2022 Porsche 718 Cayman Review

Name: 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman Review
Brand: Porsche
Price: 134885 USD

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Coupe Exterior

+448

Even in its base model, the Porsche Cayman is predictably excellent in all of the ways we've come to expect. This is a driver-centric vehicle with an emphasis on sharp handling and premium cabin materials. But excessive outside noise, a lackluster engine note and questionable value diminish the Cayman's overall appeal.

Used 718 Cayman for sale

$134,885 - $141,393

2 listings

See Cars for Online Purchase See All for Sale

Appraise This Car

Porsche 718 Cayman model years

Porsche 718 Cayman for Sale

Porsche 718 Cayman types

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

See pricing history

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman Review

byAlex Nishimoto^{Correspondent
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007 and has written more than 2,500 car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Alex is a correspondent for Edmunds and has also written for MotorTrend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Super Street, CNET, PRI Magazine, AutoWise and other publications. When he’s not writing about cars, he’s wrenching on his E30-generation BMW 325is, which he’s owned since college and plans to restore one day.},

rating written byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Outstanding handling and steering feel
Available six-cylinder engine delivers stirring performance
Broad range of customization options

Cons

Unrefined four-cylinder engine and exhaust noise
More expensive than many of its closest competitors
Tech features list is thin

What's new

The new GT4 RS is most hardcore, track-focused Cayman to date
Features aero tweaks and less weight
Nearly 500 horsepower from a naturally aspirated flat-six engine
Part of the third 718 Cayman generation introduced for 2017

Overview

For much of its existence the Porsche Cayman has been considered by many to be a great sports car in need of a truly great engine. Whether it was a lack of power or a lack of aural excitement, the final product left a lot of us wanting. But things changed when Porsche finally addressed both issues by introducing a 414-horsepower six-cylinder engine in the 2020 718 Cayman GT4. And Porsche doesn't seem to be done either. For the 2022 718 Cayman, there's the new GT4 RS.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$245/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

That model packs the same 4.0-liter flat-six as the 911 GT3, though slightly detuned to 493 hp, and comes loaded with go-fast goodies that will make it an absolute beast on track. Compared to the normal GT4, the GT4 RS is available solely with Porsche's PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and also gets performance add-ons such as aerodynamic bodywork, a large rear spoiler, unique suspension tuning and weight-reducing interior materials.

All 718 Caymans, by way of their mid-engine design and light curb weight, provide exceptional handling, steering and driver engagement. But they're rather expensive for what you get, especially when you can buy a significantly quicker Chevrolet Corvette for about the same price as a base Cayman. Even the Toyota GR Supra starts looking pretty attractive once you spec a Cayman the way you like. Then again, it's hard to put a price on the smile this car puts on your face. Read our in-depth Expert Rating to see if the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman is for you.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the 718 Cayman drive? There are certain situations in which driving the Cayman feels like absolute bliss. It is not mind-bendingly fast but it wants to be driven hard. If you do that — especially on a winding road where the genius of the perfectly weighted steering and world-class handling are on full display — the Cayman is worth its weight in gold. The brakes have incredible stopping power and good durability.

Our test 718 Cayman S with a manual transmission accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. That's not great, though the PDK automatic-equipped car is noticeably quicker. We're not fond of the base 2.0-liter engine. It provides ample passing power, but full acceleration leaves something to be desired due to tall gearing. The shifts of the dual-clutch automatic transmission can also be jarring at low speeds, though it smooths out once you build speed.

Comfort

7.0/10

How comfortable is the 718 Cayman? Even though the optional sport seats have only a few adjustments, they're well shaped and adequately cushioned for long-distance comfort. The ventilated seat option is also a welcome addition on hot days. Our test Cayman S had the optional PASM sport suspension. With it, smaller bumps are nicely smoothed out, but driving over larger bumps can launch you out of your seat for a moment.

Engine and exhaust noises are loud enough to be considered deal-breakers. With the sport exhaust, the four-cylinder engine is coarse and unrefined, sounding like a poorly tuned Subaru. The base Cayman is worse. Wind noise is nonexistent by comparison, but road noise is intrusive on coarse asphalt.

Interior

8.0/10

How’s the interior? The driving position in the Cayman is nearly perfect, as you'd expect. The tachometer and speedo are in full view, and adjustments to the seat and steering wheel make the cozy cockpit accommodating to most body types and sizes. There is excellent forward and side visibility with few blind spots, though you'll need the rearview camera to back up safely.

