Buy the Mustang. That’s the short answer. Chevy’s next Camaro isn’t confirmed to exist yet. It doesn’t even have a body style locked down. It won’t hit dealer lots until at least late 2027 at the earliest. Meanwhile, the Mustang is sitting on showroom floors right now, with strong reviews and a stable lineup.
If you’re weighing whether to wait out Camaro’s return before committing to a pony car, you need to know just how uncertain that return actually is.
Is Camaro’s return actually confirmed?
Not officially. Multiple outlets citing GM insiders report the automaker has greenlit a new Camaro. But Chevrolet itself hasn’t confirmed a single detail publicly. That includes whether it will even keep the traditional two-door coupe shape.
Chevrolet discontinued the Camaro after the 2024 model year. Reporting since then has been a moving target. Earlier rumors pointed toward an all-electric crossover-style successor. But multiple reports now claim it will return in 2027 as a 2028 model. In a twist, the returning car reportedly won’t be electric at all. It’s sticking with a gas-powered drivetrain instead. Some sources even suggest it could share a platform with upcoming Cadillac and Buick sedans. That raises a real possibility: the “new Camaro” might not be a two-door muscle car in the traditional sense.
That’s a lot of “reportedly” and “could be.” It’s too much uncertainty for something you’d put your car-shopping life on hold for.
When will the new Camaro actually show up?
Even in the most optimistic reporting, production isn’t expected to start before fall 2027. The car will likely arrive as a 2028 model year vehicle. That means realistic buyer availability is probably 18 to 24 months away, minimum. First-year pricing and inventory will likely be messy too.
Compare that to the Mustang. Ford has built it continuously since the current generation launched. It has a full range of trims, established reliability data, and real inventory at dealers today.
What does a Mustang actually cost right now?
The 2026 Mustang starts in the low $30,000s for the EcoBoost four-cylinder. Prices climb sharply as you move up through V8 and track-focused trims. Here’s how the lineup breaks down:
| Trim | Approx. Starting MSRP | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| EcoBoost Fastback | $32,640–$34,635 | 2.3L turbo I4, 315 hp |
| EcoBoost Premium | $36,345–$38,340 | 2.3L turbo I4, 315 hp |
| GT | $46,560–$48,555 | 5.0L V8, 480 hp |
| GT Premium | $53,075 | 5.0L V8, 480 hp |
| Dark Horse | $63,080–$66,075 | 5.0L V8, tuned |
| Dark Horse Premium | $69,075–$71,070 | 5.0L V8, tuned |
| GTD | North of $300,000 | Supercharged 5.2L V8, 815 hp |
That’s a lot of price points to shop across. You can get a genuinely quick daily driver or a near race car. If you want the classic muscle car experience without waiting on a rumor, that spread gives you real options today.
Should you worry about the Mustang’s recall history?
Every current-generation vehicle has had some recall activity. The Mustang is no exception. We’ve covered a recall affecting roughly 149,000 Mustangs in detail. The short version: it hasn’t been serious enough to change our recommendation.
Considering the electric Mustang Mach-E instead? That’s a separate conversation. It’s had a rockier run, with four recalls in a single year. Worth knowing before you shop used.
What if you actually want an EV pony car?
If part of your interest in Camaro’s return is hoping for an electric muscle car, don’t hold your breath specifically for that from Chevy. The latest reporting leans gas, not electric, for the 2028 model. If an electric performance vehicle is really your priority, it makes more sense to evaluate what’s actually available now. Use our EV decision framework rather than banking on a rumor that keeps changing direction.
So, buy now or wait?
Buy now if you want a pony car in your driveway this year. The Mustang is proven and widely available. It covers a huge range of budgets and performance levels. Waiting on Camaro’s return means betting on a vehicle that might not even keep the shape enthusiasts are picturing. It won’t arrive sooner than late 2027, and first-year pricing and availability headaches are almost guaranteed.
The only reason to wait is loyalty to the Camaro nameplate specifically. Everyone else should just buy the Mustang.
FAQ
Is the new Camaro definitely coming back?
It’s not officially confirmed by Chevrolet. But multiple credible reports say GM has approved a returning Camaro for around the 2027-2028 model year.
Will the new Camaro be electric?
The most recent reporting suggests the returning Camaro will use a gas-powered drivetrain. That reverses earlier rumors of an EV-only Camaro.
Will the new Camaro even be a two-door coupe?
That’s genuinely unclear. Some reports suggest it could share a platform with upcoming Cadillac and Buick sedans. That means the next Camaro might not be a traditional two-door at all.
Is the Mustang a good buy while I wait to see what Chevy does?
Yes. The current Mustang lineup is mature and well-reviewed. It’s available across a wide price range right now, with no need to guess about specs, pricing, or timing.