2024 CHEVROLET CAMARO 32.945 $

3vwi...r2Bp

11 Jan 2024

157

Overview

After more than eight years of the current sixth-generation Camaro, Chevrolet is getting ready for something new. While we pick at our fingers waiting for details on what's next, the current iteration of one of our favorite muscle cars lines up for slaughter. Every 2024 Camaro is rear-wheel drive and offered with two body styles: coupe and softtop convertible. Powertrains include a 335-hp V-6 and a heart-pounding 455-hp V-8. The high-performance 650-hp Camaro ZL1 is reviewed separately. The Camaro's crosstown rivals have gone separate ways, with Ford introducing a new Mustang and Dodge burying its beloved Challenger. Chevy says the Camaro will return at some point, and we expect that to include some form of electrification. Meanwhile, we'll happily bask in the thunderous wake of its pushrod V-8.

What's New for 2024?

Chevy is waving the checkered flag for the sixth-generation Camaro in 2024. While this doesn't spell the end for Camaro completely, the sixth generation that's been burning rubber since the 2016 model year will be commemorated with a special Collector's Edition. It'll arrive for the Camaro's final year. Chevy hasn't specifically detailed what the Collector's Edition will consist of, but the company said it'll be fitted to the RS and SS models, as well as a limited number of the ZL1 variant. We're still holding out hope for a final run of Z/28s before the sixth-gen Camaro's assembly line shuts down.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro starts at $32.495 and goes up to $49.890 depending on the trim and options.
The Camaro is best enjoyed via the SS trim 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 that strikes a Goldilocks balance of not-too-soft, not-too-stiff, but just right for track-day action. While we love that even models with the four-cylinder and V-6 engines offer a 1LE package, we'd choose to pair the best chassis hardware 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 powertrain is a 335-hp V-6 engine that is mated to either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. The gutsy six has its own distinctly searing soundtrack, but the real performance comes with the Camaro's optional small-block V-8, with 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet 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. Like the V-6, the V-8 can also be had with a six-speed manual transmission, which maintains the enthusiast's spirit; a 10-speed automatic is also optional here. (For cars not equipped with the 1LE package, the six-speed manual transmission is standard.) 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 sporting machinery with fancier names costing much, much more. The 1LE-equipped models 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 reassuring response. The 1LE models get even more powerful, track-ready Brembo brakes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Camaro with the V-6 tops out at 18 mpg city and 29 highway and V-8 models are rated at 16 mpg city and 26 highway. The Camaro performed well on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. We've tested both of the Camaro's available engines paired with the manual transmission and they were all within 1 mpg (plus or minus) of their government highway ratings. For more information about the Camaro's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

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 its practicality as a people carrier. An optional head-up display is useful and not offered in 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

Although the Chevy pony car also has less driver-assistance technology than its rivals, it's available with several pieces of safety equipment. For more information about the Camaro's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety 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.