Chevy’s resident muscle car and Mustang fighter went under the scalpel for the 2019 model to bring it up to speed in the looks and technology department. As part of this mid-cycle update, Chevy also added in the 1LE package for the Camaro Turbo to make it more track ready while updating various components of other trim levels to help keep them fresh while still standing out in the crowd. There are no power updates as part of this update, but with the new tech and new looks, the Camaro should be able to hold its own against the Mustang and the Challenger for a few more years.

Update 05/03/2019: Chevy has decided to update the 2020 Camaro SS with cues borrowed from the Camaro Shock Concept that was showcased at the 2018 SEMA show due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Check out the updates in our review below!

2019 - 2020 Chevrolet Camaro

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 - 2020 Chevrolet Camaro
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 275
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

2019 Chevy Camaro Exterior Design

- Redesigned front fascia - Redesigned rear fascia - New headlights - New taillights - Higher trims get tinted taillights - RS and RS get their own fascia designs - ZL1 carries over unchanged - SS model gets the Flowtie - RS and SS models get model-specific diffusers

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The Camaro isn’t keen on changing too much, and that’s why the generational shift that occurred for 2016 didn’t bring a car with a completely different look. And, that’s also why this facelift is both expected but surprising at the same time. The first thing Chevy did was get rid of that tiny grille up front to make way for a larger airway with wider mesh. Down below a smaller air dam extends 70-percent of the width of the fascia while the air inlets now sit deeper and with more character. New headlights are also in place. They are thinner, and the LED strip now extenders further into the grille.

This is a facelift, so I know you didn’t expect to see the side profile change at all, did you? Well, I certainly hope not because that didn’t happen. What did happen, however, is a decent revision to the rear end. New taillights take on a revised layout with circular LED units with integrated reverse lights in the center. The lower fascia is now a little more aggressive down below but toned down a bit closer to the rear deck.

As for trim-specific features, you’ll find that the trim levels all have their own appearance. The LS and LT share front and rear fascias while the RS and SS get their own visual treatment which is, naturally, a bit more aggressive. The ZL1, by the way, didn’t get a visual update up front as GM wanted to keep the aero-optimized design which, apparently, couldn’t be improved upon. The SS model gets Chevy’s “Flowtie” front emblem to help facilitate slightly be airflow. Around back, RS and SS models get their own unique diffusers when they are equipped with dual mode exhaust and tinted taillight lenses. RS and SS models also get an updated set of 20-inch wheels.

2020 Chevy Camaro Exterior Update

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If you don’t remember, the Camaro Shock Concept made its debut at the 2018 SEMA show, and people loved it – it was, in a sense, the modern Camaro done right. And, thanks to all of the positive comments from consumers, Chevy actually listened – for once – and applied some of those design cues to the Camaro SS. The bowtie emblem has been moved so that it resides in the upper grille and the bar between upper and lower grilles is now body colored. Yeah, it’s not a huge difference, but it does actually make the SS model look a lot better, at least in the front, anyway.

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“Customers spoke, and we listened,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet passenger car and crossover marketing. “The overwhelmingly positive reaction to the Shock’s stylized design helped prompt its transition from concept to production.”

In addition to the updates to the Camaro SS, Chevy has introduced a new Rally Green color that’s overwhelmingly bright. But, if you’re into that kind of thing, maybe it’s right up your ally. The rear spoiler from the RS package is now available for the LS and LT models without the need for the RS package, as are the dark-tinted taillights and 20-inch aluminum wheels, the latter of which can also be equipped on the SS trim level too.

Chevy hasn’t announced how much these upgrades will cost, but we’ll be sure to update this review when we learn more.



2019 Chevy Camaro Interior Design

- Interior design carries over - New infotainment system - OTA updates for software - 7- and 8-inch screens available - Available rear camera mirror (std on upper trim) - Revised, HD backup cam

You could chalk Chevy off as lazy when it came to updating the interior because, to put it simply, Chevy didn’t do jack. The same design carries over untouched with a handful of new technology thrown in for good measure. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as the current generation does feature an attractive interior thanks to that higher-sitting infotainment display, tall center console, and chrome accenting here and there.

