2022 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

If you're looking for a muscle car, they're in short supply, while a convertible muscle car is even rarer. The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is one of only two cars that fit the criteria, the other being the Ford Mustang Convertible, making them two peas in a pod versus a sea of European rivals like the Audi TT and BMW 2 Series Convertible. But unlike European rivals, Chevrolet will sell you a drop-top Camaro with three powertrain options ranging from a 275-horsepower turbo-four-pot unit to a 455-hp V8 with a V6 in between for good measure, and that's before you look at the supercharged Camaro ZL1 Convertible, a hi-po model we review separately.

Built on the tried and trusted Alpha platform, the Chevy Camaro is focused on exceptional handling and driving dynamics, with a choice between manual and automatic transmissions. But with the roof lopped off, it becomes a lifestyle-focused pony car cruiser, once in which the rest of its merits or demerits begin to matter a lot more. Fortunately, it delivers an experience-over-practicality encounter that leaves a lasting memory, even if it is now beginning to feel a little long in the tooth.

The power-operated soft top - available in black, blue, or Kalahari - suits the Camaro's exterior design and styling really well whether closed or retracted. But aside from this, the rest is familiar. LED headlights with DRLs flank a black honeycomb grille. Around back, a short decklid and a stanchion spoiler offset twin tailpipes. V8 models receive black bowtie badging and a hood vent for improved cooling, but the differences between trims are otherwise minimal. Entry-spec LT derivatives ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, while the LT1 and higher-spec models get 20-inch items in various finishes. There are numerous cosmetic customizations offered for the Camaro Cabrio including a hood stripe, Redline Edition graphics, and a Satin Black Appearance Package.

Like its hardtop counterpart, the Chevy Camaro Convertible spans an overall length of 188.3 inches with 110.7 inches making up the wheelbase. Both share a width of 74.7 inches. All other dimensions differ only slightly with the height of the hardtop coming in two-tenths taller than the convertible's 52.9 inches. Curb weight depends on the model and engine, but ranges between 3,627 pounds and 3,937 pounds, with the 2SS being the heaviest.

With three powertrain options offered, the Camaro Convertible caters to buyers that just want a stylish but not outrageous performer as well as those who love speed.

The entry-spec is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual gearbox, and rear-wheel drivetrain. The motor provides up to 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque which is plenty power for easy and even entertaining daily driving. 0-60 mph takes just 5.6 seconds. The gearbox can be swapped out for an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Not a fan of turbo power? An old-school 3.6-liter V6 musters up to 335 hp and 284 lb-ft. The V6 comes paired with the manual gearbox as standard, too, but can be had with a ten-speed automatic transmission, and shaves off three-tenths from the 60 mph sprint. For the genuine muscle-car experience, the LT1 and SS versions all come standard with a far more satisfying 6.2-liter V8 producing 455 hp and 455 lb-ft managed through the same gearbox options as the V6. 60 mph comes up in just 4.2 seconds here and a top speed of 155 mph is in the cards.

There is a slight but noticeable sacrifice in the sharpness of the Camaro's handling dynamics with the convertible soft-top, but it's still an impressively fun, engaging, and capable sports car by virtue of its Alpha platform. Its steering is precise and very communicative which, along with its powerful acceleration and stable handling, allows you to control it through corners using the throttle to balance the car and make adjustments on the fly. There is a fair amount of body roll exhibited through the bends with the lack of torsional rigidity in convertible form, which showcases that the Camaro Convertible is more of an eight-tenths cruiser than an all-out sports car.

In terms of comfort, the Camaro impresses once more, feeling more premium than a Challenger or a Mustang. You still feel dimples and surface changes from the road surface underneath you, but these bits of feedback aren't intrusive. The Chevy Camaro comes with a few driving modes including Tour which is the standard comfort mode, and Sport which simply tightens up the steering for improved control.

The most frugal Camaro Convertible is outfitted with the 2.0-liter turbo motor paired with the eight-speed auto transmission which returns EPA-recorded figures of 22/30/25 mpg in the city/highway/combined cycles. Keep the manual gearbox and you'll get 19/29/22 mpg. With the V6 engine in play and the ten-speed auto, you can expect the Camaro to return 18/29/22 mpg which drops to 16/26/20 mpg with the manual gearbox. As one would expect, the V8 is the thirstiest beast of them all which with the auto transmission achieving mileage returns of 16/26/20 mpg while the manual gets 16/24/19 mpg. The driving range varies between 361 and 475 miles in mixed driving with all models being fitted with a 19-gallon gas tank.