To get inside, you must drop down a bit, and taller occupants will need to duck. It may be more difficult for wider passengers. The cabin feels small from the outside, though it isn't too tight once you're in. It's just the right fit for a sports car.

Technology

7.0/10

How’s the tech? Technology is not the Cayman's strong suit. There's a learning curve to using the infotainment system due to the sheer number of buttons. Android Auto smartphone integration is not an option.

Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are also optional. The stability control system is effective when it's needed, and most drivers won't notice its guiding hand at speed. Beware the standard parking sensors, though. They're often annoyingly activated in heavy traffic.

Storage

6.5/10

How’s the storage? There's a mostly vertical trunk in the rear for duffel bags and the like and a second storage space in the front. It's about half the size of the trunk but can take a few bags. The total capacity is pretty good, but the split prevents you from loading a larger item that might otherwise fit in one trunk of the same total size.

Inside, only a few bins and pockets are around to hold your personal items, and they're small and shallow. The typical Porsche cupholders are effective but fussy, and they're a bit out of reach for the driver.

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Cayman will get 19-24 mpg in combined city/highway driving depending on the model and transmission. Our manual-equipped Cayman S posted an impressive 28 mpg on our standardized mixed-driving evaluation route. In general, the Cayman is one of the more fuel-efficient sports cars you can buy.

Value

7.0/10

Is the 718 Cayman a good value? The interior build quality is very high. We especially like the premium materials and their tight assembly. The cost is the main issue. Add just a few desirable options to a new Cayman S and you're looking at $80K. Oof. If you care about bragging rights, you'll objectively get vastly more performance and utility from less expensive sports cars.

Wildcard

8.0/10

This is a gorgeous car that wears its sporting intentions proudly. The Porsche heritage, like the layout of the gauge cluster, is both clear and useful. Few cars have this level of responsiveness combined with very high handling limits. It's ready to hit the track right out of the box too.

Sadly, the plebian four-cylinder engine sound clashes with the expectations set by the design. It simply doesn't sound the way a Porsche should. As superficial as it may seem, it's a deal-breaker for some staffers.

Which 718 Cayman does Edmunds recommend?

We're not fans of the Cayman's base turbocharged four-cylinder engine, so skip straight to the Cayman GTS 4.0, which is your least expensive way to get the phenomenal sounding and performing naturally aspirated flat-six.

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman models

The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman sports car is available in six trim levels: the base 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman T, 718 Cayman S, Cayman GTS 4.0, 718 Cayman GT4 and the new top-dog 718 Cayman GT4 RS. All models are rear-wheel-drive, and all except the GT4 RS come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The RS gets a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (Porsche's PDK) as standard, which is otherwise optional for the remaining models.

718 Cayman
The base 718 Cayman comes well equipped, though as many advanced safety features are not standard. Feature highlights include:

Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque)
18-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires
Sport exhaust
Xenon headlights
Front and rear parking sensors
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Partial leather upholstery
7-inch touchscreen
Two USB ports
Eight-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay smartphone integration

718 Cayman T
The Cayman T is a slightly sharper performance coupe and includes all of the base Cayman's features, as well as:

20-inch wheels
Variable-damping sport suspension lowered 20 mm
Mechanical limited-slip differential and torque vectoring (can enhance traction and agility when accelerating or cornering)
Sport Chrono package
Lightweight nylon door handles
Sport seats

718 Cayman S
The Cayman S picks up where the base Cayman leaves off and increases the performance quotient with:

Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (350 hp, 309 lb-ft)
19-inch alloy wheels

718 Cayman GTS 4.0
The GTS 4.0 gets a similar array of performance upgrades as the Cayman T. It also has:

4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six-cylinder engine (394 hp, 309 lb-ft of torque or 317 lb-ft with the PDK)
20-inch wheels
GTS-specific trim details

718 Cayman GT4
The track-oriented Cayman GT4 goes all in with:

Naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine (414 hp, 309 lb-ft)
Variable-damping sport suspension lowered 30 mm
Upgraded brakes
Fixed rear wing
Larger cooling intakes
Lower rear fascia with diffuser
GT4-specific trim details

718 Cayman GT4 RS
The GT4 RS pulls out all the stops to deliver the purest track version of Cayman yet, building on the GT4's equipment list with:

Naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine (493 hp, 331 lb-ft)
Functional air intakes replacing rear quarter windows
Carbon-fiber hood and front fenders
More aggressive aero package
Titanium exhaust tips

Some performance upgrades found on the Cayman T and GT4 are available on the regular Cayman and Cayman S as options. Other notable extras include:

Ceramic-composite brake rotors
Keyless entry and ignition
Full leather upholstery
14-way or 18-way power-adjustable sport seats
Ventilated seats
LED headlights
Navigation system
Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Cayman and the car in front)
Bose or Burmester premium sound system

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman.

