2021 Chevrolet Corvette Review
The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is the most competitive luxury sports car on the market. It has a powerful engine, well-balanced handling, a luxurious cabin, and plenty of modern technology.
Pros & Cons✔ Breakneck acceleration
✔ Agile yet comfortable to drive
✔ Spacious, high-end interior
✔ Ample cargo space
✖ Limited rear visibility
New for 2021
✔ No major changes
Research & Rankings
The #1 rating for the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is based on its performance in the Luxury Sports Cars category. The Chevrolet Corvette now gets a score of 9.1 out of 10 based on our evaluation of 10 pieces of research and data components gathered from various sources.
#1 in Luxury Sports Cars
#1 in Luxury Convertibles
2021 Chevrolet Corvette Photos:
Exterior Photos:
Interior Photos:
Is the Chevrolet Corvette a Reliable Automobile?
Yes, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray for 2021 is a fantastic sports vehicle. Whether you're winding through the hills or just commuting across town, the 'Vette is a delight to drive. It rides well across uneven road conditions while feeling nimble and attached to the tarmac. The handling is light and responsive, and the mid-mounted V8 engine delivers plenty of power. The inside of the Corvette is well-appointed, roomy, and loaded with high-tech amenities. There's enough cargo space for a weekend road trip or a day at the golf course. When you consider everything, it's simple to see why the new C8 is so high on our list of luxury sports cars.
Why You Should Have Faith in Us: Analyzed ten reviews
To assist you in making the greatest car-buying decision possible, we examined 10 Chevrolet Corvette evaluations as well as data elements such as horsepower numbers and fuel efficiency estimations.
This evaluation of the 2021 Corvette includes relevant research for all models in this generation, which debuted in 2020.
Is the Chevrolet Corvette a good buy?
If you're looking for a premium sports vehicle, the 2021 Corvette should be on your list. It offers a fantastic driving experience and even better value when compared to more expensive competitors like the Porsche 911, Mercedes-AMG GT, and Acura NSX. Sure, the back visibility isn't fantastic, and the C8 Corvette isn't available with a manual transmission, but these are minor quibbles.
What's the Difference Between the 2020 and 2021 Chevrolet Corvettes?
Between the 2020 and 2021 Corvette models, there aren't any significant differences. For 2020, Chevrolet completely revamped the Corvette, ushering in the eighth generation of the sports vehicle. It was continued until 2021 without any significant modifications.
- 2017: Grand Sport trim joined the lineup
- 2018: Carbon 65 Edition introduced
- 2019: 755-horsepower ZR1 trim debuted
- 2020: fully redesigned as a mid-engine sports car
- 2021: no major changes
What is the price of a Chevrolet Corvette?
The starting price of the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe is $59,900, which is about normal for a premium sports vehicle. Convertible versions have a starting price of $67,400. The Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 are two less costly choices in this class.
How Much Does a Chevrolet Corvette Cost to Insure?
The cost of insurance for a Chevrolet Corvette is determined by a number of factors, including your deductible, the quantity of coverage you desire, and the kind of coverage you select. Your insurance prices are affected by your age, gender, region, credit score, and driving record.
The Chevrolet Corvette vs. Its Rivals
Porsche Cayman vs. Chevrolet Corvette
In terms of pricing, layout, and design, Porsche Cayman is Chevy Corvette's closest competitor. The starting price for each of these two-seat midengine sports vehicles is about $60,000. Both have crisp handling, quick acceleration, and an exciting driving experience that doesn't penalise occupants when the road is bumpy or dips.
However, there are a few key distinctions. The Corvette comes standard with a strong V8, but the Cayman has a variety of thrilling, if less powerful, four- and six-cylinder engines to choose from. The Cayman, on the other hand, is more tactile and enjoyable to weave around corners, plus it comes with a manual transmission, something the C8 lacks. Overall, both are excellent choices. It's possible that the best option for you is a matter of personal preference.
