2023 Porsche 718 Boxster

Variants, Reviews, Pricing, and Specs

Prices Starting at $66,950

Overview

The 718 Boxster was introduced in January 2016. The 718 featured two new horizontally-opposed flat-4 turbocharged engines at 2.0-litre (Boxster/Cayman) and 2.5-litre (Boxster S/Cayman S) displacement with increased torque and horsepower with lower fuel consumption. The S model turbocharger utilizes Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) technology. The 718 T models were released for the 2020 model year as more sport-oriented versions of the base 718 models. Later in October 2017, the GTS models were announced with their 2.5-litre engines rated at 360 hp. Since 2020, the GTS 4.0 model has been offered for both 718 models. The model features the 4.0-litre flat-6 from the Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder, however de-tuned to 394 hp. The 2023 718 Boxster is still the most superb sports car for the money. It is no longer cheap, but no car comes close at the same money.

It had brilliant handling, powerful turbocharged engines (and even better flat 6 in the GTS and Spyder), and it makes driving so enjoyable, fun and engaging. Who needs a 911? Car and Driver nailed it when they said: "It feels balanced and stable in corners, and the brilliantly communicative steering reacts quickly and accurately to even small inputs. The Boxster's chassis talks to you as if the tire patches have a direct line to your vestibular system, but the ride is comfortable enough for long trips." For 2023 Boxster we get new color options, Ice Grey Metallic and Arctic Grey. Wired Apple CarPlay is now included on the 2023 718 Boxster Spyder (the did not to offer the tech before now while the rest of the 718s did).

Previous Years: 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster Lineup

(GTS 4.0)... Screaming flat-six, phenomenal manual transmission, near-GT4 performance... Tall gearing limits opportunities to shift.. has massive cornering capabilities.

Car and Driver

STUTTCARS RATING: 9.5/10

Pros

Super fun to drive that keeps you engaged at any speed. Turbo four cylinder engines pack plenty of punch while the flat 6s are epic. Looks well polished and plenty of choice.

Cons

The four cylinder engines don't sound great. Starts getting expensive once you play with options. All models have tall gearing in manual which zaps some of the fun, which sucks.

Verdict

As a sports car to take for a fun drive, there is nothing better. It is nearly perfect and all the sports car you could ever need. Can't go wrong with any variant you choose.

What's New for 2023

Not many updates for the 2023 Porsche Boxster range. Apple CarPlay (hardwired) is finally standard on the Boxster Spyder model, the last model in the range to get it. The 2023 Boxster range also gets two new colors (we love both of them): Ice Grey Metallic and Arctic Grey. Worth noting as always that the massive list of options is still available on all 2023 Boxster variants. Keep it basic and order lowered suspension with adaptive dampers (looks better and drivers better), a limited-slip rear differential, and manual gearbox. The 25th Anniversary edition is gone for 2023 as it was a one year special edition model for 2022.

Our Pick of the 2023 Range

The 718 Boxster Spyder is everything you could possibly want in a sports car, but for us it is the 718 GTS 4.0 that is still the best Boxster to buy in 2023. It produces 395 bhp @ 7800 rpm and 310 ft lbs and can hit zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds (only 0.1 seconds slower than the Spyder). It isn't cheap at $90k+, so if your budget doesn't stretch that far, then the next best option is the Boxster S with a manual gearbox and lowered suspension and adaptive dampers. You cannot go wrong with any 2023 Boxster, but if you can snag a Boxster GTS 4.0, do it.

What's Coming In 2024

In mid-2023, look for the Style Edition Boxster, coming as a 2024 model year variant. The Style Editions get gloss-black 20-inch wheels, Porsche and model script, and tailpipe accents; the Boxster model's convertible top also inherits embossed "Boxster" script on the top, which is visible when the top is lowered. Porsche also will offer the special-edition 718s with either white or black contrast stripe packages (check out the white option on the Ruby-colored Boxster above), which also net corresponding-color wheels (so, go with the white, and you'll get sweet white rims). Everything else in the Style Edition marks an upgrade over regular 718s, too, with plenty of otherwise optional content standard, including black leather upholstery with chalk-colored contrast stitching, a heated steering wheel, illuminated stainless steel door kick plates, and the Porsche crest embossed on the seat headrests.

2023 Boxster Pricing Guide

718 Boxster - $66,950
718 Boxster T - $76,050
718 Boxster S - $78,950
718 Boxster GTS 4.0 - $93,850
718 Boxster Spyder - $104,850
718 Boxster Style Edition - TBD (Summer 2023)

Ranking vs Competition

Chevrolet Corvette - $65,895 (Faster, More Thrilling)
Porsche 718 Boxster - $66,950
Porsche 718 Cayman - $64,850 (Less Fun With A Top)
Toyota Supra - $44,635 (We Wish It Was Better)
BMW Z4 - $50,895 (Getting Old. Nothing Special)
Nissan Z - $41,015 (We Had Hoped For Much More)

We'd recommend keeping the options to a minimum, selecting only the lowered suspension with adaptive dampers, a limited-slip rear differential, and ventilated seats.