The design didn’t change, but the technology did. That MyLink infotainment system is out for an all-new “Infotainment 3” system that is said to give up a more personalized experience and a much better interface. According to Chevy the system mimics smartphone operation and can be hand with navigation, voice recognition, and various apps. And, more importantly, Chevy’s new system can receive over-the-air updates – a first for the Camaro. The system comes standard with a seven-inch screen but can be had with an eight-inch-diagonal touchscreen which is also the system that has navigation.

A rear camera mirror is now available for most models but standard on 2SS and ZL1 trims. It’s something you really want to consider during your purchase, however, as it gets rid of the annoying blind spots caused by the rear deck, headrests, and rear Pillars. All models get an updated rear vision camera with high-definition video for better video quality.

2020 Chevy Camaro Interior Update

Chevy hasn’t made any standard updates to the 2020 Camaro’s interior, but there are some new options available, including:

-* Red seat belts available on all models (previously ZL1 only).

-* Red kneepads available on all models.

-* RECARO performance seats available on LT (previously 1LE only).

-* Sueded microfiber-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob trim available on LT and SS (previously ZL1 and 1LE only).

-* Alloy pedals available on all models (previously ZL1 only).

-* Adrenaline Red and Ceramic White leather interiors now available on 2LT (previously 3LT and 2SS only).



2019 Chevy Camaro Performance

- Same engines carry over - No additional horsepower - No additional torque - Turbo to be offered with 1LE package

Not a lot has changed in this department either. All three engines carry over unchanged, so the 2.0-liter delivers 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque while the 3.6-liter V-6 delivers 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet. The range-topping 6.2-liter pumps out 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter was new for this generation and was designed as an answer to the Mustang being offered with a four-banger again. The 3.6-liter was a newly designed engine and comes with direct injection and variable valve timing. Cylinder deactivation helps to give things a little more economical, but that doesn’t matter because it still beats out the Mustang and Challenger in power output by double digits.

Then, you’ve got the SS which gets its juice from the 6.2-liter V-8. It has an aluminum block and cylinder head, variable valve timing, direct injection, and cylinder deactivation. No surprise, it shares a lot of parts with the Corvette and can best the Mustang GT by 20 ponies. Of course, the Challenger still wins by 30 horses if you opt for the 6.4-liter Hemi. As of now all engines can be had with a six speed manual and most still get the 8L45 automatic transmission. However, the Camaro SS is now offered with GM’s (and Ford’s) new 10L80 ten-speed automatic with paddle shifters. As such, it also gets launch control and line lock.



2019 Chevy Camaro Pricing

Chevy finally listened and is now offering the 1LE package for the four-banger Camaro. Now, if you opt for the Turbo 1LE, you can have all of the track-ready goodies like the FE3 suspension with larger front and rear sway bars. Dampers tuned specifically for the Turbo 1LE, stiffer cradle bushings, and cross-axle ball joints in the rear to improve lateral stiffness. In other words, it’ll handle better in the curves and during more extreme maneuvers. It also gets a new set of summer tires – P245/40-series in the front and P275/35-series in the rear. Behind those tires will sit a set of Brembo brakes.

Thanks to the 1LE package the Camaro Turbo will get some new drive modes including Sport, Track, and Competition, the latter of which gives you performance readouts, launch control, and shift lights. The 1LE also gets a flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob, wrapped in sued. If you want to pay for them, you can get a pair of Recaro seats for the front, but they won’t come cheap.

2020 Chevy Camaro Pricing and Availability Update

For 2020, Chevy has updated the LT1 trim level to be a stepping stone between the 1LT and SS trim levels. It has the 455-horsepower V-8 and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The new 10-speed automatic is optional if you’re willing to pony up a price that Chevy has yet to disclose. This model is offered in coupe or convertible form and also includes the 20-inch SS-style wheels (not the staggered wheels as found on the SS). Chevy says this model commands “less than $35,000” and is “one of the most affordable V-8 performers on the market”.