Porsche 911 vs. Chevrolet Corvette
The latest makeover of the Corvette has moved it closer than ever to its longtime Porsche 911 adversary. Both of these premium sports vehicles are quick, nimble, and a blast to drive. Because of its child-size back seats, more modern safety systems, and optional all-wheel-drive system, the 911 is a little more practical. The Corvette's major disadvantage is that it is $40,000 less expensive than the base 911. If the 911's $100,000-plus price tag gives you sticker shock, stick with the Corvette. In the end, both vehicles are superb sports cars.
Performance of the Corvette: Power and Poise
Corvette Engine
A 490- or 495-horsepower V8 engine, an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and rear-wheel drive are standard on the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. This engine, as you could guess, can propel the Corvette forward like a rocket. When you squeeze the throttle, the Corvette bolts. It takes just three seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph, and the acceleration continues until well above legal speed limits. The dual-clutch gearbox shifts gears quickly, and the engine, which is positioned just inches behind the driver's seat, roars at full speed with a thundering roar.
What you might not expect is how civilised the Corvette seems when you're driving it every day. With a modest throttle application, the Stingray zips across town and up to interstate speeds. At lower rpm, the exhaust note is quiet and muted, and the transmission shifts smoothly and quickly in stop-and-go traffic, which isn't usually the case with this sort of transmission.
- Engine: 6.2-liter V8 with 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque (495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque with the performance exhaust); starts at $58,900
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Z51 Performance package (prices start at $5,000): an upgraded cooling system, a performance exhaust, a restyled front splitter and rear spoiler, a stiffer suspension, a higher rear axle ratio, 13.6-inch front brake rotors, 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, and Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires
- Magnetic Ride Control (prices start at $1,895): an adaptive suspension
- Performance exhaust (prices start at $1,195)
- Front-axle lift system (prices start at $1,495): raises the front bumper by 1.6 inches to clear speed bumps
- Full-Length Dual Racing Stripe Package (prices start at $995): racing stripe decals available in red, orange, yellow, blue, silver, grey, and black
- Fender hash mark decals (prices start at $245): available in red, silver, and black
- Engine Appearance package (prices start at $995): carbon fibre engine compartment panels with LED lighting
- Engine cover (prices start at $495): available in red and silver
- Carbon fibre side mirrors (prices start at $1,145)
- Carbon fibre grille insert (prices start at $2,095)
- Transparent roof panel (prices start at $995)
- Body-colour exterior accents (prices start at $995)
- Rocker panel extensions (prices start at $550): available in black
- Painted brake callipers (prices start at $595): available in red, yellow, and black
- Splash guards (prices start at $250)
Corvette Fuel Economy
The EPA rates the 2021 Corvette Stingray at 15 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the interstate. Those fuel efficiency estimates are among the lowest in the premium sports car class as a whole, but keep in mind that there are numerous four-cylinder competitors in this category with far less power. The ratings of the 'Vette are equivalent to those of V8-powered competitors like the Mercedes-AMG GT.
Ride and Handling of the Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette does something that few sports vehicles can. When you desire an exciting driving experience, it gives you one, and when you don't, it gives you one.
Along switchback roads, the Corvette cuts elegantly, and it feels steady and surefooted in tight corners. When in Sport or Track mode, the handling is fast and responsive, and the big brakes effectively slow the 'Vette down.
When you return to city streets, the Corvette handles bumps and dips in the surface with ease. This is especially true for vehicles equipped with the optional Magnetic Ride Control system, which may stiffen or soften the car's shock absorbers in a matter of seconds. In the comfort-oriented Tour mode, the ride may be downright soft when equipped.
What Is the Chevrolet Corvette's Top Speed?
The 2021 Corvette Stingray can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in three seconds, complete the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds, and reach a peak speed of 194 mph on a long enough track. The Z51 package adds a higher rear axle ratio, allowing for a 2.9-second sprint from zero to 60 mph but a slower peak speed of 184 mph.
Other American sports cars, such as the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Dodge Challenger Hellcat, and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds.
Is All-Wheel Drive Available in the Chevrolet Corvette?
