falling shy of the ten-speed auto's 18/29/22, but the heaviest drinker is the powerful V8. Equipped with the manual gearbox, that 6.2-liter engine will only manage 16/24/19 mpg, while the auto achieves a claimed 16/26/20 mpg to soften the blow a little. All versions are equipped with a 19-gallon gas tank, so the range in mixed driving varies between 361 and 475 miles.
2021 Camaro Convertible Interior
The same enthusiasm engendered by the Camaro's performance is dulled somewhat by the rather disappointing cabin. There are some noticeable weaknesses here such as poor visibility, the middling quality of plastics used, and the extremely cramped rear seats. At least with the top down, it feels less claustrophobic than sitting inside the coupe. The most affordable version comes with features such as a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, and an easy-to-use infotainment display. However, safety equipment is lacking, with tech like forward collision alert not being offered and blind-spot monitoring not offered on most trims. Pricier models make a better impression with equipment like dual-zone climate control and a head-up display, but it's obvious that you won't be buying a Camaro for its lavish interior.
Seating and Interior Space
The Camaro is strictly a four-seater, but we prefer to think of it as a two-seater with a cushy storage area in the back. Front occupants will feel cozy enough with 43.9 inches of legroom, but those who are forced to crawl into the back seat may curse you under their breath. The rear accommodations only offer 29.9 inches of legroom, which is less than you'll find in a Challenger or Mustang. If you plan to carry four people often, the minimal dimensions might be an issue here, and unless the roof is open, accessing those back seats is a nightmare.
Interior Colors and Materials
At its base price, the Camaro Convertible comes with cloth upholstery in either Jet Black or Medium Ash Gray. However, at least a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel are standard, and the cabin can be spruced up with extras like a sueded microfiber steering wheel, alloy sport pedals, and door accent trim in colors like red or white. The 2LT adds leather-upholstered seats along with more interior color choices like Kalahari, Adrenaline Red, and Ceramic White. Reverting back to cloth and a more limited color palette are the LT1 and 1SS, while the 2SS also comes with leather upholstery. Aluminum interior trim is equipped to select trims, while upgrades include Recaro performance front bucket seats, an embroidered center console lid, a carbon-fiber shift knob, and knee pads in a choice of different colors.
Camaro Convertible Trunk and Cargo Space
With 7.3 cubic feet of volume, the convertible's trunk space is smaller than the 9.1 cubes offered in the coupe. It can't match the Ford Mustang Convertible in this aspect either. With the top down, there's even less space to work with and a hopelessly narrow opening, so larger suitcases will have to be put on the back seat, as only a smaller soft bag or two will fit in the constricted trunk area. A partition that separates the soft-top (when it's folded down) from the luggage area is useful, though.
Unfortunately, our Chevrolet Camaro Convertible review reveals that interior storage space isn't generous either. There are two cupholders and a small storage area ahead of the rear passengers, but the glovebox and door pockets are not what you would call accommodating.
Features
The base Camaro ships with gear like power-adjustable front seats (eight-way for the driver and six-way for the passenger), a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, single-zone automatic climate control, a power-operated soft-top roof which can be lowered at speeds of up to 30 mph, keyless open and start, and cruise control. Driver aids are not generous, with little more than a rearview camera and cruise control on the base derivative. However, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and lane change alert are offered. Further up in the range, customers will find available features like dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a heads-up display, illuminated sill plates, interior spectrum lighting, a driver's memory system, a rearview camera mirror, and wireless charging.
Infotainment
If there's one area where the Camaro stands out in the interior, it's the infotainment system. Chevy's latest MyLink infotainment is among the best on the market, though the base seven-inch touchscreen on the Camaro is a bit small for our liking. Fortunately, Chevy offers an eight-inch screen as an upgrade. It's also strange how Chevy tilts the display downwards, making it awkward to look at. The interface still looks great and the responsiveness feels quick. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and for 2021, now function wirelessly. Base models play media through a six-speaker sound system but a seven-speaker Bose upgrade is available. SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot come standard, while a built-in navigation system is available.
Camaro Convertible Problems and Reliability
At the time of writing, no recalls had been issued for the 2021 Chevy Camaro Convertible or hardtop. However, certain 2020 Camaros were recalled for a fuel pump that was missing a pressure regulator, which could pose a fire risk. A decent J.D. Power rating of 87 out of a maximum 100 is a positive sign for long-term reliability.