In addition to this, Chevy has made the 10-speed auto that was available with the SS and ZL1 available for the LT trim level as well. The trick is that Chevy fine-tuned the transmission’s software to accommodate the lower power output of the 3.6-liter V-6. Finally, the 3LT trim now comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and the Convenience and Lighting package included as standard equipment.



2019 Chevy Camaro Competition

Pricing for the 2019 model year isn’t yet available but don’t expect to see pricing increase too much from 2018. As of the time of this writing, prices are set at $26,900 for the 1LS and $27,695 for the 1LT. Jump up to the 2LT for $31,495 or the 1SS for $37,995. Pricing goes up to $42,995 for the 2SS while the ZL1 will cost you a divorce-inducing $62,495.

Ford Mustang

Chevy has yet to announce full pricing for the 2020 model year but has said that the 2020 Camaro will go on sale in the Fall of 2019. All we know for sure is that the 2020 Chevy Camaro LT1 trim level will cost less than $35,000, so it will probably carry an MSRP of $34,995, knowing Chevy. Once full pricing details for the 2020 model year are announced, we’ll be sure to update this section with full details.

Read our full review on the 2018 Ford Mustang.0

Dodge Challenger

Ford ushered in an all-new Mustang for 2015 with a revised chassis, new independent rear suspension, and it even came with a four-cylinder under the hood. For 2018, Ford revised the Mustang with a cleaner exterior appearance and, oddly, decided to drop the V-6 engine from the lineup. Models powered by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine have 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque on tap while those with the 5.0-liter V-8 can push 460 ponies and 420 pound-feet to the ground. The EcoBoost can hit the 60-mph sprint in “less than 5 seconds” while the V-8 model can do it in “less than four seconds.” Like the Camaro, the Mustang gets a ten-speed automatic – the same one from the Camaro since it was developed in partnership between the two brands. Pricing for the Mustang starts out at $25,680 for the EcoBoost and $30,695 for the EcoBoost Premium. Move up to the GT, and you’ll have to pony out $35,190 or $39,190 for the GT Premium.

Read our full review on the 2018 Dodge Challenger

Read our full review on the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro.1

The Dodge Challenger might look good, but don’t let that look fool you – this thing is a decade old and long overdue for a replacement. But, Dodge just keeps this poor miserable bastard alive with minor updates each year. And, to make matters worse, instead of designing a new model, Dodge sunk a ton of money into the Challenger Hellcat instead. Not that it’s a bad car – we’re talking 707 ponies here – but it’s the point. As such, you’re probably better off waiting for the next-gen model to come about, but if you decide to go with it anyway, you’ll get your choice of a 3.6-liter V-6, 5.7-liter V-8, or a 6.4-liter V-8. The V-6 delivers 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet while the 5.7-liter delivers 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet. The 6.4-liter pumps out 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet. It’s currently offered in 15 different trims, so we’ll just say that the 2018 Challenger starts out at $26,995 and climbs to as much as $71,495 for the SRT Hellcat Widebody.

Read our full review on the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.

Read more Chevrolet news.0

That fact that we have a handful of muscle cars to choose from in the during the reign of SUVs is a nice breath of fresh air (even if one of them is a decade old) and that’s why it’s important for Chevy to bring an appropriate update in a timely fashion. That thin grill and the bulky headlights were getting old, and we’ve been screaming for a Turbo 1LE package for a while now, so it’s about time that Chevy has ponied up. The current-gen model will now be able to compete with the Mustang much easier now and should remain relatively fresh until after the turn of the decade when it’ll be about time for a new-gen model to cruise into our lives. The Camaro is a viable and affordable car with decent power for the money. It’s sporty and attractive too. If you want to keep away from that SUV trend, there really isn’t a better model to do it with.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro.

Read our full review on the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.

Read more Chevrolet news.