All-wheel drive will not be offered on the 2021 Corvette. The Acura NSX, Audi R8, and Nissan GT-R are current competitors that come standard with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on the BMW 8 Series, the Jaguar F-Type, and the Porsche 911.
Corvette Interior: First-Class Cockpit
Corvette Cargo Space
The storage space in the Chevrolet Corvette is divided unevenly between the front and back trunks, resulting in 12.6 cubic feet of freight space. A set of golf clubs or a pair of carry-on luggage can be stored in the rear trunk. A few shopping bags, a duffel bag, or two backpacks can be stored in the front trunk. For a premium sports vehicle, that's a good lot of cargo space.
What Is the Seating Capacity of a Corvette?
The Chevrolet Corvette will be available in a coupe and convertible form variants in 2021. There are two seats in both versions. These seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and even after a few hours on the road, they stay pleasant. Inside the 'Vette, there's a surprising amount of headroom and legroom, so taller passengers should have plenty of room to spread out.
The centre console, on the other hand, is rather big and effectively separates the driver and the passenger. This is unlikely to be an issue for drivers, but it might seem isolated as a passenger. The front and sides of the Corvette have excellent vision, but the back visibility is limited due to the large roof pillars.
Leather upholstery is standard, as are eight-way power-adjustable seats. Seats with heated and ventilated seats, as well as racing-inspired seats with bigger side bolsters, are offered. A detachable roof panel on coupe versions may be removed from the car and placed in the trunk. A power-operated hardtop is available on convertible versions.
Child Car Seats and Corvettes
The Corvette, like many two-seat sports vehicles, lacks LATCH car-seat connections. In any vehicle, we do not advocate placing a kid car seat in the front seat.
Interior Design of a Corvette
The inside of the Corvette is modern and elegant, and it wouldn't seem out of place in a car that costs twice as much. The cockpit-like look of the interior is enhanced by the unique yet understandable transmission toggle switches, which are angled toward the driver. High-end materials like as leather, aluminium, soft-touch plastic, and – in well-equipped versions – carbon fibre are used to trim most surfaces. Even better, at greater speeds, the cabin stays silent, and it muffles most road and wind noise.
Corvette Navigation, Bluetooth, and Infotainment
The infotainment system in the Corvette is simple to use. The 8-inch touch screen is easily accessible and reacts to inputs quickly. The visuals are excellent, and the menu layout is straightforward. The digital gauge cluster, meanwhile, features a bright display that can be set to show as little or as much information as you like.
The disadvantage of this driver-centric design is that passengers have limited access to it. This implies that the driver is in charge of all volume adjustments, radio station changes, and navigation input.
- Standard infotainment features: an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 10-speaker stereo, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a 12-inch digital gauge cluster
- Available infotainment features: navigation, a 14-speaker stereo, wireless device charging, and a performance data and video recorder
- Additional standard features: proximity keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, and dual-zone automatic climate control
Reliability of the Corvette
Is the Chevrolet Corvette a Trustworthy Automobile?
J.D. Power has not yet assigned a dependability rating to the 2021 Corvette.
Warranty on the Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet offers a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the 2021 Corvette.
Corvette Crash Test Results Corvette Safety
The 2021 Corvette has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For high-end luxury sports vehicles, this is very frequent.
Standard advanced safety features:
- Rearview camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Teen Driver (lets you do things like set speed and audio volume limits for secondary drivers)
- Buckle to Drive (prevents the vehicle from shifting out of the park if the driver’s seat belt is not buckled)
- Forward-facing camera
- Rearview mirror with an integrated camera view
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Head-up display
Dimensions and Weight of a Corvette
The Corvette is 15.2 feet in length. It weighs between 3,366 and 3,467 pounds at the curb.
Where Will the Chevrolet Corvette 2021 Be Built?
The Chevrolet Corvette 2021 will be built in Kentucky by General Motors.
When was the first Chevrolet Corvette released?
