2021 Porsche 718 Boxster

Overview

Few vehicles fulfill their intended mission as well as the 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster does, and that's why it's on both our 10Best and Editors' Choice lists. The same goes for its coupe brother, the 718 Cayman. This car's mid-engine design and sport-tuned chassis help it to deliver perfectly balanced driving dynamics, and its lineup of horizontally opposed four- and six-cylinder engines provide plenty of power to accompany this roadster's sharp handling. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic for this rear-driver. Drop the top, let the wind rush through your hair, and enjoy all the performance and driving satisfaction that Porsche can deliver for thousands of dollars less than a 911.

What's New for 2021?

A new model joins the Boxster family in North America this year: The six-cylinder GTS 4.0 offers more power and a better soundtrack than the base car. Porsche also upped the ante with more standard equipment for 2021, including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirrors with a rain sensor, Apple CarPlay integration, and bixenon headlamps.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

For those shopping without limits, the GTS 4.0 model—with its powerful and sonorous flat-six—is the Boxster to choose. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to drop $90K on a two-seat convertible. We get that. So for those on 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. 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 truly satisfying six-speed manual transmission, but buyers can opt for Porsche's clairvoyant seven-speed 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 the new GTS 4.0 model, but we have high expectations that it will impress us on the track. The Boxster's handling and steering prowess inspire deep affection. The mid-engine layout helps the Boxster feel balanced and stable through corners, while the brilliantly communicative steering reacts quickly and accurately to even small inputs. 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.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The base Boxster, with a turbo 2.0-liter flat-four and six-speed manual, earn 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 fair 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.

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 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 while neither the Boxster nor the Cayman has a truly useful storage space, each at least provides a front and rear cargo compartment. One carry-on suitcase fits in the back and two fit in the trunk.

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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.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put the Boxster through its crash testing. The car doesn't have a lot of driver-assistance technology, but we're at least glad of the standard backup camera and parking sensors. 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

Specifications

2021 Porsche 718 Spyder
Vehicle Type: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $98,650/$109,990
Options: dual-clutch automatic (PDK), $3210; Spyder classic interior package, $2800; navigation, $2320; two-zone automatic climate control, $770; auto-dimming mirrors, $700; GT Silver metallic, $650; heated seats, $530; Apple CarPlay, $360

ENGINE
DOHC 24-valve flat-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 244 in³, 3996 cm³
Power: 414 hp @ 7600 rpm
Torque: 309 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/struts
Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented, cross-drilled disc/15.0-in vented, cross-drilled disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
F: 245/35ZR-20 (95Y) N1
R: 295/30ZR-20 (101Y) N1

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 97.8 in
Length: 174.5 in
Width: 71.0 in
Height: 49.6 in
Passenger Volume: 49 ft³
Cargo Volume (front/rear): 5/4 ft³
Curb Weight: 3263 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.4 sec
100 mph: 8.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.8 sec @ 119 mph
130 mph: 14.5 sec
150 mph: 21.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.7 sec
Top Speed (mfr's claim): 187 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 141 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 276 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.03 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 29 mpg
Highway Range: 490 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 20/18/24 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs