2023 Porsche 718 Boxster

Overview

Although the 2023 718 Boxster is technically the brand’s entry-level car, its brilliant handling, powerful turbocharged engines, and connected-to-your-psyche steering make it anything but a diluted version of the hallowed 911. The Boxster and its sibling, the 718 Cayman coupe are superb representations of what a sports car should be. A mid-engine configuration gives the Boxster a balanced, light-on-its-feet feel on the road and, with the top pulled back, you can enjoy the aggressive exhaust note and the sun’s warming rays at the same time. OK, you caught us waxing poetic; the Boxster isn’t a perfect car. Cargo space is limited, there are only two seats inside its cockpit, and the best powertrain—the sweet, sonorous flat-six—is limited to the expensive GTS trim. But let’s be real here—it’s a sports car, so who would expect it to be all things to all drivers? That’s what makes the 718 so special: it’s brilliant at all things a sports car needs to be.

What’s New for 2023?

Porsche has made only a few changes to the Boxster for 2023. Apple CarPlay is now standard on the Spyder model—it was previously only offered on lower-tiered trims—and two new colors are available: Ice Grey Metallic and Arctic Grey.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

For those shopping without limits, the GTS 4.0 model—with its powerful and sexy-sounding flat-six—is the Boxster to choose. Unfortunately, we get that not everyone can afford to drop $90K on a two-seat convertible. So, for those on a less extravagant a budget, the S model is where it’s at. The available PDK automatic transmission is excellent, but this car really calls for the manual gearbox. 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.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

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. Each comes paired with a precise, low-effort six-speed manual transmission but buyers can opt for Porsche’s clairvoyant seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. The base and S models are great fun and performed well in our testing. We haven’t had the opportunity to put our gear on U.S.-spec Boxster GTS 4.0 model, but we do have a long-term 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 in our test fleet that shows this model’s performance potential (the two models are within about 60 pounds of one another). The Boxster’s handling and steering prowess inspire our deepest admiration. The Boxster feel 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. Extras such as Porsche’s adaptive dampers and an available torque-vectoring rear differential only improve this car’s handling, but even base-spec Boxsters behave precisely the way we want them to.

More on the 718 Boxster Convertible

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The base Boxster, with a turbo 2.0-liter flat-four and six-speed manual, earns 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. Opting for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic earns buyers 1 mpg more in each category. The S and GTS models fare only slightly worse. We’ve tested both a base Boxster and an S on our 200-mile highway fuel economy route, and both models outperformed their EPA ratings, with results of 33 mpg and 28 mpg, respectively. For more information about the Boxster’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Boxster’s interior has a little more plastic than we’d expect in a car that costs this much, but buyers can cover almost every surface—the console lid, door-panel trim, and instrument-cluster top —in leather for a relatively reasonable price. The Boxster’s two flimsy dash-mounted pop-out cupholders have limited utility and reveal a cultural disdain for driving with beverages—Germans don’t drink their Nachmittagskaffee while driving, after all. If you’re looking for a car that’ll hold your entire life within its cabin, look elsewhere. This two-seater is seriously lacking in room and cubby space. And while neither the Boxster nor the Cayman has large amounts of in-cabin storage space, each at least provides both front and rear cargo compartments. One carry-on suitcase fits in the back and two fit in the frunk.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

We’d usually complain about a mere two USB ports, but given this car seats only two, how many more ports do you need? There’s also a standard CD player for those drivers who still listen to CDs. Buyers can opt for navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Porsche now provides Apple CarPlay integration as standard fare, but Android Auto is still not offered.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Boxster doesn’t have a lot of driver-assistance technology, but we’re at least glad about the standard backup camera and parking sensors. For more information about the Boxster’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard front and rear parking sensors Available automated emergency braking Available blind-spot monitoring

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Porsche offers a warranty package that is slightly above average for the class and provides longer bumper-to-bumper coverage than the Chevrolet Corvette. That said, it pales in comparison to the coverage offered on the Jaguar F-type. That car beats all challengers with the longest terms and a generous five years or 60,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

PRICE AS TESTED: $94,310 (base price: $65,850)

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 152 cu in, 2497 cc
Power: 350 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 309 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 97.4 in
Length: 172.4 in
Width: 70.9 in Height: 50.4 in
Cargo volume (front/rear): 5/4 cu ft
Curb weight: 3122 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 4.3 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 9.8 sec

Zero to 130 mph: 16.7 sec

Zero to 150 mph: 25.0 sec

Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.3 sec

Top gear, 30-50 mph: 7.8 sec

Top gear, 50-70 mph: 5.7 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 12.6 sec @ 113 mph

Top speed (mfr’s claim): 177 mph

Braking, 70-0 mph: 144 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 1.04 g

FUEL ECONOMY:

EPA city/highway driving: 20/26 mpg
C/D observed: 18 mpg
C/D observed highway driving: 30 mpg
C/D observed highway range: 500 mi

More Features and Specs