Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Porsche 718 Boxster roadster review

“The latest Porsche 718 Boxster is more powerful and efficient than ever and remains one of the best cars to drive in any class”

Carbuyer Rating

4.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

1.5 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Quicker than ever
  • Fantastic to drive
  • Cheaper to run

Cons

  • Expensive options
  • Price has increased
  • Engine lacks character

The Porsche Boxster has now been around for more than 25 years – when it was launched the Porsche 911 was the only model it shared showrooms with. Times have changed, and the famous German marque now sells more Macan, Cayenne, Panamera and Taycan SUVs and saloons than it does sports cars.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Boxster's place in the world has changed, too: the current car is distanced from the 911 by its small, turbocharged four-cylinder engines in all but the top versions. This change brought about a new name – 718 Boxster – which references Porsche's four-cylinder racing cars of the fifties and sixties. That racing heritage comes in handy, because while open-topped sports cars are a dying breed, the Boxster still faces competition from cars as diverse as the Audi TT Roadster, BMW Z4, Mazda MX-5 and Morgan Plus Four, while the hard-top Porsche Cayman fends off coupe rivals such as the BMW M2, Lotus Emira, and Alpine A110.

The best sports cars 2023Top 10 best sports cars 2024

The four-cylinder engine may not sound quite as exciting as the six-cylinder engines that went before, but there's certainly no shortage of power. Even the entry-level 2.0-litre boasts 296bhp, which is enough for a 5.1-second 0-62mph time. Stepping up to the 345hp, 2.5-litre Boxster S reduces that time to 4.6 seconds. Or, order the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox and Sport Chrono package to drop those times to 4.7 and 4.2 seconds respectively. Even with the lower cylinder count, the Boxster is still very fast indeed.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Like other Porsches, the 718 Boxster is available in more driver-focused trims; with the handling-focused Boxster T no longer offered, this means the GTS and hardcore Spyder RS. The unique selling point of the GTS is a glorious 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine derived from that of the Cayman GT4, and makes a case for being just about the perfect sports car for UK roads. It's incredibly rewarding with a manual gearbox, and gets from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds when a PDK automatic is fitted. When the Boxster goes electric from 2025, the GTS will surely become highly collectable. The 718 Spyder RS even more so – its 493bhp 4.0-litre flat six and heavily revised chassis are both shared with the track-focused Cayman GT4 RS, albeit with a slightly softer set-up befitting the Boxster’s more laid-back image.

As well as distancing the 718 Boxster from its 911 bigger brother, the move to four cylinders also brought improvements in fuel-efficiency. When fitted with the PDK gearbox, the 718 Boxster is claimed to return up to 31.7mpg and CO2 emissions of just over 200g/km, which aren't bad for a sports car with almost 300bhp.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The most recent round of revisions brought a slightly reworked rear spoiler and a neater headlamp design, plus there's a redesigned steering wheel and infotainment system, with Bluetooth compatibility and Apple CarPlay. All models get seats in leatherette and Alcantara Suede, a six-speaker stereo, air-conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights. The 718 Boxster GTS looks extra mean, with their 20-inch ‘satin-finished’ black wheels, tinted light clusters and black exhaust tips.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The options list is extensive and expensive, so be wary of ticking too many boxes as the price of the car will quickly escalate. The active PASM suspension system is excellent – it makes a big difference to how the Boxster drives but does come as standard on some variants, so it's worth checking. However, while looking at the options list, and the pricey GTS model, it's worth remembering just how enjoyable the 718 Boxster is in its least expensive form.

Unfortunately, Euro NCAP doesn’t crash-test Porsche's sports cars – not enough are sold to warrant the cost – but we expect the Boxster to be very safe thanks to plentiful standard safety equipment and a very strong body. It's tricky to comment on reliability, too, as the latest version has yet to appear in our annual Driver Power owner satisfaction survey.

Overall, the 718 Boxster is one of the most tempting sports cars you can buy. The 718 Cayman beats it very slightly for ultimate driving sharpness, but the Boxster makes amends with open-air thrills. The GTS’ incredible flat-six engine adds an extra shot of adrenaline, but even the entry-level model will show you a good time. Add a fantastic image and solid secondhand demand, and the 718 Boxster stacks up well as an investment to enjoy.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon
2024 Porsche Panamera front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
13 Mar 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon

New Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer – more speed and style for electric estate car
Volkswagen ID7 GTX Tourer front quarter
News
13 Mar 2024

New Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer – more speed and style for electric estate car

New Maserati Grecale Folgore: 550bhp Italian electric SUV on sale now
Maserati Grecale Folgore front quarter
News
12 Mar 2024

New Maserati Grecale Folgore: 550bhp Italian electric SUV on sale now

New Lotus Emeya arrives: 905bhp, luxurious interior and £95k starting price
Lotus Emeya front quarter
News
7 Mar 2024

