The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro comes with minor updates in the form of the addition of a 1LE performance package on the Camaro ZL1 trim priced at $61,500. Speaking of price, the 2018 Camaro starts at $25,905 and sees no price increase from last year. For an under twenty-six grands asking price, the Camaro offers a turbo-four engine that comes with a decent level of performance and delivers good gas mileage. The ride and handling of the Camaro remain the highlight and among the best in the muscle car segment.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
The 2018 Camaro sees no change in the exterior and interior design and carries forward the same look which it got back in 2016. Moving inside, the cabin of the Camaro is another differentiating factor between it and the rivals. As neither the Mustang nor the Challenger can match the upscale and premium cabin of the Camaro. That said, let's find out in this review how the Camaro stacks up against its age-old rivals in 2018.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Latest Updates
Feb' 1, 2023 : The Cheapest Coupes To Buy Read More »
Feb' 1, 2023 : The Cheapest Sixth Generation Chevrolet Camaro You Can Buy in 2023 Read More »
Feb' 1, 2023 : Which Are The Cheapest Convertibles You Can Get In 2022? Read More »
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro has a lot to prove especially when you go against the rivals like the Nissan 370Z, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang. The 2018 Camaro aims to leave behind its rivals with a powerful engine lineup residing in its classic coke-bottle look. That said, the 2018 Camaro is more refined, more fuel-efficient, more powerful, and just a better car overall giving better competition to the rivals.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Front View
On the inside, the cabin remains the highlight of the Camaro although the lack of rear-seat space and a smaller than average boot remains its weak points. The overall visibility from the cabin is also restricted thus making it even more necessary to opt for the trim or package that comes with the blind-spot monitor and the rear cross-traffic alert. That said, the 2018 Camaro scored above-average in the crash test and remains the most reliable and easy to maintain muscle car.
Features
8.0/10
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro is a two-door sports car available in coupe or convertible body styles. The Camaro gets as many as six trim levels namely 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, 2SS, and ZL1. The base trim comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine and is priced at $25,905. It gets a basic set of features and remains a perfect entry-point for budget buyers, The next in line comes the 1LT trim which is priced at $26,700 and replaces the six-speed manual of the base trim with an 8-speed automatic with steering column-mounted paddle shifters. Then there is 2LT trim priced at $30,500 and adds a couple of creature comfort features over what you get in the base trim.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Front Three-Quarter View
Optional on the LS and LT trim is a 3.6-liter V6 engine. From 1SS trim the Camaro gets a V8 engine with 1SS trim starting at $37,000 and adding a sportier suspension setup and reverting to the manual transmission but this time it comes with a rev-match downshift feature. Then there is 2SS trim priced at $42,000 and is based on the 2LT trim with added driver-assist features and cosmetic mods. Sitting at the top is the ZL1 trim powered by a supercharged V8 engine with performance upgrades ranging from sports seats to performance-oriented suspension and exhaust.
Trims
1LS
1LT
2LT
1SS
2SS
ZL1
MSRP
$25,905
$26,700
$30,500
$37,000
$42,000
$61,500
Key features
18-inch alloy wheels
Adds or upgrades to '1LS'
Adds or upgrades to '1LT'
Adds or upgrades to '2LT'
Adds or upgrades to '2LT'
Adds or upgrades to '2SS'
Limited slip differential
Automatic transmission w/ paddle shifters
Heated and ventilated front seats
455 hp, 6.2-liter V8 engine
Auto-dimming mirror
650 hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine
Rear vision camera
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
20-inch alloy wheels
455 hp, 6.2-liter V8 engine
Recaro sports seats
Keyless ignition and entry
8-inch touchscreen w/ nine-speaker Bose sound system
Mechanical limited slip-differential
Blind-spot monitor w/ rear cross-traffic alert
Performance exhaust
7-inch touchscreen w/ six-speaker sound system
Leather upholstery
Rear spoiler
Head-up display
Adaptive sports suspension
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Sport-tuned suspension
Unique exterior trims
Power-adjustable front seats
Xenon headlights
Rear parking sensors
LED running lights
6-speed manual w/ rev-match downshift
Heated steering wheel
We Recommend
For majority buyers, the 2LT trim with a host of creature comfort features and the option of upgrading to the V6 engine will suffice. The 2LT trim demands a five grand premium over the base trim but for the extra money, you get a better cabin and comfortable seats with a premium audio setup.