One of the Chevy Camaro's most severe drawbacks is its poor outward visibility which is only worsened by the fact that you're trapped in an interior brimming with second-rate materials. Retracting the roof does at least open up the space but it still doesn't do much for the excessively cramped rear seats. The front seats are comfy for the most part by virtue of their extensive power adjustability and further up the lineup, heating and ventilation.

Though there is seating for four in the Camaro Convertible, the rear seats are so tight we'd just relegate them to storage space. With just 29.9-inch of legroom behind the front seats, both the Mustang and the Challenger offer more room for rear passengers. Ingress and egress into and out of those rear seats is just as much of a nightmare.

There's 1.8 cubic feet less cargo space in the Camaro Convertible's trunk than there is in the Coupe's. The 7.3 cu.-ft. that it has is enough for any suitcases and documents you may need during the week and there'll be some space to spare for your weekly grocery run, but retract the roof, and space essentially halves. Fortunately, if you don't have anyone folded in half and stuffed into the rear seats, there'll be plenty of extra cargo space for stuff.

There isn't much in the way of in-cabin storage solutions either, unfortunately. The door pockets are narrow and not very practical, the two cupholders too small, and the glovebox really diminutive. There is also a little small-items storage cubby behind the center console for the rear passengers.

Standard features are plentiful throughout with keyless open and start, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power-operated soft-top roof, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and single-zone automatic climate control all included in the entry-spec model. There isn't much in the way of driver-assists, however, with only cruise control and a rearview camera coming standard. Moving up the trim roster sees the addition of desirable comforts and conveniences such as a head-up display, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. There's also a driver's memory system, a rearview camera mirror, spectrum cabin lighting, and illuminated sill plates. Buyers are offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and lane change alert as standard in the higher-tier models or optionally for the rest.

While the seven-inch infotainment system touchscreen in the entry-spec model is a bit small in comparison to what most new cars come with, Chevrolet's MyLink software makes the infotainment interface one of the most user-friendly setups out there. The screen can be upgraded to an eight-inch one though, and whatever the case, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are included as standard. The basic audio setup is one of Chevy's in-house systems and comprises six speakers but it can be upgraded to a seven-speaker Bose sound system. Bluetooth, a single USB port, SiriusXM radio, and LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability are all included, while a built-in navigation system and a wireless charging pad are available.

There have been no recalls for the 2022 Chevy Camaro at the time of writing but the 2021 model has three to its name. The first problem pertained seat belts which were attached using the incorrect bolts. The second issue pertained to the axle shaft which was missing a retaining ring which meant that the car could lose access to power at any time. The third recall was for the emblem on the steering wheel which would tend to separate. Fret not, as J.D. Power attributed the 2022-year Camaro with an on-par 82/100 quality and reliability rating.

Every Chevy Camaro is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain/drivetrain warranty and a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty that includes corrosion damage. Rust-through damage is covered for up to 100,000 miles or for six years.

Though the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible hasn't undergone a review for its crashworthiness. The coupe version has, however, which serves as a guideline indication for the convertible's safety standards. Though not perfect, both authorities submitted favorable reviews for the Camaro with the NHTSA giving it a full five-star rating and the IIHS a rating of Good for four of five areas with its roof strength achieving only Acceptable. Naturally, the convertible's roof is weaker.

Despite its age, the Camaro Convertible still has a lot going for it. It's a keener sports car without a roof than the Mustang is, which is perhaps a good thing since the trunk is tiny and the rear seats are not really usable for anything but extra storage. It'll never be as pure as the coupe version is, but it means that buyers can fret a little less about buying a turbo model with an automatic gearbox, which suits the boulevard cruiser persona, while those who get the brawny V8 and manual gearbox will be able to relish in the Camaro's sublime Alpha platform chassis. The downsides, in addition to the small rear seat and trunk, include cheap-feeling materials - only really an issue when you pay for an upper trim - and a dated infotainment interface. Rumors suggest Chevrolet will cull the Camaro come 2024, so we say that while you still can, you might as well enjoy the purest drop-top muscle car still on sale.

