2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT vs 2LT
For over 60 years and across seven design generations, the Chevrolet Corvette has been one of the most iconic sports cars in history, widely known as a symbol of luxury and an adventurous spirit. The seventh-generation Corvette, starting in 2014, is no different.
Even the base Stingray trim has plenty of power and features to boast while still being affordable: Car and Driver's review says "[the Stingray's] performance puts it on a level with some of the best sports cars in the world" and cites its mighty V-8 engine and sleek, finely designed chassis as why "[they] think it's one of the best cars you can buy".
The 2019 Stingray can make your sports car dreams come true—but should you go for the 1LT or 2LT trim level? As we did with 2018's Corvette Stingray, we compare and contrast the features of each so you can make the right decision for you.
Corvette Performance 2019
The 2019 Stingray's powertrain, suspension, and brakes are the same between the 1LT and 2LT, meaning both deliver the same performance. The Stingray packs the same 6.2L V8 engine found in the Grand Sport one level higher, bringing 455 hp and 460 lbs-ft. of torque, with a fuel efficiency of 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
The standard package features a 7-speed manual transmission, with the option to go for an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic. For smoother gear transition with the manual, the Active Rev Matching system detects when the driver initiates a downward shift and signals the engine controller to adjust the RPM to match the upper range for the lower gear.
The full set of Brenko® anti-lock brakes helps you maintain steering control while braking on slippery surfaces where you would otherwise skid. Like the Corvettes before it, the Stingray also sports Chevy's Active Handling system—this system automatically detects when the vehicle is not moving in the intended direction of the steering wheel, adjusting the brakes and engine torque in order to enhance your control in dangerous situations.
An even smoother ride is possible with the Magnetic Selective Ride Control™ upgrade. This system monitors the relative positioning of each wheel as you drive and can adjust the vertical suspension and roll for each as necessary. The results are enhanced handling and shock absorption across the board in various road conditions.
The Driver Mode Selector can be used to alter the specific performance of the MSRC depending on which mode is active. This upgrade is available for both trims.
2019 Corvette Exterior
The Stingray maintains the Corvette's iconic style, and both the 1LT and 2LT have room to customize the exterior. Both trims sport 19" aluminum wheels up front and 20" in the back that are equipped with summer tires; the wheels come in silver, black or chrome and are available in a handful of styles.
A suite of official Chevy accessories are available for installation, as well as a number of aesthetic modifications, including:
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Official logo center caps, bearing logos from Chevy
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Transparent roof panel, easy to install and remove to replace the standard panel—the 2LT has a carbon fiber variant
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Molded splash guards to mount behind each wheel and protect against dirt, mud and debris kicked up by the tires
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Vinyl front end cover, to protect the nose from debris
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Full-length racing stripes in one of eight colors
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Hood stinger stripe
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Various styles of rear spoilers, including mounting equipmentÂ
Chevy didn't design the Stingray just for appearance, though—the exterior has a share of innovations to get more out of your Corvette.
The aluminum frame, reinforced with carbon nanocomposite panels along the underbody, provides an outstanding power-to-weight ratio to enable the Stingray's high performance.
In low-visibility scenarios, xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights pierce through darkness and fog, and the outside mirrors can heat up to clear away ice or condensation. The 2LT's mirrors also automatically dim to reduce glare when you need to get a clear view.
2019 Corvette Interior
Much about the interior is the same between the two trims. Both feature 8-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats with perforated Mulan leather upholstery that's both eye-catching and comfortable. The interior is available in Gray, Jet Black, Kalahari, and Adrenaline Red.
The 2LT enhances the seating with a handful of standard and optional features that provide comfort and style alike:
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Heating and ventilation, with three levels of warmth and cooling selected via the climate control panel
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Optional suede microfiber inserts to make the cushions more breathable
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Optional two-tone color seats—Jet Black with Gray or Adrenaline Red inserts, or the inverse for the microfiber seating
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Adjustable lumbar and side bolster support
Other standard features common to each trim include interior reading and cargo lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, an optional cargo shade to conceal belongings in the trunk, a rear window defogger, and easy-access controls on the steering wheel.
The 2LT has a handy cargo net in the back to secure smaller items, and it's easily removable when unneeded.
Corvette Security Features
A luxury vehicle like the 2019 Corvette can leave you nervous about keeping it safe from damage and theft. Fortunately, the built-in deterrence system wards off would-be thieves, sounding the horn and flashing the turn signals when someone attempts to enter without the key fob.
