Overview

What's New for 2022

The Corvette is available as a coupe or convertible (for about $7,000 more) in three trims: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. The 2LT is the most popular model, and it's the one we recommend. We'll explain why.

1LT

Starting at $62,195, the Corvette 1LT is very well equipped. It comes with a 6.2-liter V8 paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, Brembo brakes, limited-slip differential, and staggered 19-inch and 20-inch wheels with all-season run-flat tires. Additional standard features include body-colored outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, a body-color roof panel, LED headlights, 12-inch driver information center, eight-way power-adjustable bucket seats, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, an 8-inch diagonal infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless open and start, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, rear park assist, a three-month SiriusXM trial, and rear HD vision camera.

A popular option is the Z51 Performance package ($6,345) that adds a track-ready suspension, performance Brembo brakes, performance exhaust, performance rear axle ratio and electronic limited-slip differential, heavy-duty engine cooling, summer tires, and front and rear spoilers.

2LT

For $69,495, the Corvette 2LT gets nearly everything from the 1LT. It adds a 14-speaker Bose audio system; cargo nets; navigation; HD front and rear cameras; a head-up display; heated and ventilated seats with power-adjustable lumbar and seatback bolster; heated steering wheel; memory settings for seats, mirrors, and steering wheel; enhanced security system; performance data and video recorder; rear camera mirror; cross-traffic alert; blind-spot alert; 12-month SiriusXM subscription; universal home remote; and wireless charging. The 2LT is our recommended trim as it adds several worthwhile upgrades for a relatively modest price bump.

3LT

The Corvette 3LT ($74,145) is the top trim. It includes everything from the 2LT and adds a leather interior package, more aggressively bolstered seating with carbon-fiber trim, a suede microfiber upper interior trim package, and more.

The crown jewel for the Corvette is the standard V8 — a true powerhouse. The 6.2-liter engine generates 490 hp at 6,450 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 5,150 rpm. Opting for the performance exhaust (part of the Z51 package) increases each of those numbers by 5. But in either case, the big V8 is connected to a sophisticated eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual-shift capability.

This Corvette is the first generation that isn't offered with a traditional three-pedal manual transmission. Purists might miss the direct connection a manual provides for the driving experience, when the driver is looking for the speediest possible shifts, the automatic can swap gears more quickly.

The Corvette is one sports car that can change personality instantly. The car has six drive modes. Click into "Tour" and the ride becomes surprisingly soft and compliant, just what you'd want for the daily commute. It might be one of the smoothest-riding sports cars you can buy. And yet when the driver wants to connect some curves, "Sport" mode noticeably tightens the suspension and adds a crispness to the experience. This generation is the first with the engine moved to the middle of the car (right behind the driver's head) for better balance. And it does offer absolutely deft handling and feels far more athletic, supple, and nuanced than any Corvette before it. The Z51 test car we sampled was an absolute bullet, too, hitting 60 mph in just under 3 seconds. As one might imagine, the soundtrack is pure American muscle.

The Corvette is a roomy two-seat sports car. The cabin experience is somewhat futuristic, especially with the fighter-pilot-style digital gauges and the cool squared-off steering wheel. We particularly like the aircraft-inspired shifter toggle switches.

Yes, there's a good bit of theater here, and we like it. More importantly, all these interior bits are crafted to look and function in a far more upscale way than any Corvette of the past. The only odd bit to this interior is the look of that sweeping line of buttons separating the driver from passenger. It's a little strange but functions well. The Vette has plenty of space for two people to find comfort. The nearly 13-cubic-foot trunk is about what you'd find in a compact sedan — plenty of space for two people to pack heavy. The Porsche 911 provides slightly more room for people and stuff due to its small backseat.

The Chevrolet Corvette hasn't been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Generally, the Vette comes up a little light on safety tech. The 1LT models are equipped with driver and passenger front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, ABS, stability control, and rear park assist. The 2LT model adds blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert. However, safety tech such as lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and more advanced systems aren't available on the Corvette.

The Corvette is one of the best deals in the sports-car world. It's a sophisticated supercar beater with a reasonable price point for its high level of performance. The Corvette is incredibly quick and handles with amazing agility. Yet it rides smoothly and has plenty of room for occupants and gear. And it looks like nothing else in the price class — in a good way.

There are plenty of great sports cars in the market now. But none of them offer the Corvette's blend of strengths. The Porsche 911 and Audi R8 come closest. But both cars cost quite a bit more than the Corvette. The capabilities of a normal Corvette should be enough for most buyers.

Chevrolet Corvette vs. Audi R8

Chevrolet Corvette vs. Porsche 911