You have several options when it comes to the 2021 Chevy Corvette Stingray. With three trim levels and two body types, you’ll have some decisions to make if you’re thinking of buying this iconic sports car. After all, it has a long history and practically a cult following.

However, for the 2021 model, can one trim level justify a price increase of $7,000? Let’s take a look at your choices. 

The 2021 Chevy Corvette 1LT

The 2021 Chevy Corvette Stingray comes in three trim levels: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. You can also get a coupe or a convertible. Each trim comes with a ton of standard features. But with higher trims, you get more features at a higher price. 

According to Chevrolet, the base-model 1LT starts at $59,995. As with all Stingray trims, the 1LT comes with a 6.2-liter V8 direct-injection engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Opt for either a coupe or convertible. The convertible is the more expensive body style. As usual with this mid-engine sports car, it packs plenty of horsepower with up to 490 hp, along with great traction. 

It also boasts impressive tech features. They include integrated apps, rear park assist, a theft-deterrent system, and vehicle health management. The base model even includes a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

The Chevy Corvette 1LT gets decent fuel economy and a relatively large 18.5-gallon fuel tank. Its EPA-estimated gas mileage is 15/27/19 mpg city/highway. 

The Chevy Corvette 2LT 

With the second Stingray trim, the MSRP jumps to $67,295. That’s more than $7,000 over the base model.

Again, you can choose between two body types: coupe or convertible. According to U.S. News, the 2LT, along with the other two trims, is a great option for not only a sports car but also a daily commuter.

This trim comes with many of the base model’s features, plus a plethora of others. There are also heated and power-folding side-view mirrors, cargo nets, and a premium infotainment system with built-in navigation. Also, expect a 14-speaker Bose sound system, a heated steering wheel, an inclination sensor, a memory driver’s seat, driver and passenger lumbar control, blind-spot alerts, wireless charging, HD front and rear vision cameras, a head-up display, and more. You get a ton more standard features over the entry-level trim. The 2LT also allows for optional add-ons for an extra charge.

The Corvette 3LT

Though we’re comparing the 1LT and 2LT in this article, let’s give you a few details about the top-trim 3LT. Here’s where things get significantly more expensive. The top-trim Chevy Corvette 3LT starts at $71,945. Again, you can choose between a coupe or convertible. This model has all the features of the first two trims and many more.

The 3LT offers more refinement, such as a custom leather-wrapped interior package, GT2 bucket seats, leather seating surfaces, sueded microfiber-wrapped steering wheel, and sueded microfiber-wrapped upper interior package. This trim allows you to really show off this luxury sports car, inside and out. 

Is the $7,000 price increase worth it?

It really depends on what you’re looking for in your Corvette. If an enhanced and more refined interior is important to you, the extra $7,000 for the mid-level 2LT trim is a good compromise over the most expensive trim.

However, if you’re looking for power and drivability without every bell and whistle imaginable, the 1LT is a solid choice. Plus, it still comes with a Bose sound system, even if it has four fewer speakers than the 2LT’s stereo. There isn’t that much of a difference as far as your experience on the road.