Summary
The Porsche 718 Boxster is a two-seat roadster, with a sister coupé model called the 718 Cayman. Porsche refers to the current car as the fourth generation of the Boxster, but it’s really more like a mid-life update for the third-generation model.
The 718 numbering is a new addition to the current model and is drawn from an obscure racing Porsche from the 1960s that very few Boxster drivers will have ever heard of. It is part of Porsche’s (so far largely unsuccessful) attempts to garner enthusiasm for its decision to downsize the Boxster’s engine from six cylinders to four.
The Porsche 718 Boxster range, which now includes a higher-performance Spyder model, has received very positive reviews from the UK motoring media. As with previous generations of Boxster, it has been praised for its driving dynamics compared to other open-top sports cars at any price point.
The main criticism has been almost universal condemnation of the new four-cylinder engines that have replaced the six-cylinder units in previous models. A new GTS model with a 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine has addressed those misgivings, although that’s only available on top-level cars.
As of January 2024, the Porsche 718 Boxster holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 62%. It earns top marks for its media review scores, which reflect its outstanding driving dynamics. However, it doesn’t perform well when it comes to ownership data – reliability and CO2 emissions are average, while running costs are unsurprisingly expensive.
- Porsche 718 Cayman (2016 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Porsche Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Two-door convertible
Engine: petrol
Price: From £53,800 on-road
Launched: Spring 2016
Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic GTS
Score: 10 / 10
“Even faster than its manual sibling, the Boxster GTS 4.0 PDK is one of Porsche’s most usable, fun cars. It feels perfectly sized for British roads and handles superbly, and has an emotional appeal that the regular four-cylinder Boxster simply cannot match.”
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Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol manual GTS
Score: 10 / 10
“On the surface, this Boxster seems like a lot of money, but as roadsters go, the GTS 4.0 is difficult to fault. Its six-cylinder engine is the star of the show, but it’s backed up by a brilliant chassis and effortless everyday usability.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Spyder
Score: 10 / 10
“As sensational to drive as it is to look at or listen to, the new Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder is a seriously good sports car.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review718 Boxster T
Score: 9 / 10
“The Porsche 718 Boxster T taps into the vein of ability that makes the 718 such a great sports car – its handling and involvement.”
Read review
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 9 / 10
“Latest generation Porsche 718 Boxster gets four-cylinder engines that blend performance and efficiency.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Boxster Spyder
Score: 9 / 10
“The Porsche 718 Spyder is a truly special machine and evidence the brand hasn’t totally forgotten its purist roots. With its big engine, manual-only transmission and spicy handling it’s a car for drivers, its unique style and limited availability setting it apart from the 718 Boxster on which it is based.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Most roadsters are more about posing than driving, but the Porsche 718 Boxster is a consummate sports car. The latest model looks brilliant inside and out, and combines brilliant handling balance with immense grip and turbocharged performance that’s easier to access during everyday driving.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic GTS
Score: 9 / 10
“The PDK automatic gearbox doesn’t damage the ultimate driver appeal of the Porsche Boxster GTS and it makes day-to-day driving more bearable if, like most people, you deal with traffic more than you tear down back roads.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 718 Spyder
Score: 9 / 10
“New flat six rectifies most, if not quite all, of the Porsche 718 Boxster’s shortcomings”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“It remains the finest open-top sports car at its price by some distance – enough, certainly, for a sun and fun seeker to buy without a second thought.”
Read review
Score: 9 / 10
“Porsche’s drop-top sports car already had a strong driver focus, but the 718 Boxster T goes further – and is all the better for it.”
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Car
Model reviewed: T
Score: 8 / 10
“The Porsche 718 Boxster T is a lovely thing, but so is the standard Boxster for around £7k less.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman
Score: 8 / 10
“It might be the cheapest, least powerful member of the Porsche convertible family, but you really shouldn’t write it off. The 718 Boxster is still a brilliant machine to drive.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 718 Boxster S
Score: 8 / 10
“Once, the Boxster used to give you so much of the 911 Carrera Cabriolet experience at around half the price. Even with the Carrera’s switch to turbocharging, that’s no longer the case.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The latest Porsche 718 Boxster is more powerful and efficient than ever and remains one of the best cars to drive in any class.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 718 Boxster S
Score: 10 / 10
“There are seven-star hotels in Dubai. If the same rating ever applies to cars, we need to chuck this Porsche 718 Boxster in there at the front of the queue. Whatever German is for cream of the crop, it’s that.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: 718 Boxster Spyder
Score: 10 / 10
“The Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder is a rare gem of a sports car, there is nothing else like it at the price.”
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Model reviewed: GTS
Score: 8 / 10
“Sharper feel and extra power make the GTS the best Porsche 718 Boxster yet.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
“Dynamically superior to the previous Boxster, its problems lie in the engine bay.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“The once untouchable Boxster has come unstuck, swapping a naturally aspirated ‘six for a poor sounding, poorly performing turbo ‘four.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 10 / 10
“The Porsche 718 Boxster, likes its predecessor, is the best two-seater performance convertible you can buy. It may not have the same character as before, but it makes up for that with sublime handling, strong performance and everyday comfort.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Entry-level Porsche is still great to drive”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 718 Boxster S
Score: 8 / 10
“Yes, it’s faster. Yes, it does more miles-per-gallon. And yes, it produces less CO2 yet more horsepower. But it isn’t as much fun.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol manual GTS
Score: 10 / 10
“While the 718 Cayman coupé is clearly the driver’s choice of the two, there is not much lost despite the loss of a roof in the Boxster. The set-up is supple and very street biased, yet you can drive this car hard on a track and for as long as the tyres last it’s faithful, fast and fastidiously mannered.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 9 / 10
“The Porsche 718 Boxster has the balance, grip, speed and desirability to make it one of the greatest sports cars on sale, but its new engines are hard to love.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: 718 Spyder
Score: 8 / 10
“Beautiful up top, focused below. Not quite as unique as it once was, but still a glorious item.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“No sports car handles as well or is packaged so expertly.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“In GTS trim with its glorious 4.0-litre flat-six engine, the Porsche 718 Boxster is sensational to drive and beautifully built – it’s one of the best open-top sports cars on sale. However, the four-cylinder versions aren’t as pleasing.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of January 2024, the Porsche 718 Boxster has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2024, the Porsche 718 Boxster has not been lab tested by Green NCAP
Given that the Boxster is a high-performance, petrol-engined sports car that prioritises performance over economy, it’s unlikely to win any environmental awards…
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 28
Average repair cost: £793.52
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Porsche 718 Boxster has a reliability score that’s a little below average, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This score applies to the current 718 generation (2016 onwards), as well as previous generations.
The majority of all reported problems with the Boxster relate to its engine – with an average repair bill of about £1,300 – and suspension. The other area to look out for is the suspension, although the average bills for these are fairly low. Gearbox problems are rare but they are expensive, with an average repair bill of nearly £1,500.
If you own a Porsche 718 Boxster or if you’re interested in buying a used Boxster, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Porsche 718 Boxster has received
2017
- World Car Awards – World Performance Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Porsche 718 Boxster, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alpine A110 | Audi TT | BMW Z4 | Jaguar F-Type | Lotus Emira | Mercedes-Benz SLC | Porsche 718 Cayman | Toyota GR86
More information
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