For the 1953 model year, Chevrolet introduced the first-generation Corvette. This Corvette C1 was a grand tourer rather than a sports vehicle. It had a curvy design, a straight-six engine, a two-speed automatic gearbox, drum brakes, and a solid rear axle, and was only available as a convertible. A few years later, a variety of V8 engines and two manual gearboxes were introduced. Adding to the road and racing pedigree of this early 'Vette'.
There have been seven additional generations since then. The distinctive Sting Ray design, a coupe body type, and powerful large block engines were all incorporated in the second-generation C2 Corvette, which debuted in 1963. With pumped-up tyre arches and redesigned T-top detachable roof panels, the third-generation C3 Corvette debuted in 1968. The C4 Corvette debuted in 1984 with a significantly reworked chassis, more angular appearance, and pop-up headlights.
Chevrolet introduced the fifth-generation C5 Corvette in 1997, which included the brand's new LS engine series. The LS engine has gone through several iterations and is still in use today. The C6 Corvette of 2005 and the C7 Corvette of 2014 symbolise the nameplate's contemporary age, with exposed headlamps and engine outputs of over 600 and 700 horsepower in the most powerful versions.
What Chevrolet Corvette Model Should I Buy?
The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette comes in coupe and convertible body variants, as well as three trim levels: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. For most buyers, the entry-level Corvette 1LT is an excellent choice. It has the same engine and overall performance as the other trims, but costs less. Convenience options like blind-spot monitoring, a navigation system, and heated and ventilated seats are available when you upgrade to the 2LT or 3LT.
It's worth mentioning that both body types allow for open-air driving, so you don't have to spring for the convertible if you want to feel the wind in your hair. The hardtop of the Corvette convertible is power-retractable. The Targa top, or manually detachable roof panel, on the Corvette coupe, may be taken off and stowed in the trunk.
1LT Chevrolet Corvette
The basic Corvette 1LT coupe begins at $59,900 while the convertible starts at $67,400. A 12-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a 10-speaker Bose stereo, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hot spot are among the standard amenities. Proximity keyless entry, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable GT1 seats, rear parking sensors, LED headlights, four-piston Brembo brake callipers with 12.6-inch front rotors and 13.3-inch rear rotors, a limited-slip differential, and staggered 19- and 20-inch wheels are also included as standard features.
A $5,000 Z51 Performance package adds a Z51-specific front splitter and rear spoiler, a higher rear axle ratio, 13.6-inch front brake rotors and 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, a stiffer suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport summer tyres, an upgraded cooling system, and a performance exhaust that boosts engine horsepower and torque by five points. The performance exhaust may also be purchased separately.
A navigation system, racing-inspired Competition Sport seats with larger side bolstering, an adaptive suspension (Magnetic Ride Control), engine compartment LED lighting, rocker panel extensions, splash guards, transparent and exposed carbon fibre roof panels, a carbon fibre grille insert, carbon fibre outside mirrors, racing stripe decals, and fender decals are among the additional options available. These improvements might cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
2LT Chevrolet Corvette
The Corvette 2LT trim level starts at $67,200 for couples and $74,200 for convertibles in the mid-range. This trim adds navigation, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, wireless device charging, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a performance data recorder with a forward-facing camera, as well as a head-up display, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a performance data recorder with a forward-facing camera. The majority of the options are carried over, including a $1,495 front-axle lift system that raises the car's front bumper by an inch and a half to pass speed bumps.
3LT Chevrolet Corvette
Corvette 3LT coupes start at $71,850, while convertibles start at $78,850. Genuine leather upholstery replaces part of the synthetic upholstery and interior plastics, and sportier GT2 seats with additional cushioning are added. Most of the options remain the same.
The Last Word
The midengine 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is a significant change from its forebears, but its mission has never been more obvious. The Corvette offers supercar-level performance, daily drivability and practicality, a stunning interior, and cutting-edge technology for a fraction of the cost of certain premium sports car competitors. Whether you value smiles per hour or horsepower per dollar, the new C8 Corvette is hard to top.