Overall Rating
Updated on: July 21, 2020
Automotive Journalist
It has been almost 50 years since the muscle car market was introduced to the first Camaro. If the automotive industry was run by sensible politicians, muscle cars would have been dead by now. Fortunately, that’s not the case, muscle cars have aged like fine wine to be cooler and learned to do daily cars chores.
The 2020 Chevy Camaro aims to leave behind its rivals with heart-throbbing power residing in a classic look. Chevy Camaro is more refined, more fuel-efficient, more powerful, and just a better car overall. Ford Mustang has always been a tiny step ahead of Camaro, but maybe Camaro has finally concocted the perfect formula to finish this rivalry once and for all. Only the upgrade has been kept limited to the front, and the overall retro muscle-car styling has been preserved. This Camaro has evolved into a sports car with premium architectural components, shared from Cadillac, that make this Chevy an even better machine than before.
See detailed review »
Sporty exterior
Better fuel economy than before
Impressive riding experience
Tight back row
Below average cargo capacity
Restricted outward visibility
Redesigned front fascia and other design cues
$25995
2dr Coupe
4
rear wheel drive
122
275 hp @ 5600 rpm
295 lbs.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
6-speed manual
Independent front strut suspension
Independent rear multi-link suspension
12.6/12.4
110.7 in.
63.7 in.
74.7 in.
53.1 in.
3351 lbs.
93 cu ft.
9.1 cu ft.
5.4 sec.
14.1
16/19/24 mpg
456.0 mi.
3 yr./ 36000 mi.
5 yr./ 60000 mi.
6 yr. /100000 mi.
Yes
$25,995 - $27,490
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1LS 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) | Starting at $25,995 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 275 hp @ 5600 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 6-speed manual | rear wheel drive | 4 | |
1LS 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $27,490 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 275 hp @ 5600 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | rear wheel drive | 4 |
$26,495 - $29,685
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) | Starting at $26,495 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 275 hp @ 5600 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 6-speed manual | rear wheel drive | 4 | |
1LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $27,990 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 335 hp @ 6800 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | rear wheel drive | 4 | |
1LT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M) | Starting at $28,090 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 335 hp @ 6800 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 6-Speed Manual | rear wheel drive | 4 | |
1LT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 10A) | Starting at $29,685 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 335 hp @ 6800 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-Speed Automatic | rear wheel drive | 4 |
$28,495 - $31,685
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) | Starting at $28,495 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 275 hp @ 5600 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 6-speed manual | rear wheel drive | 4 | |
2LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $29,990 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 335 hp @ 6800 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | rear wheel drive | 4 | |
2LT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M) | Starting at $30,090 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 335 hp @ 6800 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 6-Speed Manual | rear wheel drive | 4 | |
2LT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 10A) | Starting at $31,685 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 335 hp @ 6800 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-Speed Automatic | rear wheel drive | 4 |
$32,495 - $35,685
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) | Starting at $32,495 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 275 hp @ 5600 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 6-speed manual | rear wheel drive | 4 | |
3LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $33,990 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 335 hp @ 6800 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | rear wheel drive | 4 | |
3LT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M) | Starting at $34,090 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 335 hp @ 6800 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 6-Speed Manual | rear wheel drive | 4 | |
3LT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 10A) | Starting at $35,685 MSRP | (16/19/24) | 335 hp @ 6800 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 10-Speed Automatic | rear wheel drive | 4 |
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine And Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
6.0
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
Still boasting its late 70s outline the Chevrolet Camaro is still going strong. It's all the muscle an American purist would want. The 2020 Chevy Camaro is everything you’d want in a modern muscle-cum-sports car. It is athletic and quick, with plenty of power and dynamics in driving. Filled with modern features and tech, the Camaro proves that it is more than just a pretty driving machine. The turbo-four powertrain makes 275 hp and 295 lb.-ft. torque, which is sent to the wheels at the back with the help of a six-speed manual transmission. The powertrain and drivetrain systems are standard while the transmission can be swapped with an eight-speed automatic unit.
The Camaro has a lot to offer, but it is in no way a clear class leader. Due to its shortcomings like limited outward visibility, low back row and cargo space, and a slightly less luxurious cabin as compared to some rivals, the Mustang and the Challenger continues to be worthy adversaries. These rivals of the Chevrolet Camaro also seem to be better all-around vehicles in general.
7.0/10
Features
9.0/10
Engine and Performance
5.0/10
Fuel Economy
6.8/10
Interior
7.0/10
Exterior
4.0/10
Safety
The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro is offered in 4 trim levels, the entry-level 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. All feature a similar Turbocharged Inline-4 engine as standard through an option for 3.6 V6 is also available on some trims. The "1, 2 and 3" denotes the number of standard equipment devised by Chevy for each level of Camaro. Besides the mechanics, there’s hardly anything in particular that distinguishes the many trims from one another. Basically, all the trim are equally good or bad.