All Camaros come with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, a corrosion warranty for the same period/duration, rust-through coverage for six years or to a maximum mileage of 100,000 miles, and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain/drivetrain warranty. In the first year, Chevrolet will cover one scheduled maintenance visit. By comparison, Ford doesn't cover complimentary scheduled maintenance for the Mustang.
Warranty
Warranty Note | Basic | Drivetrain | Drivetrain Note | Rust-Through | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Roadside Assistance Note | Maintenance Note |
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Preliminary 2021 Warranty | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years/100,000 Miles | 6 Years / 100,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years/100,000 Miles | 1 Year/1 Visit |
Camaro Convertible Safety
The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible has only been rated for the rollover test by the NHTSA, for which it scored five stars. However, the Camaro Coupe achieved a full five-star rating from the authority. Over at the IIHS, the 2020 Camaro Coupe managed mostly Good crashworthiness scores, although it only achieved an Acceptable rating for roof strength. With its soft-top roof, the convertible is unlikely to be any better in this aspect.
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
0/5 | 0/5 | 0/5 | 5/5 |
Key Safety Features
All Camaro Convertibles come with a comprehensive airbag system that includes frontal airbags, knee airbags for both front occupants, and side-impact airbags for those in front. Along with this, the Chevy has electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a rearview camera, a teen driver function, and cruise control. Available features on more expensive trims include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and lane-departure warning. Forward-collision alert isn't available and the same goes for adaptive cruise control, with the latter feature offered on competitors like the Mustang Convertible.
Verdict: Is the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible A Good car?
Since the Dodge Challenger isn't available as a convertible, the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang are your only options for affordable drop-top muscle cars. There are other affordable options like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Fiat 124 Spider, but those lack the power found here in the Camaro. In the luxury segment, you'll find options like the Audi TT Roadster and BMW 2 Series Convertible, but those are expensive and lack power compared to the V8-equipped Camaros.
The Camaro is far from perfect, but there's a lot to like about it. It feels less like a muscle car and more like a sports car, especially with either the four-cylinder or V6 engines. If you prefer a car with European handling characteristics, we'd say get the Camaro over the Mustang. In fact, we can imagine E46 BMW 3 Series owners upgrading to this new Camaro. While BMW has made a push towards luxury cars that feel somewhat sporty, this Camaro reminds us of an era when cars put a grin on your face first and worried about the boring stuff second. Where the Camaro falls short is in the interior, where the Mustang outclasses it in terms of materials and space. For those who value a quality interior, we think you have better options, but for those who place driving pleasure at the top of the checklist, the Camaro won't disappoint.
What's the Price of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible?
The price of the Chevy Camaro Convertible starts at an MSRP in the USA of $31,500 for the 1LT, which is exactly the same starting price for the 2020 model. It's followed by the 2LT at $33,500, the 3LT at $37,500, the LT1 at $40,000, and the 1SS at $43,500. Finally, the 2SS tops the range and begins at $48,500. All prices represent the trims in the cheapest configuration and does not include a destination charge of $995.
On the 1LT, upgrading from the 2.0L manual to the automatic will cost $1,495, while the 3.6L V6 adds $1,595 to the base price. The cheapest V8-engined model is the LT1 manual at $40,000 on the dot. With all the options ticked, a fully loaded 2SS with the automatic transmission will cost in excess of $70,000.
2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Models
Chevrolet sells the Camaro Convertible in a choice of six trims: 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, LT1, 1SS, and 2SS. All versions come with a limited-slip rear differential and are rear-wheel drive but only the first three trims are offered with the less powerful 275-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four or the 335-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine. The upper three trims are equipped with a 455-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. Three transmission choices - a six-speed manual, an eight-speed automatic, and a ten-speed automatic - service the range.
The 1LT comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a power-folding soft-top roof, cloth-upholstered seats, a seven-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker sound system, single-zone automatic climate control, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
The 2LT adds dual-zone automatic climate control, along with heated/ventilated front seats upholstered in leather.
Moving up to the 3LT equips heated exterior mirrors with an auto-dimming function on the driver's side, a driver's seat memory system, an eight-inch driver information center, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, and a larger eight-inch touchscreen display.