Engine and Performance
9.0/10
“Chevy’s iconic small-block V-8 makes magnificent power and pulse-pounding sounds. The gutsy V-6 has its own distinctly searing soundtrack and redeems generations of ho-hum six-cylinders” – Car and Driver
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Engine and Transmission
There is a bevy of engine options available on the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. As standard, the Camaro is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Optional on the LS and LT trim is a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that puts out 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. While the 1SS and 2SS trim get a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that pushes out 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Engine
Sitting at the top of the trim level is the ZL1 trim powered by the powerful 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine that churns out 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The turbo-four comes mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox while the V8 engine gets the same manual transmission option but comes with a rev-match downshift.
Models
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
2018 Ford Mustang
2018 Dodge Challenger
2018 Nissan 370Z
MSRP
$25,905
$25,680
$27,295
$29,990
Engine
2.0-liter turbo inline-4
2.3-liter turbo inline-4
3.6-liter V6
3.7-liter V6
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed manual
8-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Power
275 hp @ 5600 rpm
310 hp @ 5500 rpm
305 hp @ 6350 rpm
332 hp @7000 rpm
Torque
295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
350 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
270 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm
In this comparison, the Nissan 370Z powered by a V6 not only commands the highest premium but is also the one with the most power-producing engine. While the Mustang and Camaro do away with a turbo-four in their respective base form and the Mustang's turbo-four puts out the best torque figures among all.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Acceleration
The 2018 Camaro powered by the turbo-four engine hits 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 14 seconds. The V6-powered Camaro manages a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and the quarter-mile comes at 12.4 seconds. The supercharged V8 reduces the timings even further with 0-60 mph coming in just 3.5 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds.
Models
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
2018 Ford Mustang
2018 Dodge Challenger
2018 Nissan 370Z
0-60 MPH (sec)
5.3
5.1
6.1
5.1
Quarter mile (sec)
14.0
13.7
14.5
13.7
Engine
2.0-liter turbo inline-4
2.3-liter turbo inline-4
3.6-liter V6
3.7-liter V6
In this comparison, the Mustang and the 370Z beat the 0-60 mph timing of the Camaro by two-tenths of a second while the Camaro was behind both the cars by three-tenths of a second in covering the quarter-mile.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Ride and Handling
Either choose the lighter turbo-four engine or the heavier V8 engine the handling of the Camaro remains athletic and engaging. The Camaro is very quick to change direction yet feels sure-footed for its size. The nimble handling is further assisted by the razor-sharp steering which feels connected and even the slightest steering change is immediately reflected on the road. That's the level of calibration of this wonderful steering setup.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Driving
The ride quality of the Camaro is another feather in its cap. While most sports cars have bone-jarring ride quality the Camaro even in the base setup offers a comfortable ride quality. Rough patches and bumpy roads are gobbled by the Camaro's standard suspension setup with ease while adding the available adaptive dampers further improves the ride quality.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Braking
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro with its standard braking setup manages to stop this 3,354 lbs heavy beast in 112 feet from 60 mph. Add the four-piston Brembo brake setup and the Camaro stops from 60-0 mph in just 102 feet.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Brakes
That said, depending on the engine you choose the brakes provided adequate feel and feedback with reassuring braking force. The pedals are also easy to modulate with soft travel.
Model
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
2018 Ford Mustang
2018 Dodge Challenger
2018 Nissan 370Z
Brake Front (in)
N/A
12.6
12.6
12.6
Brake Rear (in)
N/A
12.6
12.6
12.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3354
3542
3894
3333
60-0 MPH (ft.)