Trim |
1LS |
1LT |
2LT |
3LT |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP RWD |
$25,995 |
$26,495 |
$28,495 |
$32,495 |
Key features |
18-inch wheels |
Same as base |
Same as base |
Same as base |
Body-colour power outside mirrors |
||||
Daytime LED running lamps |
||||
Front intermittent wipers |
||||
4-way manual front passenger seat with power recline |
||||
WiFi hotspot |
||||
6-speaker audio system |
||||
7-inch infotainment touchscreen |
||||
Bluetooth |
||||
Chevrolet Connected Access |
We recommend:
The base trim of the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro, i.e. the 1LS, is the most logical of all variants of this Camaro. It offers a lot of features for a relatively affordable amount. Plus it looks just as good and makes as much power as any other variant. So getting the 2020 Camaro 1LS with the standard six-speed manual transmission will check all the right boxes.
GM's standard choice of the powertrain is a 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission, which isn't that intriguing. It churns out churns 275 hp and 295 lb.-ft. torque and known for its raw muscle power and street racer demeanour. However, if you are an adrenaline addict then power on the SS and ZL1 will seem more appealing.
There’s an optional 8-speed automatic unit on offer too, but the rear-wheel-drive system has no substitute. The thundering engine noise is hard to miss, all the pops and crackles become more intense in the Sports mode. We would suggest keeping your Camaro in Touring mode while passing on an old couple in a pickup.
Models |
Chevrolet Camaro |
Dodge Challenger |
Ford Mustang |
Nissan 370Z |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$25,995 |
$28,095 |
$26,670 |
$30,090 |
Engine |
2.0-litre I-4 premium |
3.6-litre V6 regular |
2.3-litre I-4 premium |
3.7-litre V6 premium |
Transmission |
6-speed manual w/OD |
8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual |
6-speed manual w/OD |
6-speed manual w/OD |
Horsepower |
275 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
305 hp @ 6,350 rpm |
310 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
332 hp @ 7,000 rpm |
Torque |
295 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm |
268 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm |
350 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm |
270 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm |
The initial surge of power is intriguing, you won't be pinned back to the seat on the base trim but the inline-four delivers the same feeling. From a standstill, you get a tire-smoking 5.4-second acceleration. The clutch is well composed and quite manoeuvrable. Being a muscle it's bound to perform in drag. Hence, the Camaro took 14 seconds to hit the quarter-mile light.
Most muscle maniacs will go for the bigger engine even though it may not sound that sporty, this Camaro’s engine packs quite a punch.
Model |
Chevrolet Camaro |
Dodge Challenger |
Ford Mustang |
Nissan 370Z |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
5.4 |
4.8 |
5.1 |
5.8 |
Quarter Mile |
14 |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
Engine |
2.0L |
3.6L |
2.3L |
3.7L |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr) |
7.7 |
7.6 |
7.3 |
8.9 |
The Camaro and Mustang put up a nail-biting finish in the 0-60 mph test. At the quarter-mile, however, the Mustang finishes half a second before Camaro. The Challenger, though it has a higher fuel displacing engine that generates more power and torque, stays the fastest in the rivalry.
The mark of a good car is to perform just as well at slowing down as it does in speeding up, and the 2020 Chevy Camaro has just the brakes for it. The brakes have a good bite to it and during the panic brake test, it does not wobble. The car took a total of 93 feet to halt from a speed of 60 mph.
The pedal feel is nice and composed and exudes confidence at every push. Even at winding roads Camaro feels in control, proving that it’s more than just a straight-line speedster.
Model |
Chevrolet Camaro |
Dodge Challenger |
Ford Mustang |
Nissan 370Z |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake front (in.) |
12.8 |
12.5 |
12.6 |
12.2 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
TBD |
12.6 |
12.6 |
12.6 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3354 |
3894 |
3532 |
3333 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
122 |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
The Camaro is significantly lighter than Mustang or the Challenger, less weight means less momentum, and less momentum means quicker panic stops. Camaro’s 149 feet distance in the 70-0 panic stop test is way less than the rivals’. Mustang puts up the worst numbers with a distance of 156 feet, not the stopping power you’d want in a high-speed car.
We know the Camaro is hounded by its rebellious past but Chevy has done a great job of making a laid back ride, the best of which is seen on the highway. The flat-bottom steering feels weighted with a lot of road communication, the steering is not razor shape but responsive on the road, you will enjoy a fair amount of predictability as well. On the highway, its well composed and don't wobble. The sport-tuned suspension is different from the Camaro's past stiff suspensions, though it still got some issues. There is no noticeable body roll. The well communicative clutch and short ratio gearbox further enhance the magic of driving for sheer pleasure.
