In a world where V8’s days are numbered, the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS is a future collectible.
You probably heard the news. Internal combustion engines are losing the battle against electric platforms. If I have to be fair, as an enthusiast, electric cars are superior as a daily driver. They are silent, they offer tons of torque instantly, and most importantly, they cost much less to operate in the long term. However, there is one thing that electric cars can’t compete with. It is the character that turns driving into a memorable experience, especially with a V8 engine.
The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS might not be the newest kid on the block, but it offers the most authentic V8 experience. At the end of the day, General Motors is known for its short blocks and there is a good reason for that. Of course, Camaro is also a victim of downsizing as it also comes with a 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder engine, but the V8 is what makes a pony car, a pony car.
The current generation Camaro was introduced in 2015 as a 2016 model year and has been updated a few times since then. The front fascia has minimal changes but mainly looks the same. The blue color is definitely a head-turner, and if you get the 1LE package, it comes with a black hood, mirrors, and wheels. Despite the age of its platform, I think it still looks modern, sporty, and mean.
As you expect from a muscle car, it has some traditional design elements with modern vibes. The most significant design feature is the 2-piece taillight design, quad exhaust tips, wide quarter panels, and a very low roofline. 1LE package does not change many things in the back, it comes with a rear spoiler and a different rear diffuser.
The interior is a true definition of a hate or love relationship. It is a great interior if you don’t care about your surroundings. The visibility is one of the worst in modern car history mainly due to the very high window line and very low roofline, but thankfully it comes with a blind spot monitoring system. The Camaro’s interior is quirky, but least livable pony car, especially as a daily driver.
On the positive side, this is a great interior as a performance vehicle. The seating position is spot on, the shift is located right where it should be, the steering wheel can be adjusted precisely for spirited driving, and you can actually wear a helmet for track days even though the roofline is quite low. There are physical buttons for essential features, but the infotainment system is already very responsive and easy to use. The rearview camera has a great resolution even in low-light situations.
The overall interior quality, fit and finish are acceptable, but you don’t find the same luxury you would find in an Escalade. There are minimal soft-touch plastics and leather used in the interior, they are located mainly where you touch every day. However, Chevrolet did a great job using the right materials so it really doesn’t look cheap. Although you will not be able to find a lot of storage areas, it still comes with two cupholders in the center console, a small glovebox, and an armrest storage space for your wallet or a small smartphone.
The front seats offer a good balance of comfort and sportiness. 1LE package comes with sportier Recaro seats which offer extra side bolstering, and it is a must if you are planning to take it to an autocross or track event. They can be adjusted manually, and you have a decent amount of legroom for the driver and passenger. At 6’1″, I had no problem with the seats or the interior space even on a long trip.
Like the other muscle cars and coupes, the Camaro comes with a 2+2 seating layout, but it really doesn’t add up to four. The rear seats have very limited headroom and legroom even for smaller adults, it is significantly smaller than other entries in this segment. However, it’s still great to have rear seats in a performance-oriented vehicle especially if you are coming from a 2-seater, you will feel this is actually a practical sports coupe within its limits.
Let’s talk about what makes a muscle car special, it’s the drivetrain. Of course, Camaro SS comes with a pushrod 16-valve naturally aspirated V8 engine that puts out 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Although it is naturally aspirated, it is a huge 6162cc engine, therefore you have torque at any RPM. It is just not a high-revving engine as you would expect from a muscle car, mainly because of the pushrod engine. It is a proven platform, known for its reliability and durability.
Our tester had the manual transmission which is definitely more fun than the automatic, but we had a chance to review the automatic version a few years ago, and the 10-speed automatic transmission is just as good as the manual if you don’t mind having 2 pedals. The manual transmission is still the enthusiasts’ choice, and the clutch feeling is surprisingly predictable and soft for daily driving.
The driving dynamics are where the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS really shines. The 1LE package amplifies its sporty character with a few important changes such as the Magnetic Ride Control, electronic limited-slip differential, and better tires. You will feel the difference especially if you want to take it to track. The steering weight is a little bit heavy, but it can be changed depending on the driving mode. Although the steering response and feedback are one of the best in this segment.
The chassis is extremely responsive and communicative with the driver. The Magnetic Ride Control works exceptionally well, making the ride comfortable and absolutely no body roll when you push it to the limits. The front end has tons of grip, and as you already have plenty of power and torque, thanks to the naturally aspirated 6.2L LT1 V8 engine, it is quite easy to rotate with the throttle.
Having no body roll is impressive, but on the other side, you might deal with snap oversteering at the limit. The electronic limited-slip differential helps a lot by sending the right amount of power to each wheel. 1LE package also comes with better brakes, which are a Brembo 6-piston fixed calipers painted in red, matched with 2-piece rotors. They offer a great amount of stopping power.
The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS is proof that pony cars have come a long way. While they still offer the traditional muscle car experience, they feel much more modern with the latest features. They no longer just belong to the straight lines, as they can just be as capable on twisties, or race tracks. The Camaro is the most capable pony car if you prioritize performance and fun, at the expense of daily driveability.
| Engine | 6162cc naturally aspirated V8 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 6-Speed manual & Rear-wheel-drive |
| Max power | 455 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max torque | 455 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.1 sec |
| Curb Weight | 3747 lbs – 1699 kg |
| Top Speed (est) | 165 mph – 266 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 16 MPG – 14.7 L/100 km |
