Which 2017 Chevrolet Camaro is Right for You?

The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic performance car, and the latest generation features some of Chevy’s slickest engineering yet. From a bevy of powertrain choices to varying levels of comfort, the Camaro offers drivers a wide array of choices, each with a different type of driver in mind. We lay it all out for you in this guide.

1LS

The 1LS is the least expensive option, with a starting MSRP of $26,900. It has a six-speed manual transmission and a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder SIDI engine with Variable Valve Timing. It produces 275 horsepower and 295 pound-foot of torque. Fuel economy clocks in at an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. If you want, you can add a 3.6L V6 with VVT that gets 335hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. This will, of course, affect mileage. Another significant option that you have is the choice of dropping an extra $6,000 for a convertible. This is an option that spans every trim level of the Camaro, and generally costs about the same.

The Camaro 1LS has few standard exterior features beyond its 18-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels and power-adjustable body-color outside mirrors. But Chevrolet offers the ability to add on and customize with a dozen different features to make your muscle car unique, including larger wheels and spoilers, as well as accent stripes and decals.

The inside is where the 1LS really shines. It has a six-speaker audio system with SiriusXM radio and OnStar capabilities. This trim has Chevrolet MyLink radio that features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, with a seven-inch color touchscreen. The seats in the 1LS are cloth, but power-adjustable for both the driver and passenger.

Safety features for the 1LS includes a five-year basic plan with OnStar and three months of OnStar’s Guidance plan. That OnStar plan includes automatic crash response, crisis assist, emergency services, hands-free calling, and remote door unlock. A rearview vision camera also comes standard, as does teen driver mode.

1LT

The 1LT is the next trim with a starting MSRP of $27,595. It uses the same engine as the 1LS, which means it has the same capabilities. The only change with the 1LT is the inclusion of an eight-speed automatic transmission, rather than manual. This automatic transmission bumps up fuel economy estimates slightly to 22 mpg for city driving and 31mpg on the highway. Everything else is the same between the 1LT and the 1LS.

2LT

The 2LT brings back the six-speed manual transmission, but drivers do have the option to add on the eight-speed automatic. With the manual again comes the 20 city/30 highwaymileage. The 2LT has a starting MSRP of $31,400 and has a few upgrades that may make the price jump worth it.

There are no changes to the exterior’s standard features, but some more visual options open up to you, and the interior receives a major boost. The 2LT introduces a Bose premium audio system and an eight-inch-diagonal color touch-screen and Chevrolet MyLink radio. The air conditioning is now dual-zone and has automatic climate control, which is complemented by the introduction of heated and cooled front seats.

1SS

The 1SS has a starting MSRP of $37,900 and is the first upgrade in engine size. The 1SS comes with a 6.2-liter V8 direct injection engine, which produces 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful engine brings lower gas mileage estimates: 16 mpg for the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The 6-speed manual transmission is also standard on this trim. Unfortunately, the trim does have a few downgrades from the 2LT that may be important to some drivers.

The biggest change is the removal of the Bose premium audio system. The six-speaker entertainment system returns in its place. Additionally, the dual-zone automatic climate system is removed in favor of the default system. The heated and ventilated front seating also disappears. These features don’t just bump down from standard to optional – they’re not available at all.

Fortunately, some improvements may be worth it for some customers. The 1SS has a rear stanchion spoiler, HID headlamps with LED signature, and 20-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels on the exterior. The 1SS is geared toward people who want performance, without the bells and whistles.

2SS

The 2SS has the same 6.2-liter engine and 6-speed manual transmission as the 1SS, but it brings some significant improvements that may make the $42,900 MSRP easier to swallow. The only change on the exterior is power-adjustable, heated and auto-dimming outside mirrors, but the inside of the 2SS receives a major upgrade.

First of all, the Bose premium audio system returns, along with the dual-zone automatic air conditioning and the heated/ventilated front seats. The 2SS also has some features that none of the others include. It comes with interior spectrum lighting, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, and rear park assist. The 2SS also has the best safety package thanks to the rear cross traffic and side blind zone alerts with lane change notifications, as well as a head-up display.

ZL1

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is in a class all by itself. This specially-engineered muscle car has a supercharged 6.2L V8 with 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, but there’s an optional paddle-shift 10-speed automatic available. It’s got dual-mode exhaust with quad exhaust tips, 11 heat exchangers to cool the ridiculous powertrain, and a performance data recorder in the coupe version. It can go from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, and cover a quarter mile in 11.4. This car starts with an MSRP of $61,140, and for that you get what may well be the most well-engineered Camaro in history.

(All facts and figures from Chevrolet. Image via Facebook.)