Car And Driver

Current Porsche 718 Boxster Lineup

The current 718 Boxster is perfect sports car that is so much fun on backroads and can also be used daily with very few compromises. The 718 turbocharged flat-four engines come in two sizes. The 2.0-litre (Boxster/Cayman) and 2.5-litre (Boxster S/Cayman S). The larger displacement comes with increased torque and horsepower. The S model turbocharger utilizes Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) technology. The 718 T models were released for the 2020 model year as more sport-oriented versions of the base 718 models. Later in October 2017, the GTS models were announced with their 2.5-litre engines rated at 360 hp. Since 2020, the GTS 4.0 model has been offered for both 718 models. The 4.0-litre flat-6 from the Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder is de-tuned to 394 hp but you can't tell from behind the wheel. Rounding out the range is the Boxster T, a back to basics Boxster that focuses on more fun and less glam. There is not a bad Boxster in the current range.

Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition (2024 – Present)

Fresh colours and harmonious contrast packages characterise the new Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition and 718 Cayman Style Edition sports cars. Available on the base model, this is a sweet package for the buyer looking to jazz up their base Cayman or Boxster and make them really special. Underlining Porsche’s commitment to ever more creative and vibrant bespoke finishes, the new models are characterized by special colors and matching contrasting elements. This is evident with the new color Ruby Star Neo, a modern interpretation of the color used on the 964 Carrera RS.

Porsche 718 Boxster T (2020 – Present)

The Boxster 718 T was released for the 2020 model year as more sport-oriented versions of the base 718 models. As such, the T features the same 2.0-litre flat-4 engine as the base 718 but adds performance-oriented options such as Porsche's sport suspension system, the Sport Chrono package, and a limited-slip differential, along with minor cosmetic differences including special decals along the lower doors, a smaller-diameter steering wheel, door pull straps in place of standard door handles, wheels from the Porsche 992 Carrera S, and black rear badging.

Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 (2020 – Present)

Essentially a liaison Boxster version situated between the 718 Boxster GTS and the hardcore 718 Spyder, the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 offers a mix between the comfort and features found on the regular GTS and a detuned version of the engine found in the Spyder. Alongside its hardtop Cayman sibling, it is also one of the last production sports cars with a large displacement engine that doesn't feature turbocharging or supercharging. It produces 395 bhp @ 7800 rpm and 310 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm and can hit zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds (only 0.1 seconds slower than the Spyder).

Porsche 718 (982) Spyder 4.0 (2019 – Present)

The 718 Boxster Spyder is everything you could possibly want in a sports car. The sublime combination of a legendary chassis and naturally aspirated 6-cylinder Porsche engine is accentuated by the emphasis that less is more when done right - and nobody does this better than Porsche’s GT division. Connections with these cars are visceral and emotional, an outcome mutually desired by both Porsche engineers and customers alike. They will never be considered tardy in the right hands. The Spyder is in my opinion, the best sports cars you can buy in this segment.

Porsche 718 Boxster S (2017 – Present)

While the first generation Boxster S was received with mixed feelings, the second generation was praised. With the introduction of the 718 Boxster, the car-maker showed a special commitment to the smallest member of the Porsche family and it arguably become the best sports car in the world. The Boxster S featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine. It was turbocharged and with direct fuel injection and was good for 345 hp. Performance was up a lot, especially in the midrange, now that torque was 310 ft lbs. It helped rocket the Boxster S from zero to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds and onto a top speed of 177mph.

Porsche 718 Boxster (2017 – Present)

Welcome to the four generation Boxster. The base Boxster was powered by a twin-turbo 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline unit. It offered a total output of 300 hp and it was paired as standard with a 6-speed manual, while a 7-speed automatic (PDK – dual-clutch) was on the options list. In terms of design, it gets a more modern look and feel and the interior is upgraded. More tech, more power and more speed. The only downside is the loss of the aural pleasure of a flat 6 engine that is naturally aspirated and loves to rev to the sky.

718 Boxster Sales Brochures & Equipment Codes

Porsche 718 Boxster (MY2017 - Present) – Sales Brochures

The Boxster offers three engines: a 300-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four, a 350-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four on the S model, and a 394-hp 4.0-liter flat-six on the GTS 4.0.

Car And Driver

The 718 Boxster Story

The Story of the Development of the Current Boxster

Porsche 718 Boxster & 718 Cayman (982) – The Story

The Evolution Continues

The 718 Boxster Research Hub

Sales Brochures, Specifications, Galleries, Model Deep Dives & Much More

Porsche Boxster (4th Generation)

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