New Lotus Emeya arrives: 905bhp, luxurious interior and £95k starting price

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
15 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon
2024 Porsche Panamera front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
13 Mar 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car
Skoda Superb Estate Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
15 Mar 2024

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car

More on 718 Boxster

Top 10 best driver's cars 2024
Best drivers cars
Best cars
21 Feb 2024

Top 10 best driver's cars 2024

You don’t need a supercar to enjoy a twisty road – these driver’s cars offer just as much fun
Top 10 best convertibles
Top 10 best convertibles 2023
Best cars
3 May 2023

Top 10 best convertibles

The best convertibles and cabriolets aren't just toys for the summer, they can be used all year round. Here's our definitive guide to the drop-tops th…
New Porsche 718 Boxster will be a fully-electric sports car
2024 Porsche 718 Boxster - front
News
11 Nov 2022

New Porsche 718 Boxster will be a fully-electric sports car

The next generation of Porsche’s baby sports car will be all-electric, sitting alongside the Taycan and Macan EVs
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 10 slowest-depreciating cars on sale
Porsche 911 GT3
Best cars
16 Jun 2022

Top 10 slowest-depreciating cars on sale

Here are the cars that hold their value best in the UK - the slowest-depreciating models you can buy
Porsche Boxster 25 Years limited edition launched
News
13 Jan 2021

Porsche Boxster 25 Years limited edition launched

Porsche celebrates Boxster’s anniversary with a special model powered by a 4.0-litre engine
Top 3 used convertible cars
Tips and advice
12 Jun 2020

Top 3 used convertible cars

“Dear Carbuyer, I’m looking for a used convertible car for the summer that’s fun to drive. What do you recommend for £6,000?”
New Porsche 718 GTS models revealed
News
16 Jan 2020

New Porsche 718 GTS models revealed

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS both get purist-pleasing flat-six cylinder engine
Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder review
Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder
News
20 Aug 2019

Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder review

Porsche has put a six-cylinder engine back in the Boxster for the 718 Spyder but is it the one to buy?
Skip advert
Advertisement
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder revealed
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 - 3/4 front view
News
17 Jun 2019

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder revealed

Hardcore versions of the 718 Cayman and Boxster get a 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine
Skip advert
Advertisement
New BMW Z4 2019: price, specs and release date
News
26 Feb 2019

New BMW Z4 2019: price, specs and release date

BMW announces full launch line-up for all-new Z4 sports car
Porsche 718 T Cayman and Boxster revealed
News
18 Dec 2018

Porsche 718 T Cayman and Boxster revealed

Porsche 718 Cayman coupe and Boxster convertible get the ‘Touring’ treatment; on sale now priced from £51,145
Top 3 used sports cars for £7,000
Tips and advice
5 Oct 2018

Top 3 used sports cars for £7,000

"Dear Carbuyer: I want a great-handling convertible sports car for back-road fun in the summer. What should I buy for £7,000?"
Used Porsche Boxster buying guide: 2005-2012 (Mk2)
Used car reviews
9 Jan 2018

Used Porsche Boxster buying guide: 2005-2012 (Mk2)

Fast, fun and oozing with quality, the second-generation Porsche Boxster is a solid secondhand investment
Extra power for Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster GTS
News
18 Oct 2017

Extra power for Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster GTS

The 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster GTS have had the wick turned up on their turbochargers
New Porsche 718 Cayman revealed
News
25 Apr 2016

New Porsche 718 Cayman revealed

Latest Porsche Cayman sports car gets four-cylinder power, revised design and upgraded interior
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Porsche 718 Boxster details revealed
News
26 Jan 2016

New Porsche 718 Boxster details revealed

Further details of the new four-cylinder Porsche Boxster have been revealed
Porsche Boxster roadster (2012-2016)
In-depth reviews
23 Jun 2015

Porsche Boxster roadster (2012-2016)

"The entry-level Porsche Boxster is arguably the best all-rounder in the range. It remains one of the best-handling cars money can buy."
Skip advert
Advertisement
2015 Porsche Boxster Spyder unveiled
News
1 Apr 2015

2015 Porsche Boxster Spyder unveiled

Top of the range lightweight roadster announced in time for New York motor show
Beijing Motor Show 2014: latest news
Audi TT offroad concept front quarter static
News
20 Apr 2014

Beijing Motor Show 2014: latest news

Read our guide to the 2014 Beijing Motor Show for a look at the latest models
Porsche Boxster and Cayman GTS unveiled
News
19 Mar 2014

Porsche Boxster and Cayman GTS unveiled

Fastest versions of roadster and coupe set for the UK in May 2014
Porsche Macan revealed
Porsche Macan SUV 2014 front quarter tracking
News
20 Nov 2013

Porsche Macan revealed

The all-new Porsche Macan has been revealed at the LA Motor Show 2013

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
19 Dec 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024