The Chevy Corvette debuted at the 1953 GM Motorama concept show and went into production later that year. Since then, sports car enthusiasts have fallen in love with the iconic American muscle car. The Corvette is now in its eighth generation, and the current body Stingray C8 comes in three trims. So which is the best 2023 Chevy Corvette trim? In this article, we’ll go over the trims and discuss which one has been named the best by critics.

The three trims of the 2023 Corvette Stingray C8

After its redesign in 2020, the C8 Corvette outperforms many high-end sports cars that cost considerably more. The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray comes in three trims, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT.

The 1LT starts at $61,900 for the coupe and $69,400 for the hard-top convertible. The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT has a starting MSRP of $69,200 for the coupe and $76,200 for the hard-top convertible. The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 3LT has a starting MSRP of  $73,850 for the coupe and $80,850 for the hard-top convertible. 

Which trim do Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Autotrader recommend?

Edmunds says that “The Corvette’s midlevel 2LT trim (or the Z06’s 2LZ trim) is the one to get for the most value. It includes the generous list of features found in the base trim and adds heated and ventilated seats, a front-view parking camera to help prevent damaging the Corvette’s nose, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning for a safer driving experience.”

Car and Driver had a similar opinion stating that “We’d instead spend the money to upgrade to the 2LT version, which adds a number of features, including a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a 14-speaker Bose stereo system, blind-spot monitoring, and much more. The Z51 performance package is also a must-have, as it brings all of the Corvette’s best performance-oriented gear.”

Autotrader had the same idea. They said “If you’re looking for performance, comfort, and technology, the Corvette Stingray 2LT is the best choice. It offers more standard equipment with more optional upgrades than the 1LT while shaving about $5,000 off the price of the 3LT.”

A detailed overview of the 2023 Chevy Corvette Stringray 

Although the engine is now located behind the passenger compartment rather than in front of it, it is still a 6.2-liter V-8 with 490 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It produces 495 horsepower when equipped with the Z51 package’s dual-mode performance exhaust.

The Z51 option package also includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential, stronger brakes, and summer tires. The only transmission option is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic (a first for a Corvette). It is handled by a center console push-button gear selector or two massive steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. There is no manual transmission. It is purported to achieve 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The Z06 is also available, although it’s not a C8. 

This year celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Corvette, and the 70th Anniversary model will be offered solely in the top-tier 3LT grade. However, it will be available in both coupe and convertible body styles. Some features are dark-finish aluminum wheels with 70th Anniversary center caps, red brake calipers, and distinctive external badging.

Choose between White Pearl Metallic or Carbon Flash Metallic paint, as well as Satin Gray or Satin Black racing stripes. The seats of the 70th Anniversary version are upholstered in leather with red stitching and microfiber trim, and a pair of special matching baggage is provided. The high-performance Z06 model is also eligible for the 70th Anniversary treatment.