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1LT, 2LT, 3LT: Explaining The Difference Between C8 Corvette Trim Levels

The Chevy C8 Corvette Stingray is available as either a Coupe or a Convertible body styles. Each of those is available in three trim levels called 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. The decision about which body style to choose is not difficult – one prefers either a solid roof (with a manually-removable top) or the opportunity to feel the wind in one’s hair with the touch of a button. There isn’t much more to be said about that.

However, picking a trim level of the 2020-2021 Corvette requires more consideration.

RPO Code 1LT 2LT 3LT
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus IOS S - -
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium IOT A S S
Wireless phone charging K4C - S S
Bose 10-speaker audio system UQS S - -
Bose Performance Series 14-speaker audio system UQH - S S
Head-up Display UV6 - S S
Performance data and video recorder UQT A S S
HD Rear Vision Camera UVB S - -
HD Front and Rear Vision Cameras UVA - S S
Rear Camera Mirror DRZ -/S1 A/S1 A/S1
Universal Home Remote UG1 - S S
GT1 bucket seats AQ9 S S -
GT2 bucket seats AH2 - A S
Two-tone GT2 bucket seats TU7 - A A
Competition Sport bucket seats AE4 A A A
Heated and vented seats KQV - S S
Seat power lumbar control AL9/AT9 - S S
Seat power bolster control AHE/AHH - S S
Heated steering wheel KI3 - S S
Sueded microfiber-wrapped steering wheel N26 A A A
Memory Driver and Passenger Convenience Package AQA - S S
Manual-folding outside mirrors DWK S - -
Power-folding outside mirrors DYX - S S
Cargo net set, LPO W2D A - -
Two cargo nets AP9 - S S
Carbon-fiber cluster-surround and console/door switch plates FA5 - A A
Custom Leather Wrapped Interior Package - - S
Sueded Microfiber-Wrapped Upper Interior Trim Package IWE - - S
Custom Interior Trim and Seat Combination R6X - - A
Adrenaline Red custom leather stitch 38S - - A
Yellow custom leather stitch 36S - - A
Theft-deterrent system and sensor UTJ/UTU/UTV - S S
Rear Cross Traffic Alert UFG - S S
Side Blind Zone Alert UFT - S S
Front lift adjustable height with memory E60 - A A
  • S = Standard
  • A = Available
  • 1 = Standard on Convertible only

The table above shows any unique features available either as standard or as an option on the three C8 Corvette trim levels. Any equipment that’s standard or optional across the board is not included because that’s not what we’re here to discuss.

Mechanically, every C8 Corvette Stingray on sale as of this writing is the same as any other. All of them have the same mid-mounted, naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 engine which produces 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque in standard form, or 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque with the optional performance exhaust. This engine drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission supplied by Tremec.

For anyone who wants a Corvette for its looks, sound, performance, handling or any combination of these four, the 1LT is the obvious choice. The 2021 model is priced to start at $61,990 for the Coupe, including the $1,095 destination charge. That’s way less than the MSRPs of the 2LT ($68,295) or the 3LT ($72,945), neither of which is any better looking, sweeter sounding, faster or more capable through the bends than the 1LT.

2021 C8 Corvette Stingray Starting Prices
Coupe Convertible
1LT 60,995 $68,495
2LT $68,295 $75,295
3LT $$72,945 $79,945

However, these are not the only criteria. Chevrolet sold 20,368 units of the 2020 Corvette, and only 2,946 were of the 1LT trim level. Clearly, most buyers want more than the base model can provide.

The 2LT and 3LT versions of the Corvette might not be superior performance cars, but they are – or can be – much better equipped. Both feature a better sound system, more advanced safety features and a wider choice of seats than the 1LT. The 3LT goes still further, with more interior customization options than any other vehicle in the range.

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David has been writing about motoring and motorsport since he was 13 and racing since he was 19. He is British, and therefore apologizes for taking up too much of your time.

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Comments

  1. 3LT it is!

    Reply
    1. 1 2 and 3 Very confusing

      Reply
  2. I am within days (after 18 months) of placing my order for a C8. The above break down of the packages with price has been the most clear break down I have seen.
    Thank you

    Reply
  3. The list did not include the Z51 option which I have on my 2020 HTC. Offers a tighter handling that I am used to.

    Reply
    1. The list included only options which are available with one or two of the trim levels. The Z51 package is available with all three.

      Reply
      1. Ivan – they literally spelled it out for you. The list includes features unique to each trim level. z51 is available across the board so it makes no difference what trim level you get because you can still get Z51.

        Reply
  4. 1LT, lighter, less complicated, and performs as well as the others. Oh I forgot to mention, more affordable.

    Reply
  5. Typical GM: No homelink on a base model $60k vehicle. How many buyers plan to leave their vettes outside? SMH.

    Reply
    1. If you care about these things, then you should already know that you should never buy base. Base is literally that: basic. If you opt for basic, you can do the other basic thing of bringing your garage door opener with you into the car and use it to open your garage.

      Want more advanced features? Don’t get base and don’t be basic. It’s literally that simple.