Additionally, the Camaro can also be equipped with Magnetic Ride dampers. Doing so ables the Camaro to actively adjust the suspension from firm to relaxed depending on whether you’re cornering or cruising. But the available 20-inch wheels can cause a lot of pain over not so smooth pavements. the cabin is not immune to small adversities of the road. Vibrations from the bumps are clearly sensed on the road, however, the longer wheelbase manages to tone down the vibrations. You have 3 modes, Sport, and Touring which drastically shifts the car's mind. So, no matter if you are speeding on the highway or countering the hurdles in the city, the Camaro is up for a challenge.
Chevrolet Camaro offers impressive mileage considering the sporty nature and powerful engine of the coupe. Muscles cars have an appetite for fuel economy, you will be a constant at the gas station just to use them as a daily driver. However, the lesser tamed Inline-4 is the opposite of what muscle cars are known for.
The 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway are quite impressive for a pony car. As you aim for a higher engine you ought to expand the hole in your pocket to fuel up the car. Together the combined fuel economy is rated at 23 mpg.
Model |
Chevrolet Camaro |
Dodge Challenger |
Ford Mustang |
Nissan 370Z |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
20 |
19 |
21 |
17 |
MPG (highway) |
30 |
30 |
31 |
26 |
MPG (combined) |
23 |
23 |
25 |
20 |
Just like the Camaro, Mustang and Challenger also provide better fuel economy than hoped for. In the city, the Camaro is better than the rivals, and meets with Mustang on the highway. The heavier Challenger struggles to put up competitive numbers.
The interiors of the 2020 Chevy Camaro may just be the best Camaro interiors ever. On the upside, the front row is accommodating. There's a decent amount of headroom. Thanks to the Camaro’s low seating position. The seats are covered in budget-grade upholstery which can be swapped for Recaro sport bucket seats. Camaro’s coupe design not only compromises the availability of headroom but also takes away a sufficient amount of legroom. As a result, putting people in the second row can be a punishment on the otherwise comfortable Camaro.
The front seats, however, are ideal for long drives. The driver’s side seat is 8-way power-adjustable, the passenger side gets 6-way adjustable seat. Surprisingly, no lumbar support is provided in any Camaro. The back seats have a full set of LATCH hardware. Upper tether is easy to locate. The lower ones are buried deep in the seat. The driving position is decent you get a good look of the road but the gigantic gauge cluster and steering cannot go unnoticed, its impairs with healthy visibility. The cabin is not that spacious but doesn't feel packed too its adequate for a car built for 2 but marketing it for 4 is a comical statement.
Model |
Chevrolet Camaro |
Dodge Challenger |
Ford Mustang |
Nissan 370Z |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger Capacity |
4 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.) |
38.4/TBD/43.9 |
39.3/58.5/42.0 |
37.6/56.3/44.5 |
38.2/54.4/42.9 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.) |
TBD |
37.1/53.9/33.1 |
34.8/52.2/30.6 |
N/A |
Just like the exteriors, the interiors adopt a cleaner and simpler design. The dashboard clutter is reduced thanks to the trim rings around centre vents that control the temperature and fan speed. Yet for some, the tight back row and the restricted visibility may make Camaro’s cabin feel a bit claustrophobic.
Chevy Camaro comes standard with Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system. This is one of the best and most quickly responding systems with an intuitive interface. A few minutes with the system and you’ll become familiar with its every aspect. The standard size of the infotainment screen is 7 inch, although an 8-inch screen is also available.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, which is a huge advantage as most rivals have them as an upgrade, or don’t have them available at all. The centre of attention is still the MyLink system with is lightning-fast responses. There are also physical buttons for climate and audio which are easy to reach. You also get the following features :
If you thought the back row of the Chevy Camaro was undersized, wait till you open the trunk. Not only does the Camaro provide the smallest trunk in the segment, but its inefficiency is also further highlighted by a narrow opening and a high lift-over height.
The 9 cubic feet of cargo volume is the worst in the class, even the fellow American muscle features a much bigger cargo. The subpar cabin utility limits you from carrying a lot of luggage. However, you can use unrealistic seats to do that job for you.
Model |
Chevrolet Camaro |
Dodge Challenger |
Ford Mustang |
Nissan 370Z |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (cu.ft) |
9.1 |
16.2 |
13.5 |
6.9 |
There is some relief, though. A folding rear seat and power trunk release are standard. But still, it is easier to live with a Mustang or a Challenger if you plan to travel with luggage.