The LT1 is exclusively fitted with the V8 engine and gets Brembo front brakes, a performance suspension, and 20-inch alloy wheels. However, it loses features like the Bose sound system and larger infotainment screen that's fitted to the 3LT.
The 1SS combines the V8 engine with a few more features than the LT1. It comes with 20-inch summer tires, dark tint taillamps, and the larger eight-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Finally, compared with the 1SS, the 2SS comes with heated exterior mirrors, a driver's seat memory system, Aluminum interior trim, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, dual-zone climate control, a head-up display, and a heated steering wheel.
Additional Packages
As before, there is plenty of scope for customization within the Camaro range. Several packages and many standalone extras can be chosen to customize this drop-top. On the base 1LT, buyers can spec the $3,995 Black Accent Exterior Package that adds 20-inch Satin Black wheels, side rockers, and a Satin Black front splitter. However, this upgrade requires the RS Package and several other extras for a total price of $5,945. On its own, the $1,950 RS Package includes black Bowtie emblems and 20-inch machined-face wheels. There are several other appearance packages, but for more equipment, the $900 Technology Package is a worthwhile upgrade with a Bose sound system, an eight-inch HD touchscreen, and SiriusXM with 360L.
Two Wild Cherry Design Packages are on offer in the range. On the 3LT, the second of these packages costs $8,040 as, once again, it is bundled together with other extras. The upgrade includes Wild Cherry Tintcoat paint, black Bowtie emblems, the RS Package, and more.
On the sporty LT1, some of the standalone options shared with select other trims are Recaro performance front bucket seats at $1,595, a suede microfiber-wrapped steering wheel at $295, interior spectrum lighting at $950, a lowering suspension upgrade system at $1,995, and a dual-mode exhaust (with four stainless steel exhaust tips and a more aggressive sound) at $995.
The sky's the limit in terms of Camaro upgrades - it all depends on how much you're willing to spend.
What Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Model Should I Buy?
If you want a Camaro Convertible, we think the V6-powered is the pick of the litter. It saves you around $7,000 compared to the V8 but still delivers plenty of power and a throaty exhaust note. We'd personally opt for the top 3LT trim level (starting at $40,090) like our tester, which includes bells and whistles like the Bose audio system, rear camera mirror, head-up display, heated steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, and more. The RS Package seems like a worthy upgrade for $1,950, adding 20-inch wheels and other exterior upgrades to make the car look more aggressive. If you plan to do any spirited driving, the $1,595 Recaro seats are a cool, but frivolous upgrade. As-described, you will spend around $43,000 or less on a Camaro Convertible.
2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Comparisons
2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible vs Ford Mustang Convertible
As Dodge doesn't offer a convertible version of the popular Challenger, the Ford Mustang Convertible is the Camaro Convertible's natural rival in the US market, and for 2021 it's better than ever. Both the Camaro and Mustang drop-tops start at similar price points, but both also share the same issue of rear seats that merely seem to be there for show. However, the Mustang does have a bigger and more practical trunk. The base Mustang's 2.3-liter turbocharged engine produces 310 hp and 350 lb-ft, so offers more grunt than the Camaro's base turbo-four. We also prefer the Ford's ten-speed auto over the base Camaro's eight-speed auto. However, the Camaro offers more configurations, with the option of a V6 engine and several trims. The Chevy is also the superior handler between these two. However, the Mustang has a better cabin, superior visibility, and generally feels less better-rounded. It's our choice here.
2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible vs Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible
With its supercar proportions, the Corvette Stingray C8 Convertible offers genuine competition from within the same stable. However, with a starting price of nearly $70,000, the Stingray is far more expensive and it'll take a fully loaded Camaro Convertible 2SS to get close to that price. The C8 is far quicker, though, thanks to a 490-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine. In fact, it'll reach 60 mph in under three seconds when equipped with the available Z51 Performance Package. With its brilliant handling and quick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the C8 is a monster. Being the newer product of the two, the Stingray has a more modern interior and, although it seats just two, it actually has more cargo space than the Camaro. If you can stretch to the C8, it's the much more desirable driver's car, but if not, the Camaro provides plenty of thrills for far less money.