Chevrolet continues to sell the Camaro at an attractive base price, with the entry-spec 1LT model coming in at an MSRP of $32,695 including destination fees of $1,195. The 2LT has a $34,695 price tag, and the 3LT costs $38,695. That's with a 2.0T and six-speed manual. The eight-speed automatic adds $1,395 to the price, while the V6 upgrade is a $1,495 option. The optional ten-speed auto for the V6 will cost another $1,595.

In the V8 range, the LT1 costs $41,195, the 1SS $44,695, and the 2SS $49,695. The automatic again costs $1,495.

For 2022, there are once again six Camaro Convertible models to choose from: 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, LT1, 1SS, and 2SS. LT-badged models get the 2.0-liter turbo-four engine as standard with a 3.6-liter V6 optional. The three higher-tier models come equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 unit as standard. A six-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drivetrain, and limited-slip differential are standard across the board with eight- and ten-speed autos offered optionally depending on the powertrain.

Standard features with the 1LT include a power-folding soft-top roof and 18-inch alloy wheels. Within the cabin there's a seven-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio layout covering infotainment, and power-adjustable front seats, single-zone automatic climate control, and cloth seating upholstery providing comfort and convenience. Heated and ventilated front seats, leather seating upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control separate the 2LT from the 1LT.

In the 3LT there's a driver head-up display, heated exterior mirrors with an auto-dimming function on the driver's side, driver's seat memory settings, an eight-inch digital driver's display, eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a premium seven-speaker Bose sound system.

For the upshot in performance, the LT1 comes equipped with the V8 unit, a performance suspension kit, Brembo front brakes, and fancier 20-inch alloy wheels. It does, however, come without the larger, upgraded infotainment system.

The 1SS couples its Brembo front brakes with rear ones and is outfitted with Summer tires. It also gets the better infotainment system along with SiriusXM radio connectivity.

The 2SS comes with all the performance specs that the 1SS does but also with all the top-spec features the 3LT does.

While we typically say that a convertible muscle car doesn't need a big engine, the Camaro is far sharper than the Mustang Convertible. That's why we have no problem with those of you who might want the V8 with a manual gearbox. We'd spec the V8 with the auto 'box, though, and enjoy a slightly more laidback experience. If you're looking for comfort over power, a 3LT with the V6 and 10-speed auto hits the sweet spot, though.

The Chevrolet Camaro's one and only direct competitor in convertible form, the Ford Mustang Convertible, is a sales-leading alternative with more practicality, more modern infotainment, and easier day-to-day livability. The Mustang has more power from its base 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder but lacks a V6 option, and you have to jump into a GT model if you want a 5.0-liter V8. Powertrains aside - as they are relatively similar in demeanor, the Mustang isn't as sharp or focused as a performance car when the roof is lopped off. But it's more spacious, has better visibility, a larger trunk, a newer infotainment interface, and higher quality materials. If you want a sharp, dynamic open-top experience, Chevy wins, but if you want modern conveniences and comfort, at the expense of dynamics prowess, get the Ford. The two are priced similarly, so that really shouldn't sway your decision either way too much.

It may not be a pony car, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most entertaining compact sports cars in the world. It comes equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder motor with a six-speed manual gearbox for maximum engagement. It's not very powerful at all with just 181 hp on tap, but boy can you make the absolute most out of it just through the way the Miata handles. The Camaro Convertible offers a lot more power and character, even with its base engine, but you can get a whole lot more fun out of the Miata for a whole lot less money. The Miata can only seat up to two people, but it can be argued that Camaro does, too, considering how cramped its back seats are. The Camaro is a lot more spacious in general. The Chevy also has more comforts and conveniences standard and optional compared to the Miata. Both are unique in their own rights, but the Miata feels like a real sports car without a roof, not a compromised coupe. At $4,200 cheaper in base form, it also saves a chunk of change. If you want to eke out the most from your car's chassis, the Miata can't be beaten, but if you're a little more laid back, the Camaro can still put a big grin on your face.