A set of wheel locks comes with the Stingray, too, to protect the wheels from unwanted removal. Inside, the glovebox is secured by an electric lock that engages whenever the car is locked or in Valet Mode, keeping items safe there.
Naturally, the 2LT steps this up with additional security sensors. External inclination sensors detect movement vertically or horizontally while parked and locked, triggering an alarm response when thieves attempt to tow the vehicle or lift it with a jack. Meanwhile, internal sensors provide a second layer of protection against unauthorized entry, sounding the alarm and locking down the engine itself if a thief manages to bypass the standard deterrence system. These extra features come standard with the 2LT.
Corvette Driving Aids
Along with automatic systems like Active Handling that help maintain control in dangerous situations, various features assist you in driving by providing information without breaking your focus.
Rearview cameras activate while in reverse to guide you, but the 2LT adds a curb view camera that displays a forward view immediately in front of the vehicle while performing low-speed maneuvers as well.
Also standard in the 2LT, a heads-up display can project relevant vehicle info onto the windshield so you don't have to take your eyes off the road and read the dashboard or Driver Information Center.
The Driver Mode Selector, available in all G7 Corvettes, allows fine performance adjustments to adapt to different road conditions. It also changes what information is displayed on the dashboard based on what you need to know. The Stingray has five modes:
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Tour: The default mode for daily driving and road trips, offering comfort on a long drive
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Sport: For higher power and tighter responsiveness when you're looking for a thrill
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Track: Maximum performance and a dashboard display inspired by professional racing
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Weather: Drive confidently in rain or snow with heightened rear-wheel drive and traction control
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Eco: Active Fuel Management curbs engine power to save fuel when you're not operating at your maximum.
For diagnostics, driving evaluation or accountability in an accident, the Performance Data Recorder (PDR) can be added to either trim. This system, available since the 2014 model, mounts a 720p HD camera to the windshield header and a dedicated driver-side microphone in the cabin.
Together, these capture audio and video from the driver's perspective. Driver recordings, along with performance and telemetric data, can be replayed on the Infotainment System touch screen or saved onto an SD card and accessed in the included Cosworth Toolbox software.
The PDR has varying recording modes as well: Touring Mode gives just the audio and video, while the Sport, Performance, and Track Modes record progressively more detailed performance data from speed and g-force to track maps and lap times.
Corvette Multimedia and Infotainment Options
The Chevrolet Infotainment System comes standard with all modern Chevy models, including the 2019 Corvette Stingray. An 8" color touch-screen interface acts as the control center for the sound system, cameras, navigation and more.
You can connect to compatible smart devices with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for hands-free app access or Bluetooth® for audio and video streaming. The Chevrolet Infotainment System is also 4G hotspot capable and acts as your interface for OnStar® or Chevrolet Connected Services.
It even comes with a 3-month trial for SiriusXM® Radio! Like other Chevy models, you can upgrade the Infotainment System to include a GPS navigation system.
With AM, FM and satellite radio, as well as streaming from smart devices, you need audio that's just as good to get the most out of these features.
The 2019 Stingray 1LT packs a Bose® premium audio system with nine speakers through the cabin. This means rich, high-quality surround sound to truly enjoy your music. The 2LT one-ups this by adding an extra speaker and a subwoofer in the cargo area.
2019 Corvette Stingray 1LT vs 2LT: The Bottom Line
When considering the Corvette 1LT vs 2LT for any given trim, you can think of the 1LT as the basic option. That holds true for the 2019 Stingray, too. The fundamental performance of the Stingray doesn't change significantly between the two trims.
While the latter has some extra features and aesthetic options here and there for both the interior and exterior, the difference between 1LT and 2LT lies primarily with the technological capabilities. For rider comfort, convenience, and safety, the 2LT is a step above.
Either trim will give you an exciting, high-performance sports car to hit the road in, and both are quite affordable for such a luxury vehicle. The MSRP starts at $56,995 for the 1LT and $61,450 for the 2LT, before optional equipment and features are added.
Test Drive the 2019 Chevy Corvette Stingray in the Phoenix Area
Ultimately, the best way to pick the right model and trim for you is to go for a test drive. This way, you can get a feel for the subtle differences in a way that reading about them can't convey—as well as the simple pleasure of being behind the wheel of a Corvette.
If you're eyeing the 2019 Corvette Stingray from Chevrolet, stop by a Preferred Chevy Dealer near you to learn more and take one for a spin. All of our locations are found throughout the Phoenix Metro area and our experienced personnel is ready to help you find the car you're dreaming of.
