2020 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Review: The Pony That Could
Pony cars such as the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang have been the face of American sports car motoring for over half a century, and are about as American as apple pie and drone bombers. The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro, continuing from the sixth generation first introduced in 2016, has become a modern American motoring icon, and delivers an impressive amount of car for the price - and, on top of that, is one of the best handling pony cars we've tested. With the new decade comes a few cosmetic changes, but the basics remain the same. It might not be as good looking as the Mustang, and it's not as practical either, but with three engines and transmissions to choose from, as well as a slew of performance and tech options, and a starting price of only $25,000, the Camaro has to be one of the best performance car bargains on the market today.
What's the Price of the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe?
The affordable price of the Chevrolet Camaro is one of its most attractive drawcards: you get an astounding amount of performance for not a lot of money, and even between trim levels, the price increases are very reasonable. The base model 1LS has a base price of only $25,500, which excludes registration, tax, and a destination fee of $995. Going for the auto version will add an extra $1,495 to the Camaro's cost. Opting for the V6 engine in 1LT trim will set you back $27,095, and $28,690 in auto guise. 2LT trim cars start at an MSRP of $27,500 for the 2.0T and tip the scales at $30,690 for the V6 model. The well-specced 3LT costs $31,500 for the manual 2.0T and ends off with a price tag of $34,690 for the V6 in auto configuration. The LT1 is the first Camaro model in the lineup to be offered with the 6.2-liter V8 engine and costs $34,00 for the manual and $35,595 for the auto. SS models start at $37,000 for the manual 1SS ,and top out at $43,595 for the auto 2SS.
Best Deals on 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe
2020 Camaro Coupe Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
188.3 in | 110.7 in | 53.1 in | 74.7 in | 62.5 in | 63.7 in | 3,351.0 lbs |
2020 Camaro Coupe Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
It might look like a bulky car, but the Camaro is relatively lightweight for its class, which goes a long way when it comes to handling and overall driving capability, but the most important factor here is the Camaro's brilliant chassis. Driving the Camaro around our favorite set of twisty roads reveals a car that offers more driver connection than any other pony car on the market. It's stiff and cramped when hurling around the track, but somehow manages to feel relaxed and comfortable when cruising on normal roads. The electrically assisted steering has a well-weighted feel, and for an electric system, returns pretty good steering feedback. The standard limited-slip differential not only makes for some epic burnouts, but also beautifully lays down the power during hard corner exits. Finally, we have to applaud the Camaro's excellent range of the braking system, which always feels progressive and delivers good feedback. The optional Brembo six-piston monoblock aluminum calipers with performance brake pads and
14.6 x 1.3-inch two-piece vented and slotted Duralife rotors are frighteningly efficient.
2020 Camaro Coupe Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2020 Camaro Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space
2020 Camaro Coupe Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Warranty Note | Basic | Drivetrain | Drivetrain Note | Rust-Through | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Roadside Assistance Note | Maintenance Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preliminary 2020 Warranty Note | 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 |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe A Good car?
There are many things to like about the Chevrolet Camaro Coupe, and just a few things to dislike, so it's off to a good start. Firstly we should address the fact that the Camaro is an American icon; the pressure of this esteemed title can sometimes ruin a car, but Chevrolet has stuck to its guns and has produced a modern legend. The Camaro has to be one of the best handling pony cars we've ever tested and is just as comfortable on the road as it is capable on the track. The range of engines each brings its own unique character to the party, but they all have one thing in common: they don't feel slow at all. The interior of the 2020 Camaro is a simplified space that harks back to the original car's classic lines, and we think it looks great. You'll also find most modern amenities inside, especially on 3LT models. Shortcomings include a very tight rear seat, and a small trunk, especially when compared to the Ford Mustang. If you're not worried about trunk space, and you're looking for a fun sports coupe, then the Camaro should be close to the top of your list.
What Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Model Should I Buy?
The 2020 Camaro is, first of all, a great driver's car, so that should be the defining principle on which you base any further decisions. Compared to its rivals, the Camaro is the most fun to drive and will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. With that in mind, we would suggest that you go with the 1SS, which not only gets the legendary SS badging, but also packs a brutal 6.2-liter V8 punch. 1SS models go for $37,000 in manual guise (is there any other way to go) and include performance upgrades such as an auxiliary engine coolant cooler, four-pot Brembo front and rear performance brakes, and performance suspension with tuned dampers, rear cradle mounts, ball-jointed rear toe links, and stabilizer bars. This is a seriously capable car, but you can take it to the next level with the $7,000 SS 1LE Performance package if you're serious about hitting up the track.
2020 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Comparisons
2020 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe vs Ford Mustang Coupe
The battle between the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang is almost as old as the history of the muscle car in the USA, when referring to Camaro vehicles fitted with V8 engines, and more specifically, the battle of the pony cars, which in this case is any Camaro fitted with a 2.0T or V6 engine. The 2020 Mustang is an attractive thing to look at and has come lightyears from where it started, and is considered a pedigree performance car these days. The Mustang is powered by a choice of 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder fury or a powerful 5.0-liter V8. We exclude the GT350 and GT500 here. Performance from these two engines ranges from 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque to 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Fuel consumption ranges between 15/24/18 mpg city/highway/combined for the manual V8 to 21/32/25 mpg for the 2.3T auto. The Ford is excellent competition and a capable performance car, and its small capacity turbo motor is a real pleasure to drive. Inside and out, it's a more modern-looking car, and offers more usable space too, but can't match the Camaro for dynamic fun. If you're looking for something more cutting edge, get the Mustang.