No one expects the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette to be a bargain. However, with its extreme performance, this sports car provides excellent value. But is it still a good value when fully loaded with extras? Let’s take a look at the range-topping 2022 Chevy Corvette, which trim level is the best, and whether you’d be better off upgrading to, say, an entry-level Ferrari.

How much does a fully loaded 2022 Chevy Corvette cost?

Buyers looking for a fully loaded 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray should plan to shell out $113,305. The convertible 3LT trim has the highest starting price: $81,145. The new Amplify Orange Tintcoat or the Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat paint color costs an additional $995, according to DriveTribe. Stripes and decals add $500 to $995, depending on the selection.

Several of the options now have higher prices for the 2022 model. For example, the Z51 Performance Package has increased from $4,995 to $6,345. Selecting all five available packages brings the purchase price to $94,595. That provides the IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Edition, Z51 Performance Package, Stingray R Appearance Package, Contoured Liner Protection Package, and Roadside Safety Package.

You can also add exterior features to your mid-engine ‘Vette, including a carbon fiber grille insert ($2,125) and outside mirror covers ($1,285). Carbon fiber can be added as interior trim too ($1,500). For $1,495, you get two leather travel bags with the Corvette’s crossed-flags logo on them. And for $5,000, you can reserve the VIN for your ‘Vette as a way to personalize it, Chevrolet explains. All Stingray trims come with the same engine — a 6.2-liter V8, generating 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque — U.S. News reports.

So, should you get a range-topping ‘Vette or an entry-level Ferrari?

If you have a six-figure car-buying budget, you might wonder whether to skip the 2022 Chevy Corvette and buy an entry-level supercar like the Ferrari Portofino instead. The 2021 Portofino starts at $215,000, but its engine (located in the front) produces 591 hp, The Drive reports. Like the 2022 Corvette, the Portofino has a dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission. However, the Portofino sports an extra touchscreen for the passenger, while the Corvette has only the standard one touchscreen.

The Portofino also provides a longer list of advanced safety features. It comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, predictive emergency braking, lane departure warning, a 3D camera display, rear collision sensors, and speed limit recognition. The top-trim Corvette has blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a rear camera mirror, a forward-facing camera, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display.

Though the entry-level Portofino comes with more features than the fully loaded Corvette, the Ferrari also costs nearly twice the price.

Which 2022 Chevy Corvette trim level should you buy?

The 2022 Chevy Corvette Stingray comes in two configurations and three trim levels, so there are options for buyers looking to pay less than the max. The coupe costs less than the convertible, and both body styles come in the three trims of 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. The coupe’s trims start at $62,195, $69,495, and $74,145. The convertible’s three trims start at $69,695, $76,459, and $81,145.

The coupe has a removable roof panel for open-top driving, so buyers can opt to save the extra cost of the convertible. All trims of the 2022 Chevy Corvette have supercar-like performance, but going with the 2LT coupe brings a few practical upgrades over the standard 1LT, including blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, plus heated and ventilated seats.

With those additions, the 2LT coupe offers an ideal balance of affordability and features.