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Almost Half Of 2020 Corvette Buyers Chose The 3LT Trim Level

Just about half of all 2020 Corvette buyers opted for the content-rich 3LT trim level for the mid-engine sports car.

The National Corvette Museum recently published the full production numbers for the 2020 model year Corvette, breaking down the numbers by color, trim level and other sub-categories. According to the museum’s data, of the 20,368 Corvettes that were built for the 2020 model year, 9,456 were ordered with the range-topping 3LT trim level. The mid-range 2LT trim level was the next most common at 7,966 units, followed by the 1LT at 2,946 units.

2020 Corvette Sales By Trim Level
Trim Level Coupe Sales Coupe % Convertible Sales Convertible % Total Sales Total %
1LT 2,663 15.9% 283 7.9% 2,946 14.5%
2LT 6,685 39.8% 1,281 35.8% 7,966 39.1%
3LT 7,439 44.3% 2,017 56.3% 9,456 46.4%
Total 16,787 100.0% 3,581 100.0% 20,368 100.0%

The 1LT trim level is the cheapest available on the 2020 Corvette, starting from $59,995. Standard equipment on 1LT trim level includes eight-way GT1 seats, dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, an eight-inch diagonal touchscreen, a 12-inch driver information cluster and keyless entry with push-button start, among more. Moving up to the 2LT trim level brings more standard equipment to the vehicle, including head-up display, power lumbar adjustments, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation and a Performance Data Recorder. Prices for the 2LT trim started at $67,295.

Finally, there’s the ever-popular 3LT trim level, priced from $71,945. All 2020 Corvette models delivered with this trim package came with the content listed above, plus GT2 sport bucket seats with carbon fiber trim, a custom leather-wrapped interior, suede-wrapped upper interior trim and leather-wrapped lower doors.

The low $59,995 entry price for the 2020 Corvette generated some positive press for Chevy when first announced. Fans and the media alike praised the automaker for being able to radically re-engineer the Corvette while still keeping its attractive price tag intact, and for good reason. Despite this, it seems the feature-heavy 3LT trim level was much more popular than the affordable 1LT. This isn’t very surprising, however, as a car like a Corvette is a bit of frivolous purchase to begin with, so many buyers either aren’t overly concerned with how much the vehicle will cost, or are simply willing to splurge for the better trim level.

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Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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Comments

  1. With the Corvette prices even in the full package you are significantly under the price of most other cars in the class.

    Also in the base car you will lack even some key survival gear like the lifting nose. Trust me I have a car now that I have to watch the nose on. A lifting nose would of great value. Same for a buddy who has a viper that needs boards put down just to make it into his driveway.

    I think if you look the last couple gens have sold pretty much loaded up on trim just the model is the difference in price. You get it loaded but choose a stingray, GS, ,ZO6 or ZR1 for what you spend.

    As for the base price. No one really is looking for a Base Vette but the price has to start some place. The lower it is the better the delivered price will be with options. Everyone adds $20-$25k to the price of the model they want.

    Reply
  2. I did a Build and Price on the Chevrolet web site. I chose the 3LT because of the interior color options, convertible, and it topped off at $83K with S&H. Add sales tax and it’s just over $88K plus all the BS fees the dealer will try to add. Is it worth it? When you stand next to one, YES.

    Reply
    1. I believe almost all C8s were built out by individuals. People chose what was important to them. You can’t fault someone else’s selections. The car is a marvel. (2LT CONVERTIBLE)

      Reply
    2. GeorgeS, My build order for a 2021 HTC is 3LT non-Z51 but loaded otherwise, final cost is $87510 msrp, out the door after taxes and doc fee’s will be +- $ 95K, I agree it is WORTH it.
      At 3000 build status now, maybe by March 2021 in my drive way.

      Reply
  3. Still a deal at any level…

    Reply
  4. I just wanted a sports car so got a 1 LT with Z51 and FE4 and opted for radio delete but it wasn’t available.
    I didn’t think I would ever use the electric back scratcher or foot warmer so didn’t order them either.

    Reply
  5. I suspect they cherry picked to build the 3LT orders first to get the hype going. I highly doubt they built the orders first in first out. Passed my first anniversary of my 11/19 payment to secure a slot, waiting on a 2LT convertible at $91.8k build. I live in a cold climate but heated seats and steering wheel are pretty stupid options to have on the car that can’t clear a snowbank LOL.

    Reply
    1. We love having the top down and the heated seats on during an evening drive. We won’t be doing any snow plowing, but there’s a lot of time between summer and snowflakes. (2LT HTC)

      Reply
      1. Barry-
        How far N do you live, lol! I’m in Fargo, ND.
        I couldn’t IMAGINE not having heated seats & steering-wheel!!!! The gorgeous Spring & Fall days/evenings can be chilly!
        Who buys a ‘Vette & even THINKS about gas-mileage?! I sure as hell don’t. Sorry if I sound like a jerk, but I could give a rat’s-a** about mileage.

