Porsche 718 Boxster Review 2024

Porsche 718 Boxster At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
Easy to live with every day and fantastic to drive on great roads or a track, the Porsche 718 Boxster is the benchmark sports car in its class.

+A true everyday sports car with plenty of power. Engineering that gives it a truly dynamic character.

-Four-cylinder engines lack the soundtrack to match the performance.

Insurance Group 50
On average it achieves 91% of the official MPG figure

The Porsche 718 Boxster has really come into its own in recent years. It’s a proper mid-engined roadster that is deserving of the famous Stuttgart badge. Once seen as a lesser Porsche, today the Porsche 718 Boxster and its tin-top sibling, the Porsche 718 Cayman, are fantastic to drive, well-equipped and surprisingly good value for money. Read on for our  Porsche 718 Boxster review.

The Porsche Boxster was once seen merely as the cheaper alternative to a Porsche 911, and accordingly was derided by many. Today, however, these early cars have become increasingly popular as modern classics.

The latest model, first introduced in 2016, has far fewer critics. We’ll explain in our Porsche 718 Boxster review how its sharp looks, superb dynamics, everyday usability and powerful engines have made it a real benchmark among the best sports cars on the market.

The Porsche 718 Boxster follows a classic two-seat sports car formula, sitting close to the ground with a design that makes it appear wider than it is. High front wings not only give it a muscular appearance, but help the driver place the front wheels perfectly in each corner.

It looks both purposeful and cheeky, as though designed with fun very much in mind.

That is demonstrated when you get behind the wheel. Porsche engineers really know how to create a car that rewards the enthusiastic driver, and at the same time provide a sporting experience for those who want everyday comfort with the top down.

A switch to four-cylinder engines for the main Porsche 718 Boxster models attracted some criticism, not so much for their power, which actually increased, but for their failure to deliver a compelling soundtrack compared with the previous six-cylinder engines.

Porsche tried its best to recreate the sound, but when the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS arrived with the 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine from the Porsche Cayman GT4, it was obvious that the engineers wanted to correct things.

All models deliver superb power and torque, with the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch automatic. The latter provides access to the Sport Chrono package, offering faster acceleration, combined with ease of driving in urban traffic.

There are plenty of driver assistance systems as well, such as Porsche Stability Management and Porsche Active Suspension Management, while some models even connect to the Porsche Track Precision App to get the most from track driving.

The range has something for drivers of all ability and experience, with the entry-level Porsche 718 Boxster delivering a good level of driving fun and Porsche character.

The recent addition of the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition adds some vibrant colours to the mix, with contrasting combinations inside and out, as well as decals that help it really stand out.

If you want substance over style, though, the Porsche 718 Boxster S is the best option, thanks to its increased power and better chassis set-up. The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 takes things even further, with 400PS and driving characteristics that make it comparable to a 911.

The flagship is the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS with its 500PS, a 0-62mph time of just 3.4 seconds, reduced weight and a sharper chassis. This is the one for the keenest of drivers, designed and engineered to tackle mountain passes rather than high streets.

The Porsche 718 Boxster can now really stand proud in the illustrious Porsche line-up. It has some strong rivals, including the brawny Ford Mustang, rejuvenated BMW Z4, and classy Jaguar F-Type, but none of these can match it for driving pleasure and quality of engineering.

Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar’s Porsche 718 Boxster review.

Ask Honest John

Can you recommend a sports car for a tall driver?

"I've not long retired and would like to get a nippy sports car. I have a budget of about £10k. I'm 6ft 8ins tall and feel my choice may be very limited. Any ideas as to what I might fit in?"
While not quite as tall as you (I'm a mere 6ft3), I too have issues getting comfortable in sports cars. I suppose it depends on what you want from a sports car. You could go for a hot hatch like a Focus ST or Octavia vRS which has plenty of space but if you want a 'true' sports car like a two-seater, you may be more limited. Porsches tend to have good space and plenty of seat adjustment so an early Cayman or a Boxster may suit. Similarly, an Audi TT could be worth a look. German cars tend to have more space than French or Japanese when it comes to sports cars.
Answered by David Ross

Can you recommend a reliable, good-looking, two-seater sports car?

"I have £30,000 cash to spend on a two-seater sports car. Now, hopefully, with better weather and improved prospects on the horizon, what would you advise to buy? The looks and street cred are important, preferably a classic look and I want something reliable. Performance is not a top priority. Don't want MG, Triumph or an MX-5. Any ideas? Many Thanks."
How about a Jaguar F-Type? It's a very stylish choice available as a coupe or convertible. A Porsche Boxster or Cayman could be a good alternative. None of these will be cheap to run, though. A Mazda MX-5 is unbeatable if that's what you're after.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Does sport mode increase fuel consumption?

"I've just changed my Porsche Boxster 981 for a 718. I've only had one automatic in 44 years, but the PDK is fantastic. Anyway, I know the sport button gives you sharper responses but does it affect fuel consumption at steady speeds when cruising?"
It delays upchanges, so yes, the car will use more fuel.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Porsche 718 Boxster cost?