2023 Porsche 718 Cayman

Price Range: $63,400 - $149,100 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

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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.

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2023 Porsche 718 Cayman Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

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

Apple CarPlay is now standard on the GT4 and GT4 RS models
Part of the third 718 Cayman generation introduced for 2017

Overview

The 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman is the hardtop coupe version of the 718 Boxster, and both represent the entry-level sports cars in Porsche's lineup. But don't think for a second you're getting anything less than a legitimate Porsche — the Cayman is an impressive little sport coupe that could easily be considered alongside its iconic 911 sibling.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 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

$250/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

The Cayman achieves this with its mid-engine layout that is more balanced than the 911's rear-mounted engine. Indeed, there was talk around the first Cayman in 2005 that it should be detuned so it wouldn't take sales away from the 911. Thankfully, both the Cayman and 911 have evolved to loftier heights over the years. For 2023, there's very little change. The top GT4 models now come with Apple CarPlay and there are two new paint colors. Unfortunately, they're both gray.

Not all Caymans are created equal, though. While the four-cylinder models perform on a very high level, the sounds they make are a huge letdown. In some ways, they sound more like a poorly modded Subaru than a Porsche. That's why we suggest checking out the top models with the six-cylinder engine. It's far more inspiring, which is exactly what you want from a Porsche, right?

The 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman is easily one of the best sport coupes you can buy today and we explain all of its advantages and its few drawbacks in our Expert Rating below. With our preferred six-cylinder engine, the Cayman is an excellent choice for your favorite road or racetrack and can keep up with some equally impressive rivals. These include the Audi RS 3, the new BMW M2 and the Chevrolet Corvette. And the winner among all of these? 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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2023 Porsche 718 Cayman pricing

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Build & Price

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 assistance 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?

As superficial as this may seem, the sounds from the four-cylinder engine are a deal-breaker for a sports car as good as the Cayman. This is especially true when you compare it to the inspiring six-cylinder upgrade. That's why we recommend the Cayman GTS 4.0, which is the least expensive model and the most agreeable daily driver to have this engine.

Porsche 718 Cayman models

The 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman sports car is available in six trim levels: the base 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman T, 718 Cayman S, 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, 718 Cayman GT4 and the 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 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 sport 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 plus
GT Sport steering wheel
Exterior and interior 718 T badging

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 most of the performance upgrades of the Cayman T, but it also gets:

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, delivering the purest track version of the Cayman yet. It builds 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 warning (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

Porsche 718 Cayman Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.9

29 reviews

5(90%)

4(10%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner 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 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman, so we've included reviews for other years of the 718 Cayman since its last redesign.

See all 29 reviews of the Porsche 718 Cayman

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2023 Porsche 718 Cayman video

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

NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman, but since the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

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…

2023 Porsche 718 Cayman Features Specs

Type:

Coupe

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$63,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$250/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

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Porsche 718 Cayman vs. Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 costs less than a base Cayman and significantly less than the preferred GTS 4.0 model. It also benefits from rear seats, two more doors and a traditional trunk. The drawback is weight: The RS 3 is about 500 pounds heavier, but even that is tempered by standard all-wheel drive. Both are excellent for track-day use and have radically different approaches to achieve similar thrills.

Compare Porsche 718 Cayman & Audi RS 3 features

Porsche 718 Cayman vs. BMW M2

The BMW is all-new for 2023 and even though we're no fans of the styling, we should be overjoyed with its performance. With 453 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, the more affordable M2 would likely be the Cayman's racetrack nemesis even though it's more than 600 pounds heavier. The M2 is also more convenient thanks to its rear seats and conventional trunk.

Compare Porsche 718 Cayman & BMW M2 features

Porsche 718 Cayman vs. Chevrolet Corvette

The shift to a mid-engine layout has done wonders for the Corvette. It's more engaging and predictable than past generations, and with the introduction of the new Z06 model, the Corvette can now challenge the GT4 and GT4 RS for racetrack bragging rights. But the Corvette's interior quality doesn't quite live up to the Porsche's. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Chevrolet Corvette.

Compare Porsche 718 Cayman & Chevrolet Corvette features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite 718 Cayman safety features:

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.

FAQ

Is the Porsche 718 Cayman a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 718 Cayman both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 718 Cayman gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 29 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the 718 Cayman ranges from 14.7 to 9.2 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Porsche 718 Cayman. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman:

Apple CarPlay is now standard on the GT4 and GT4 RS models
Part of the third 718 Cayman generation introduced for 2017

Learn more

Is the Porsche 718 Cayman reliable?

To determine whether the Porsche 718 Cayman is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 718 Cayman. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 718 Cayman's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 718 Cayman and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 718 Cayman gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 29 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 718 Cayman is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman?

The least-expensive 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman is the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $63,400.

Other versions include:

2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $63,400
T 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $72,500
S 2dr Coupe (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $75,400
GTS 4.0 2dr Coupe (4.0L 6cyl 6M) which starts at $90,300
GT4 2dr Coupe (4.0L 6cyl 6M) which starts at $106,500
GT4 RS 2dr Coupe (4.0L 6cyl 7AM) which starts at $149,100

Learn more

What are the different models of Porsche 718 Cayman?

If you're interested in the Porsche 718 Cayman, the next question is, which 718 Cayman model is right for you? 718 Cayman variants include 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), T 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), S 2dr Coupe (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and GTS 4.0 2dr Coupe (4.0L 6cyl 6M). For a full list of 718 Cayman models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2023 Porsche 718 Cayman

Pricing

2023 Porsche 718 Cayman Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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

Save as much as $10,942 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.

2023 Porsche 718 Cayman pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which 718 Cayman does Edmunds recommend?

Porsche 718 Cayman models

Porsche 718 Cayman Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner 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

Helpful shopping links

2023 Porsche 718 Cayman video

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

2023 Porsche 718 Cayman Features Specs

Compare the Porsche 718 Cayman

Porsche 718 Cayman vs. Audi RS 3

Porsche 718 Cayman vs. BMW M2

Porsche 718 Cayman vs. Chevrolet Corvette

Safety

Our experts’ favorite 718 Cayman safety features:

FAQ

Is the Porsche 718 Cayman a good car?

What's new in the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman?

Is the Porsche 718 Cayman reliable?

Is the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman?

What are the different models of Porsche 718 Cayman?

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 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.}

Save as much as $10,942 with Edmunds ^{Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.}