5 (88%)

4 (12%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.9

26 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 26 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Where has this car been all my life?!?!

Phil, 12/10/2016

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Let's get the disclaimer out of the way first; this is my first Porsche, so I can't do the sound comparison - I'm happy, but I can't compare to "back in the day." What I can say is that this is one fine, well-built, high performing vehicle. This car simply attracted me, especially after I couldn't find much else that appealed to me. Several makes and models seemed to be going for luxury …

718: there is no substitute

smerdyakov, 12/01/2016

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman S 2dr Coupe (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Having been interested in Porsche for many years, I began reading reviews of the new 718 series as soon as they began to appear. I finally got the chance to drive one (a base Boxster) about a month ago, and I was very impressed: it was superior in every respect to the 2014 Boxster S that I was driving. After thinking it over for a while, I returned to my dealer last week, and drove the …

Porsche is right - there is no substitute

Smerdyakov, 08/09/2019

2019 Porsche 718 Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

In 2018 I bought an Audi TT RS, which I thought was nearly perfect. That feeling lasted until I drove a high mileage 2012 Cayman R a few days ago. I was very surprised by how superior the driving experience was to my Audi. Two days later I bought a well optioned 2019 base Cayman with PDK, which felt very similar to the old R that I had driven. I bought a base car rather than an S because …

Wow, I love my New Porsche Cayman S

smrt50, 02/05/2017

2017 Porsche 718 Cayman S 2dr Coupe (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I've owned an Porsche Panamera 4 for several years, but decided to trade it in for the new 2017 Porsche Cayman S. One word, "WOW", this vehicle is a totally Amazing. I enjoyed my Panamera 4, but driving the Cayman S will put a Smile on your face for hours. This vehicle is responsive, amazingly fast, and you'll fall in Love on the test drive. I researched this vehicle for several …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman, so we've included reviews for other years of the 718 Cayman since its last redesign.

See all 26 reviews of the Porsche 718 Cayman

Write a vehicle review

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman video

2022 Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 RS Review | Instrumented Test of Porsche's Luxury Sports Car

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a luxury sport coupe and the most hardcore, track-focused Cayman to date. In this video, Alistair Weaver from Edmunds gets behind the wheel of the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS to see just how well it performs out on the track. Alistair pushes the…

2022 718 Cayman Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$60,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$245/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the 718 Cayman models:

Porsche Active Safe: Detects stopped vehicles ahead, alerts the driver and brakes if necessary. Included with adaptive cruise control.
Lane Change Assist: Monitors the car's blind spot and signals the driver through lights at the base of the front roof pillars.
Porsche Car Connect: Uses your smartphone connection to alert emergency services automatically if there's an accident. Remote door locking is also included.

People who viewed this also viewed

Porsche 911
Starting at $114,400

See Porsche 911 Inventory

Porsche 718 Boxster
5.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews.
Starting at $70,400

See Porsche 718 Boxster Inventory

Chevrolet Corvette
5.0 average Rating out of 5 reviews.
Starting at $68,300

See Chevrolet Corvette Inventory

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman Review

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which 718 Cayman does Edmunds recommend?

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Where has this car been all my life?!?!

718: there is no substitute

Porsche is right - there is no substitute

Wow, I love my New Porsche Cayman S

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman video

2022 Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 RS Review | Instrumented Test of Porsche's Luxury Sports Car

2022 718 Cayman Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Porsche

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman Review

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which 718 Cayman does Edmunds recommend?

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Where has this car been all my life?!?!

718: there is no substitute

Porsche is right - there is no substitute

Wow, I love my New Porsche Cayman S

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman video

2022 Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 RS Review | Instrumented Test of Porsche's Luxury Sports Car

2022 718 Cayman Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Porsche

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}