The Camaro looks like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime, it has a lot of lean muscle but however, lacks the size. The design is true to its 60s American lineage with some tuning signifying Chevy modern styling. Have a good look at the rear end you will find the thin 3D taillight giving it a daunting stance. The funky bumpers are a bit of a surprise but it contributes to the overall look. There is not much of a change on the metal sheet of the Camaro but little tweaks on the front and rear fascia, hood scoop, and a more aerodynamic body.
The new front fascia adds a body-colour bar between the upper and lower grille. The large mesh from 2019 has been scrapped for good. Even the Chevy’s iconic bowtie badge has been moved to the upper grille. The funky bumpers are a bit of a surprise but it contributes to the overall look. There is not much of a change on the metal sheet of the Camaro but little tweaks on the front and rear fascia, hood scoop, and a more aerodynamic body.
Model |
Chevrolet Camaro |
Dodge Challenger |
Ford Mustang |
Nissan 370Z |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3354 |
3894 |
3532 |
3333 |
Length (in.) |
188.3 |
197.9 |
188.3 |
167.5 |
Width (in.) |
74.7 |
75.7 |
75.4 |
72.6 |
Height (in.) |
53.1 |
57.5 |
54.4 |
51.8 |
Ground Clearance (in.) |
TBD |
5.2 |
5.4 |
4.8 |
Wheelbase (in.) |
110.7 |
116.2 |
107.1 |
100.4 |
Track Width (in.) F/R |
62.5/63.7 |
63.4/63.8 |
62.3/64.9 |
61.0/62.8 |
The 1LE adds more punch to the already aggressive Camaro with mesh grille inserts, front spoiler, and a satin-black hood and mirrors. From the back, the Camaro has a wide stance which is quite reminiscent of the Corvette. The taillights don’t support dynamic turn signals. The ZL1 1LE also adds a massive rear spoiler for better stability. Although all Camaros are breathtakingly gorgeous, there are prominent factors that differentiate the lower trims from the ones sporting the V8.
The most noticeable exterior design elements of the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro are:
The Camaro Coupe is equipped with advanced safety features like Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), StabiliTrak (stability control system with brake assist), and Trunk emergency release handle. The rear vision camera and smart parking assistance system is also present in the Camaro Coupe 1LS for safer parking.
Camaro Coupe is equipped with dual-stage frontal airbags along with thorax side-impact airbags on the board. The Head curtain side-impact airbags include a passenger sensing system for convenient airbag delivery. LATCH is also present in the 1LS coupe for child safety and better protection. The Camaro Coupe results in impressive ratings in the NHTSA test and scores an overall rating of complete five in all major segments excluding Overall frontal barrier crash rating, Frontal barrier crash rating driver, and Frontal barrier crash rating passenger which scores at 4 points out of 5.
Dodge Challenger has set new standards for engine performance for modern times. Its Hellcat and Demon variants supply unparalleled engine power. The Challenger is not available as a convertible, so if you like to take your hood down, go straight for Camaro. But if second-row seating is something you consider, you’d be glad to know that Challenger has a second row that can actually accommodate adults. Challenger also has a better infotainment system and large trunk space, not to mention the monstrous horsepowers its engines are capable of generating. But it is heavy, which makes Camaro more agile and fun to drive.
Ah, the classic Mustang-Camaro rivalry enters its 50th year. Ever since Chevrolet released the Camaro to tackle Ford’s pony, the duo has indulged in a fierce battle that has pushed them to one-up the other with every new generation. And in the present times, they continue to push the boundaries and set new standards for performance, just look at Mustang Shelby GT500 and Camaro ZL1 1LE!
But Mustang is not the most famous muscle-cum-sports car for no reason. Its advantages over the Camaro begin with its cabin. Mustang’s cabin is more comfortable and nicer than Camaro’s. Also, it has a bigger trunk and a lower starting price. Mustang has discontinued its V6, so if you want a V6, go for Camaro. Otherwise, Mustang wins the showdown ever so slightly due to its interiors and trunk space.
The Camaro has a lot to offer, but it is in no way a clear class leader. Due to its shortcomings like limited outward visibility, low back row and cargo space, and a slightly less luxurious cabin as compared to some rivals, the Mustang and the Challenger continues to be worthy adversaries. Camaro manages to let you feel like you are driving around in a big, powerful sports car. However, in all honesty, there are other sedans in this segment that do exactly what the Camaro does. Only, they do it in a much better way. The redesigned 2020 Camaro does feel retro still.
Still boasting its late 70s outline the Chevrolet Camaro is still going strong. It's all the muscle an American purist would want. The power will suffice for a daily driver and the decent ergonomic numbers complement that idea.
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