        Faron

        Reply
        1. I tried the heated stuff and didn’t really care for it but I do know of a couple Corvette owners that love the heat on their prostate and the soothing effect on arthritis in their hands. So I guess it definitely has value for a lot of Corvette owners.

          Reply
        2. WI – we always seem to be in the midst of some form of “polar vortex”, and it takes til late April or sometimes May rains to get all the salt off the road before I would think about bringing my car out. I am not dis-ing heated seats and steering wheel, I have them on my winter car (2013 BMW X1) and do appreciate it in the colder months when driving. BTW – Back in the 80’s on my first vette (71) I chose gas cost over engine – BIG mistake – always regretted.

          Reply
    2. The EPA gives a fuel mileage credit for having heated seats which is why automakers like to put them in on all models. If you use less heat, the car warms up faster which saves fuel and is better for the engine.

      Reply
      1. Sam, where in the world did you figure that heated seats are preferred by the EPA? If anything it uses more energy. You want the engine to warm up faster, not the interior.

        Reply
    3. Carol
      You are right . I ordered my car 3/07 /2019 and waited and waited. After calling many dealers and sales people I found out that in fact that GM need indeed build with a preference for 3LT ‘s with 2 LT’s being a second choice . If supplies for the 3LT’s and 2LT’s options were low production filled in slots with 1LT’s

      Reply
  6. The way I understand it is ALL the C8’s were “Customer Ordered”. GM Sold 40,000+ but had to cut back to just over 20,000 due to the UAW strike and COVID-19 BS time lost in actual production. I ordered a 2LT but was kind of rushed on interior color and color override. The very next day after my order went into Bowling Green I realized I should have gone with the 3LT, just the cost for GT2 seats almost covers the cost of the 3LT and GT2 seats are standard on 3LT. I could be mistaken but my cost with 2LT was only $3k less than 3LT if ordered the way I wanted. My C8 is in at the Dealership, just waiting for Dealer Prep and I “Finally” get to take it home. Just my 2 cents

    Reply
    1. C6ron, You are correct, all customer ordered C-8’s. Enjoy your new C-8 you ordered. I just went 3000 on Nov.17. Hoping for a March delivery of my 2021 3LT HTC .
      When I was doing the build, I came up with the same $3k difference between the two, so I went with the 3LT.

      Reply
      1. I also found a 3k difference and ordered the 3LT.

        Reply
      2. I wish you Luck with your new C-8 HTC 👍👍 and hoping you do not have the very long wait the a lot of us went through. I am heading into my 16 month waiting but my wait is almost over. I hope the 2021 Corvette’s start flowing a lot faster than it did in 2020. I built my C-8 on paper Sight Unseen, I had never seen the color on any other car except in photo’s and Video’s. In person it looks so much better, I can not tell you how happy I am with the way this looks. With a little luck you may take delivery in time to actually be able to enjoy it in the nice weather, I live in the NE and it is doubtful I will put many miles on it this year! Good Luck 🍀

        Reply
    2. Not true I know of three that were ordered for stock and this was at just one dealership

      Also , Just look at how many are for sale from dealerships on Autotrader , E-Bay , ETC.

      Reply
  7. With 911’s starting at 100k now, why not get the 3LT.

    Reply
    1. The 911 S is a tremendous car and so is the Corvette. They are very different cars, however. The Porsche is a driver’s car with an optional manual that can be used as an every day car without fuss. The C8 is a car that was built out in its initial configuration to be all things to all people. Here’s why it succeeded: Now old and young alike love it. There may be more complaints with the car, but there are many more thumbs up that you get with the C8 in spite of all its quirks and features. AF

      Reply
  8. If you have a need for speed and have an eye on value, look no further than Corvette. Nothing else comes close for performance bang for the buck. And made in America is a bonus.

    Reply
  9. As soon as GM puts a manual transmission in the C8 I’ll buy it.

    Reply
    1. Won’t happen. The transmission is part of the structure I was told.
      I think the next iteration will be a hybrid of some kind.

      Reply
      1. Word on the street is that the company doing the Ferrari manual conversions is working on the C8 and expect to have it done mid 2021

        Reply
      2. There has been a story that says the C8 may be the last with an engine. Next Corvette may be on the Ultium battery skate board chassis. Also, there may not be a Grand Sport. It may be replaced by an e-ray. And high end Z06 may be a hybrid.

        Reply
  10. It’s like the three bears story.

    One choice is too little performance and amenities. One choice is too much gloss and plush.

    One is just right; best of both worlds.

    Until the electric drive front becomes available …. that is.
    .

