Name: Porsche 718 Cayman (2016 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Porsche 718 Cayman
Rating: 60.0

Summary

The Porsche Cayman first appeared in 2005, effectively as a hard-top version of the second-generation Boxster cabriolet. The current model launched in 2016, when both the Cayman coupé and Boxster convertible gained the 718 moniker recalling a 1950s Porsche sports car. More pertinently, it also switched from naturally-aspirated versions of Porsche’s signature flat-six engine to mostly turbocharged flat-four units.

Mid-engined and cheaper than other models propelled from the rear, the Cayman is sometimes derided as a “poor man’s 911.” Reviewers are generally positive about it, however, though disappointed at the emissions-led change in engines.

Four power outputs are on offer ranging from 300hp of the regular Cayman to the 420hp of the hardcore GT4 model.

This and the GTS were launched after other Cayman variants, and saw a return to six-cylinder power. “They’re expensive,” says The Telegraph, but “these are the sort of cars about which you’ll remember the driving quality long after you’ve forgotten the price.”

Testers praise the excellent handling of the Cayman, so much so that the more recently introduced lightweight T model is not considered different enough to justify its price – “the standard Cayman is such a find-handling car that 90% of drivers would never sufficiently exploit the T’s chassis to notice the extra benefits it brings,” says Auto Express.

Some reviewers point out that the interior does not include the modern touchscreens of other Porsches, but others consider this a good thing. And it is regarded as a minor issue in a car with prodigious potency and exemplary handling – Top Gear describes the Cayman as “a fantastic sports car with a real breadth of ability.”

As of January 2025, the Porsche 718 Cayman holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 60%. Although it’s an excellent sports car and media reviews are full of praise for its driving dynamics, the ownership data drags the Cayman’s score down. Its CO₂ emissions are poor, as is its reliability record, while running costs are extremely high.

Cayenne highlights

Good-looking sports car
Excellent handling
Comfortable ride for sports car
Quality interior

Cayenne lowlights

Small engines for a Porsche
Interior tech not as current as other Porsches
T model not different enough to justify price
Reports of many reliability problems

Key specifications

Body style: Two-door coupé
Powertrain: petrol
Price: From £51,800 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2016
Last updated: Summer 2020
Update due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: GTS
“The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS is a bit of cracker. It’s sharp, nimble and brilliantly suited to the UK’s roads – and it gets better the harder you drive it.”
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol manual GTS 4.0
Score: 10 / 10
“It may not look any different, but this new Porsche 718 Cayman GTS is a transformation – and the pick of the range. At face value, it may seem pricey compared with a regular Cayman S, but the extra cash is worth it for the new naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre engine alone.”
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Model reviewed: GT4
Score: 10 / 10
“The new Porsche Cayman GT4 is one of the best performance car bargains of the last decade.”
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Model reviewed: Cayman T 2.0-litre petrol automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“However you specify it, the Porsche 718 Cayman is a fantastic sports car that can hold a torch to models costing twice the price.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Porsche 718 Cayman looks a million dollars and, when it comes to handling and driving fun, sits right at the top of the pile. What’s more, its sublime steering, superb control weights and exceptional ride quality make it a brilliant long-distance GT.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: T
Score: 8 / 10
“Yes, it’s a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo and we’ll get this out of the way now: it doesn’t sound like naturally-aspirated flat-six – because it’s not.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman GT4
Score: 10 / 10
“The latest Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 remains one of the most impressive and enjoyable road cars to drive on a circuit, especially if you subscribe to the theory that less equals more, and value the way a car makes you feel rather than its outright speed.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman GTS
Score: 8 / 10
“The GTS polarises. It is expensive, it does not have a clear edge on performance, and the engine is no more refined than the lesser engines. On the other hand, it looks sexier, has a potentially higher resale value and when everything falls into place the 360bhp Cayman easily matches the 444bhp 911 in grins-per-mile.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman S
Score: 10 / 10
“We love the Porsche 718 Cayman. It’s a bit like Usain Bolt. Still brilliant and best in class – we just rue the passing of that super six-cylinder from yesteryear. We remember how much more sizzling Bolt was back at Beijing and London; but he was still at the top of the podium in Rio too.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Porsche 718 Cayman is a joy to drive, a pleasure to sit in and great to look at. It’s just a shame the turbo engines are more sensible than they are characterful.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: 718 Cayman GT4
Score: 10 / 10
“For a combination of pure driver appeal and value, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 has no rivals. An instant modern classic, if ever there was one.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman GTS
Score: 9 / 10
“Even with lots of suspension and drivetrain trickery, you can’t quite ignore the noise from the 718’s unlovable engine.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Whether it’s the base Cayman or the GTS, the 718’s fine handling outshines its disappointing engine.”
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Model reviewed: S
Score: 9 / 10
“Turbo engine is a step back, but Cayman S still a gem.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: (range review)
“Styling changes are minimal, with the Porsche 718 Cayman basically a very thoroughly facelifted version of the outgoing car. The interior architecture remains, albeit now including the latest version of Porsche’s multimedia interface.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9.2 / 10
“A sublime sports car: Porsche’s cheapest coupe may also be its best”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: 718 Cayman GTS
Score: 6 / 10
“The previous generation Porsche Cayman GTS was sublime. This one isn’t.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol manual GTS
Score: 10 / 10
“While we’ve become used to the instant low-rev torque of turbo engines and electric motors, there is something immensely satisfying about a large capacity, naturally-aspirated engine and few do it as well as Porsche.”
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Model reviewed: 718 Cayman T
Score: 10 / 10
“Simple but highly effective changes make the already-great Porsche 718 Cayman into that little-bit-greater-still 718 Cayman T. Blinding chassis, strong drivetrain, appealing character – this is a first-class sports car.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The base engines are gruff, but the handling is as sweet as ever. Very few sports cars are this complete.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of January 2025, the Porsche 718 Cayman has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2025, the Porsche 718 Cayman has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Given that the Cayman 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: 27
Average repair cost: £1089.36
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Porsche 718 Cayman has a reliability score that’s below average, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy.

According to the warranty claim data, the average repair costs are very high, thanks to very expensive engine repairs which average more than £4,600 to fix.

If you’re looking at a used Porsche 718 Cayman, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.