      Reply
      1. So tell me Kate, When your racing do you need your door opener…. If I could of got mine without radio, Air conditioning, even power steering I’ve been racing for 40+ years and have never started with anything more then base. It is what you do with it afterwards

        Reply
  6. Who paid base ??? Nobody I know, dealer screwed them all with huge over sticker pricing.

    Reply
    1. I paid MSRP + $495. And Macmulkin in Nashua NH will deliver across the US

      Reply
  7. I paid base price plus approx. $30K in options I wanted….no additional dealer fees. Love the car, loved the museum delivery!

    Reply
  8. All dealers sell for base. However if they bought one from an individual, they could charge whatever they want to.
    Also, if you buy a 1LT, the resale will be tough as most want the items that are standard on 2LT and 3LT.

    Reply
    1. After waiting 14 months at local dealer with few allocations . I have gone to a volume dealer further away! I am 359 on their list. Does this suck or what?

      Reply
      1. buy something else, better cars out there if your willing to pay the over sticker pricing from the greedy dealers, than buy a better car. I love corvettes , I have had 35 of them but will never pay over sticker from these dealers. I have had Ferrari’s and others. These are nothing more than statement cars. Not practical just toys. Stop making these guys rich. Corvette is GM’s highest profit car. Most of these are being purchased by first time buyers of Corvettes.

        Reply
    2. Yep. I wouldn’t even consider a 1LT, new or used.

      Reply
  9. They left out the “nose lift” which was only available if you bought the 2 LT package even though it was not part of it
    At least that was the way GM had it when I got my 20 20
    C8, I also recommend to any one if you are not going to track the car don’t get the Z 51 package it rides very hard
    The tires are summer only and they cost a fortune

    Reply
    1. I disagree with you on the Z51 ride being hard. I am not going to track my 2021 Z51 HTC. I did not like the idea of not driving with the summer only tires in Indiana if it is below 40 degrees. I bought a set of all weather tires and new rims (I didn’t want my CF rims damaged changing tires) the summer only tires have much less road noise and better grip. I will change back to summer tires soon! Enjoy the ride!

      Reply
      1. I agree with Mike and I spent an hour on track with a C8 Z51, the Corvette designers nailed it, I would not get it if it’s not a Z51 or stiffer; mag ride is awesome, wish my 08 Z51 had it

        Reply
    2. I had the optional Z51 suspension pkg on my 84 C4 and it was the worst riding vehicle I have ever owned. I got rid of it within 4 months, as it was not suitable as a daily driver; track use only.

      Reply
  10. Waiting for a 2022 1lt to order

    Reply
    1. Put in your order now to get a 2022.. the wait is very long.

      Reply
  11. Love my 1LT. I was only worried I would miss the heated seats, but the cabin air flow is so well managed in the HTC that there is no need. I was comfortable with roof down just above freezing temperatures. Either way you can’t go wrong, except if you skip the sport exhaust. Go for either the Z51 package or add the sport exhaust but it sounds amazing.

    Reply
  12. I thought the rear camera mirror was standard on the 2LT & 3LT trims? The list here says it’s available on the 2LT & 3LT trims and standard on the convertible?

    Reply
  13. I have placed a deposit for dealer allocation on a 2022 Coupe going to go with 2LT with Z51 package in Elkhart Lake Blue with two-tone black and red color override and a few other options, will have to wait patiently now. Not easy to do. ;o)

    Reply
    1. I found a 2021 2LT with Z51 package but the dealer wanted $15k Market Premium for the car. I’ve decided to order one, stay patient, and hang on to my 1994 Supra Twin Turbo!

      Reply
      1. Yes, agreed. And I would argue that the premium, in general is even more than that now, up to 40%. I don’t need a car that badly. Wasn’t one of the reasons this car got so much attention was the price/value? FOMO has captured many a buyer who doesn’t want to wait the 12-18 months for a delivery.

        If you buy a used one at a premium, it will depreciate faster than it can drive as soon as production catches up and other options become available …. I’ve decided against being the next sucker!

        Reply
  14. I realize production of 2022 has been difficult due to co-vid. Not a reason to over charge! Delivery time makes NEW models almost left-overs. Onscreen selection process of C8 makes me think any color INterior is available with any EXterior. Not likely. Could not find Interior color to go with Caffeine exterior

    Reply
  15. Does gm offer a two tone black/accelerate yellow interior option? Placed order for 2023 conv

    Reply
  16. Why are only summer tired available on Z51. Half of US need all season so make it an option or not safely driveable 4-6 months per year

    Reply
  17. US folks
    guess you are in much better position than we in europe . I orderd a C8 last summer and did not get any Info 7 Response when it wiill be delivered – absolut no communcation ! Unfortunately i sold my red Horse from Maranello too early – Today i would not sell it anymore ! Actual Dealer add up to 30 000€ on a C8 which is available . I hope nobody will decide to buy and support this politic . TOOO much of this BLACK SHEEP Dealer in Germany

    Reply
  18. For all you people tired of Paying over sticker or waiting at dealerships with minimal allocations. Try Macmulkin in NH
    on time and honest

    Reply
  19. On a 2021 LT2R what is the R package

    Reply

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