    Reply
  11. A seat is a seat, Check out the difference. I’m 6’ 4” 275 I need room, not a go cart seat. The nose lifting is great I love it. The car is a blast, and has great performance. I took mine on a short road trip and was surprised at the comfort, and ride. My previous front engine Z – 06 was a beast great car. I’m significantly more impressed all away around with the mid engine corvette. Guys and gals you could never shift gears as fast as that automatic does. Besides that all the new corvettes have a paddle shift to keep you happy. It’s an outstanding machine.

    Reply
    1. Well a seat is not a seat. You have to fit in it well if you’re going to track it at all. The DCT is the way to go. I do hope they get more techs certified for trans work, there will be much more trans work as the cars get used and tracked. The C8 will be the best vette ever.

      Reply
  12. I am an owner of a 2006 Porsche 911 S cabriolet, with 31,000 miles. I am the second owner and have had it for 14 years. I really wanted A new 911S cabriolet. However, a new one nicely equipped tops out about $155,000. I opted for a new
    C 8 HTC 2 LT, very nicely equipped for $81K.

    Reply
  13. Tiny Tim – Another way of wording your message is that since the C8 is not offered in a manual, you have chosen not to purchase one. Meantime the DCT is providing manual shifting with the paddles in the manual mode. The auto mode is amazing and amazingly fast. Perhaps you can obtain a manual in a Porsche or a Camaro. When you decide that you want the best of American muscle, feel free to order a C8. AF

    Reply
  14. I did special order a 1LT got everything ordered. White , edge red seats , edge red stitching on black, edge red calibers , edge red engine Appearance package, performance exhaust. Faster than the rest because no wing or extra. Beautiful , took it to the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona Speedway and had no less than 20 people around that car all day! Under 65 a true Unicorn.

    Reply
    1. Greg, Edge Red Seats ? a new color in seats, lol

      Reply
      1. Sorry John, I just got back . That’s right the colors match. It was worked with another Chevrolet order at the dealer. That red is so much richer for the inside and the cover of the motor with valve covers. The fans at the speedway loved it.

        Reply
        1. Greg,
          The web site for C-8’s only shows “Adrenaline Red” seats, this was for 2020’s and 2021’s for 1LT,2LT,3LT Can’t find the “Edge Red” seats. what is the code ?
          I understand the engine cover being Edge Red and as the valve covers.

          Reply
  15. Just for CF and the seat and trim. I bet mostly mainly White who did. I wouldn’t LT2 is enough plus. Not flashy..

    Reply
  16. Oh bye the way there is a white 1LT going to Auction shortly on auto evolution almost the same except the different red.

    Reply
  17. I am not happy The Chevy dealer gave me my deposit back after waiting over a year for my C8 that never came. Poor service promising me one and not coming through with it. Not sure I will buy another Chevrolet again.

    Reply
    1. Jerry, what planet are you from? No kidding aside the whole world has been affected by COVID-19 and Chevrolet and most manufactures had to shut down for months. Part of the problem is the suppliers, not everything is manufactured at GM plants, and the suppliers are also having difficult meeting demands to get there production up. If a worker gets COVID, everyone around that employee must be quarantined, therefore, production suffers. Chevrolet would have loved to make their original goal of ~40,000 C8’s builds but we all must reality.

      For Chevrolet its the first time that manufacturing has closer ties to the customers and each customer gets a production notice and progress. In your case your order could be too far out to determine a start date or maybe short on parts. The dealer has no say and they themselves are being left in the dark. As said by others who have orders in, thank you for cancelling your C8 order for that make mine come in faster. I won’t be surprised that the dealer has not cancelled the order and will use it to sell at a premium with one of the highest demand vehicle VS production in a long time.

      Reply
      1. Actually what happened is the factory shifted to making ventilators and then was hit by a strike.

        Reply
        1. The ventilators had nothing to do with BG production

          Reply
      2. Or maybe they cancelled his order bc they had some guy paying a premium to jump the line? Jus’sayin’.

        Reply
    2. This is why it’s important to order from a dealer that has a large allocation. You need to find one that has previously sold a large quantity of Corvettes.
      I ordered mine 1 day after the reveal and was already number 20 on their list. At the time they had an allocation of 40 which I was told would increase,
      I changed my order several times which you can do up to the point where the factory announces the build.
      I took delivery in September over a year later.

      Reply
  18. I waited 11 months for mine and well worth the wait

    Reply
  19. To ask we what planet i am from you are a jerk as far as i am concerned.

    Reply
  20. The key feature that I require is that I can fit comfortably and securely in the seat. I ordered Caravaggio Daytona Fat boys for my C6Z06 and love them!! I would have to see which version of the C8 seats are comfortable and can route a 6/5 point harness for track days. I agree that the interior is something people would upgrade at a reasonable price point. The Performance Data Recorder is something I would have to have in the car.

    Reply
  21. dating girl 2 years older than me

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