Pricing for vehicles is always going to be a sore spot for a lot of potential car shoppers. Worrying about things like insurance, post-purchase maintenance, upkeep, packages, and even trim configurations, are all part of the buying and ownership process. It’s easy to get lost in all of the finer prints and pricing details that can quickly run up your budget on a vehicle, even more than you may have intended. When it comes to performance sports cars, this can become especially troublesome because many drivers are sticklers for packages that really improve the overall feel of the car, such as performance bucket seats or interior materials to help make the driving experience more relaxing or comfortable. The conditions, options, and reasons are almost endless when it comes to deliberating on what you should pay and why, and doubly so if you’re considering getting a popular vehicle like the 2022 Chevy Corvette.
The 2022 Corvette comes in three different trim formats with convertible and coupe options. The optional upgrades, performance enhancements, and additional accessories can all rapidly change how you feel about the car, and how much you’ll end up paying for it. Fully equipped, this car can run much higher than its $62,195 MSRP – but how much do you need to pay to get everything you want?
How Much Does Each Trim Cost?
Trim variation for the 2022 Corvette will vary in price given the inherent features with each trim. The base 1LT in a coupe format nets you the base entry price of a 2022 Corvette. The 2LT can raise the price by approximately $7,000, and the 3LT will push the price up by nearly another $5,000. Now, if you’re already willing to spend over $60,000 on a brand new Corvette, the price of the 3LT probably doesn’t seem like that much of a stretch over the 1LT base price.
The different trims are going to determine what you want out of the Corvette in terms of options. Now the good part is that all three trims are open and available for a number of different features, but some of the features are trim-specific and aren’t even available as options. A good example is the Bose Performance Series 14-speaker setup. This is only available for the 2LT and 3LT, and it’s not even available as an option for the 1LT. If surround sound is a big deal to you, then it could be a deal-breaker sticking with the 1LT instead of going with a 2LT or 3LT.
There are also differences in what you get with the infotainment system. The 1LT comes with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System, whereas the 2LT and 3LT are equipped with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium System that comes with a built-in navigation suite. Now the good part is that all trims feature 8-inch HD digital color touchscreens with Bluetooth wireless support and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Essentially as far as standard functionality is concerned, you’re not missing out no matter which trim you go with.
There are also a number of appearance, aesthetic, and interior comfort options that are only available for the 2LT and 3LT. Again, if you wanted the extras, then they’re definitely available for the upper trims, but if you were thinking about being budget conscious and only had enough to afford the 1LT, then it’s definitely worth it to own a 2022 Corvette. But obviously, if you want certain key upgrades and available options, you’re going to need to consider the 2LT or 3LT.
Is a Coupe or Convertible More Cost-Effective?
This probably seems like a no-brainer for a lot of people. Obviously, the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trims for the 2022 Chevy Corvette are available in coupe or convertible format, and the convertible options are more expensive. How much more expensive? Well, generally, you’re looking at a price hike of $7,500 for the 1LT convertible and a $7,000 price hike for the 2LT and 3LT convertibles. What’s interesting is that you pay more for a 1LT convertible compared to the 2LT and 3LT.
Even though it might seem like just going the coupe route is the cheaper way to getting the best 2022 Corvette money can buy, if you actually consider that, you get a $500 discount on the 2LT and 3LT convertibles, you have to consider a few other things. For one, you get more available and standard features with the 2LT and 3LT, so you would be paying more for less with a 1LT convertible as opposed to a 2LT or 3LT, just looking at it from an available features point of view.
The other thing to consider is that while some people might think a convertible is completely extraneous, location plays a huge factor in whether driving with the top down is something you find to be desirable. If you’re planning on driving along coastal roads or where the summers offer great opportunities to let the wind blow through your hair, it makes the convertible option seem extremely attractive and well worth the purchase. If you go with a convertible and have an opportunity to make use of it where you live, then it could be worth the extra investment.
Should I Purchase Some of the Available Options?
All three trims offer you plenty of performance options, such as a performance exhaust or Magnetic Selective Ride Control that provides electronically sensitive suspension dampening based on road and driving conditions. You can also get the Z51 package, which adds performance suspension, axles, Brembo anti-lock brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential for around $6,000.
That’s the most expensive package for each trim, while some of the other packages include the Roadside Safety Package that contains basic things like a first aid and highway safety kit or a Contoured Liner Protection Package to shield the interior from stains. Other packages include the Stingray R Appearance package and an Engine Appearance Package that contains carbon fiber panels and LED lighting on engine components.
There are also eight base colors, which won’t cost you anything extra if you select from any single one of them. However, if you want any of the four premium colors, you will have to pay anywhere between $500 and $1,000. Want the racing stripes? Another $500 or $1,000.
This goes back to what you’re willing to spend based on what you’re willing to get out of the 2022 Corvette. Want the racing stripes, the top-down convertible, and the Z51 Performance Package? Well, you’re looking at approximately $15,000 on top of the base cost of the respective trim. Even still, if you go in knowing exactly what you want, the top-end costs aren’t going to be much of a problem if that’s what you’ve already budgeted to spend on a 2022 Chevy Corvette.
Keep the Goal in Mind
The one thing to keep in mind is what exactly do you want the Corvette for? Just for speed? Just for aesthetic purposes? Just to own a ‘Vette? If you want a robust, high-performance roadster, you can go with the 1LT and not spend a penny more to get the most out of the experience. However, if you want a Corvette with a specific look and a certain kind of exterior bravado, then you might consider the appearance packages and upgraded color options, so be prepared to spend several thousand more. If you want a more luxurious interior experience with the added available options to customize your Corvette further, the 2LT or 3LT trims are the better way to go if you’re willing to spend that amount.