112
109
105
117
In this comparison, the heaviest Dodge Challenger took the least 105 feet to stop from 60-0 mph which when compared to the Camaro is 7 feet less.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
“While the Camaro and its domestic contemporaries are surprisingly fuel efficient, they haven’t reached the status of the Toyota Prius just yet. The Chevy’s turbo inline-four has the highest EPA estimates, and the V-6 and V-8 engines performed well in our real-world testing” – Car and Driver
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro powered by the turbo-four engine returns 20 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. Going for the same turbo-four Camaro but with the automatic gearbox bumps the gas mileage figure by 2 mpg in the city and 1 mpg on the highway. The V6 powered Camaro on the other hand will get you 16 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway while with the automatic gearbox there is an increase of 3 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
Then the V8-powered Camaro returns 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway while the same with the automatic gearbox returns 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. While the top dog Supercharged V8 powered Camaro ZL1 trim returns gas mileage of 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
Model
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
2018 Ford Mustang
2018 Dodge Challenger
2018 Nissan 370Z
MPG (city)
20
21
19
18
MPG (highway)
30
31
30
26
MPG (combined)
23
25
23
21
Fuel Capacity (gallons)
19.0
15.5
18.5
19.0
In this comparison, the Ford Mustang with a turbo-four engine betters the Camaro's figure by 1 mpg in the city and highway each and 2 mpg in mixed driving conditions. The Challenger and 370Z both are powered by a V6 as standard so they return lower gas mileage and between the two the 370Z is the least efficient one.
Interior
7.0/10
“It’s improved over the outgoing car in layout and materials quality. But it still suffers from poor outward visibility and trades function and space for style. There are also some ergonomic foibles” – Edmunds
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Seating and Comfort
The stiff rivalry in the muscle car segment has led Chevrolet to significantly up the ante against the rivals by giving a plush cabin to the Camaro. As the majority of the time, the owner will be looking at the cabin or spending time there so a well-designed interior made with quality parts is surely a crowd puller. Except for a couple of hard-to-see places the cabin of the Camaro is fitted with top-notch soft-touch plastics all around. That said, the layout of the dashboard and other controls aren't ergonomically sorted out and takes time to get used to it. While the low seating position and usual blind spot hamper the visibility thus we suggest picking the blind spot and rear cross-traffic monitor.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Dashboard
The front row seats are not only spacious but offer the best-in-class comfort. The seats are well-contoured and the bolstering is the right size to ensure you sit snug and don't slide away while taking hard corners. Moving to the rear seats the things get gloomy with dark interiors, negligible legroom and headroom, and a namesake window. We suggest unless you seat kids in the rear there is no point taking the Camaro as a four-seater. For adults, the Camaro is strictly a two-seater. While in general the seating space can be classified for 2 adults plus 2 children.
Model
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
2018 Ford Mustang
2018 Dodge Challenger
2018 Nissan 370Z
Passenger capacity
4
4
5
2
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.5/ 55.0/ 43.9
37.6/ 56.3/ 45.1
39.3/ 58.5/ 42.0
38.2/ 54.4/ 42.9
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.5/ 55.6/ 39.7
34.8/ 52.2/ 30.6
37.1/ 53.9/ 33.1
N/A
Except for the 370Z, all the sports cars offer seating for four. But take that with a pinch of salt because only the Challenger offers rear-seat space which is suited for adults. As far as the front row space is concerned the Mustang offers the best legroom among all while the Dodge Challenger comes with the best head and shoulder room among all. While the 370Z and the Camaro share an almost similar front-seat space.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Cabin
Interior Features:
Power-adjustable front seats
Available dual-zone automatic climate control
Available leather upholstery
Available heated and ventilated front seats
Available Recaro sports seats
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Infotainment System
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs on Chevrolet's MyLink system. The interface is slick and intuitive offering features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Wi-fi hotspot as standard. A six-speaker sound system takes care of the audio on the standard setup.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Infotainment
Stepping up the trim level or adding the Technology Package gets 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with MyLink and 9-speaker Bose premium sound system. While navigation is available as an optional extra on the 2018 Camaro.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Cargo Capacity
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro offers 9.1 cubic feet of trunk space which is very small for the segment. Over that the opening of the trunk is very narrow with a high loading lip thus making it cumbersome to haul in luggage.
Model
2018 Chevy Camaro
2018 Ford Mustang
2018 Dodge Challenger
2018 Nissan 370Z
Cargo Capacity (ft.3)
9.1
13.5
16.2
6.9
Only the Nissan 370Z offers a smaller trunk space compared to the Camaro otherwise both the Mustang and the Challenger offer bigger trunks with the Challenger getting 16.2 cubic feet of trunk space.
Exterior
9.0/10
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Dimensions and Weight
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro comes with no exterior design change and sports the same look it got after the redesign in 2016. The front fascia has a unique look with the headlight and the upper grille forming one complete unit while the lower part gets a bigger grille and a vertically stacked LED foglights flanking from both the side.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Front View
Come to the side and you will immediately recognize the coke bottle shape with 110.7-inches of wheelbase available between the wheels and a massive 188.3-inches of length. The rear profile of the Camaro is unmistakable with the almost rectangular brake lights and the exhaust tip poking from the rear bumper.
Model
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
2018 Ford Mustang
2018 Dodge Challenger
2018 Nissan 370Z
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3354
3542
3894
3333
Length (in)
188.3
188.5
197.9
167.5
Width (in)
74.7
75.4
75.7
72.6
Height (in)
53.1
54.3
57.5
51.8
Ground Clearance (in)
N/A
N/A
5.2
N/A
Wheelbase (in)
110.7
107.1
116.2
100.4
Dimension wise both the Mustang and the Challenger dominates this comparison with the Challenger being the longest, widest, and the tallest among all. The Challenger also has a longer wheelbase of 116.2-inches which when compared to Camaro's is longer by 5.5-inches thus making it clear why the Challenger has better rear legroom compared to the Camaro.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro Rear Three-Quarter View
Exterior Features:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED daytime running lights
Available rear spoiler
Available rear parking sensors
Available 20-inch alloy wheels
Available xenon headlights
Available LED taillights
Safety
7.5/10
Muscle cars have always been criticized for being low on safety and offering not many standard safety features. Well in the case of the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro the former is true but the safety rating of the Camaro is reassuring. The NHTSA gave a perfect score of five stars to the 2018 Camaro for overall safety ratings with a perfect score in side crash and rollover mitigation while a four out of five stars score in the front crash test.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro IIHS Crash-Test
Moving on to IIHS, it gave the 2018 Camaro the highest rating of 'Good' in four out of five parameters while the roof strength of the Camaro was rated the second-best 'Acceptable' by IIHS.
Safety features:
Rearview camera
Chevrolet’s Teen Driver technology
Available Head-up display
Available Blind-spot monitoring
Available Rear parking sensors
Available Rear cross-traffic alert
Competition
6.0/10
2018 Chevrolet Camaro vs 2018 Ford Mustang
The age-old rival to the Camaro is the Ford Mustang. Both the cars are neck-to-neck in terms of pros and cons. The Mustang EcoBoost powered by a turbo-four is a more powerful engine than the Camaro's, this engine helps it not only be quicker but also fuel-efficient compared to the Camaro's turbo-four. But step inside the cabin and you would see for an almost similar price the Camaro gets an overall better cabin and comfortable front seats when compared to the Mustang.
2018 Ford Mustang
Both the cars have namesake rear seats while the Mustang takes the edge by providing better trunk space than the Camaro. Thus between the two, we would go with the Mustang as it offers better overall practicality and track-ready options in the form of Shelby GT350 which has no rival from the Camaro stable.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro vs 2018 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is in a true sense a proper muscle car. It gets a big V6 engine with oodles of power and torque. It has a bigger footprint which also translates into better cabin space and a bigger and usable trunk. Both of which are lacking in the Camaro even though it also has a dimension that is at par with the segment.
2018 Dodge Challenger
The Camaro in its favor has a nimble handling and better overall driving dynamics compared to the Challenger but when it comes to brute power and straight-line speeds there is no match from the Camaro lineup to some Challenger model-like the SRT Hellcat. Thus for the practicality alone, we prefer the Challenger any day over the Camaro.
Final Verdict
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro is a dominating figure in the muscle car segment the reason for this is that right from the base trim you get superb handling, fuel-efficient engine, comfortable ride quality, and a well-put-together and upscale cabin. All these traits are lacking in both its direct rivals the Mustang and the Challenger. So anyone who is looking for an entry-level Camaro could go with it eyes closed. But if you are someone who can stretch his/her budget then the pricier options from the Challenger and the Mustang will entice you more than the Camaro. While going for the other two over the Camaro also has an advantage in the form of a bigger boot while if you pick the Challenger then you also get a usable rear seat. Thus the price you are ready to pay will decide whether you should go for the Camaro or not.