The 2019 718 Boxster is a narrowly focused sports car. Performance is the keyword here since the compact dimensions, mid-engine body style and tenacious handling come at the expense of convenience. But a lack of cargo space is highly unlikely to dissuade the type of shopper seeking the open-air thrills of the Boxster.

This Porsche is a roadster in the classical sense, which is to say it's focused primarily on nimble handling and driver enjoyment. We wouldn't want it any other way. Much of its allure comes from its mid-engine configuration, meaning the engine sits between the seats and rear wheels. This engine location gives the 718 Boxster — and its fixed-roof 718 Cayman sibling — a handling balance prized by car enthusiasts.

As it's a Porsche, the Boxster can get pretty expensive once you start ticking off options. Still, the 2019 718 Boxster is the sportiest in the class and will certainly satisfy your appetite for performance. The closest rivals are the Audi TT and the new BMW Z4. Both are more comfortable and convenient but are less performance-oriented.

Porsche 718 Boxster models

The 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive soft-top convertible sports car that is available in three trims: base, S and GTS. The three are primarily differentiated by the size and output of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the GTS being the most powerful. Porsche offers an exhaustive supply of options for all trims. The related 718 Cayman coupe is covered in a separate review.

The base 718 Boxster comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat (horizontally opposed) four-cylinder (300 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) and 18-inch wheels. Aside from the badges, you can tell it apart from the S by its black brake calipers and single central tailpipe.

The S model is furnished with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (350 hp, 309 lb-ft of torque). It is visually differentiated from the base model by 19-inch wheels, two centrally mounted exhaust tips and red brake calipers.

The GTS trim uses a slightly more powerful version of the S engine; output is increased to 365 hp regardless of transmission. The dual-clutch automatic also receives a bump to 317 lb-ft (the manual-transmission torque is unchanged). The GTS also features 20-inch wheels, restyled front and rear fascias, the Sport Chrono package (detailed below), adaptive suspension, sport seats, and a mechanical rear differential that also includes a brake-actuated torque vectoring system. Note that these additions are available on Boxster and Boxster S models.

With the above exceptions, the trim levels start with the same level of standard equipment, including a power-folding soft top, xenon headlights, a six-speed manual transmission, front and rear parking sensors, a sport exhaust, a rearview camera, power and heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, sport seats, partial leather upholstery, Bluetooth, a touchscreen display, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and two USB ports.

All trims have equal access to Porsche's exhaustive options list, providing numerous opportunities for prospective owners to personalize their car.

Performance choices include Porsche's PDK seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and carbon-ceramic brakes. The Sport Chrono package adds a stopwatch to the top of the center console, a drive mode selection dial to the bottom right of the steering wheel, and a less intrusive stability control setting. When optioned with the PDK transmission, the package also includes launch control.

Interior options to look out for include upgraded seats (heating, ventilation and more power adjustments), upgraded leather upholstery, and keyless ignition and entry. Porsche offers two upgrades for the standard stereo: a 10-speaker Bose system and a 12-speaker Burmester system. Apple CarPlay, a navigation system and a 4G LTE connection are also available. Safety options include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, turn-adapting headlights and blind-spot monitoring.

Porsche also provides seemingly endless ways to customize the 718 Boxster's interior and exterior, from wheel style to the color of the soft top to completely custom body paint. The interior offers multiple leather and stitching styles, and trims are available in wood, aluminum and simulated suede.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS (turbo 2.5L flat-4 | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | RWD).

Scorecard

Overall	8.0 / 10
Driving	9.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.0
Technology	7.0

Driving

9.5

You can drive the Boxster GTS to your personal limits. Get in and hold on, trusting that its traction control and computers will keep you safe in all but the most foolish driving. Or you can drive it sensibly, below its limits, and just enjoy how gracefully it arcs through curves. It's one of the world's best sports cars.

Acceleration

9.5

Acceleration is strong from near idle to the engine's redline, and it makes it feel like accelerative power is everywhere in the powerband. In Edmunds testing, the Boxster GTS needed just 3.9 seconds to get to 60 mph, which seems ridiculous for a mainstream car powered by a turbo four-cylinder.

Braking

9.5

The brake pedal is firm and provides what feels like a one-to-one relationship between pedal pressure and stopping force. It's smooth and progressive and does not need race car-style force to apply. Stops from 60 mph required 99 feet, which is another quasi-supercar number from an "entry-level" Porsche.

Steering

10.0

This steering is the one by which all others are judged. Purists and old Porsche hands may be able to discern that this is electrically assisted steering, but it makes no difference to us behind the wheel. It is about as direct as it gets: Rotate the steering wheel and the car goes exactly where you point it.

Handling

9.5

The optional sport version of Porsche's adaptive suspension (PASM) unleashes the full potential of the GTS, but it's a bit much unless you're doing frequent track days. For the more typical canyon or rural back road, the base setup is all you need. Nothing in the Boxster's class can quite match its nimble nature.

Drivability

9.0

With one of the widest operating spectrums available, the GTS can impress when driven hard on a track or simply on the road or the highway in traffic. Smooth and progressive power delivery, exceptional braking power and a smart-shifting transmission make it as easy to drive as any mainstream sedan.

Comfort

8.0

You'll have a hard time finding seats that are more comfortable and more supportive. Sure, the GTS' 20-inch wheels and lower ride height make for a bumpy ride, but the seats do a phenomenal job covering for the sportier suspension. Only those who are truly sensitive to ride motions might take offense.

Seat comfort

8.0

For seats with such few controls and that lack lumbar control, the GTS' seats are exceptionally comfortable. The built-in lumbar should be enough for most drivers and passengers. But beware that the seat cushions are somewhat narrow and have firm bolsters.

Ride comfort

7.5

Our test vehicle has the lowered sport version of Porsche's adaptive suspension, which includes stiffer springs and dampers. Occupants will inevitably experience more road feel than in a Boxster S or a luxury-focused coupe. The 20-inch wheels don't help either. But this ride is not unbearable by any means.

Noise & vibration

8.0

The soft top does an admirable job of keeping road and wind noise at bay, enough that it's easy to have a phone conversation via Bluetooth when the top is up. Engine noise is audible but not overwhelming. Opinions of how good the four-cylinder engine sounds are mixed, but nobody claims it's better than the old Boxster's flat-six.

Climate control

7.5

Only Porsche could get away with a climate control system that indicates temperature in dashes rather than a numerical readout of actual temperature. It's a nonissue that drivers will quickly grow accustomed to. The cabin cools and heats quickly. Seat heaters come standard.

Interior

7.5

You're not buying the Boxster for cabin or cargo space, although it offers a decent amount of the latter. The cabin is predictably cozy but not unreasonably so for a high-performance roadster. The materials are excellent, with a faux suede-covered steering wheel and soft-touch surfaces abounding.

Ease of use

7.5

Porsche did an excellent job of blending the primary driver controls with secondary convenience and comfort functions. The climate controls and driver information controls take a minute to figure out, but there's a method to their operation that you can discern.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

The GTS sits low to the ground, lower even than the Boxster S. But the low doorsills make it easy to swing legs out and touch the ground, while the firm seat bolsters offer a handy surface to help raise yourself from a seated position.

Driving position

8.0

Manual adjustments for fore and aft travel and height adjustment seem cheap for a car at this price. The forward sightlines out of the car are vast. And with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, drivers of all shapes and heights will have no trouble finding a good spot. The door-mounted speaker grilles tend to irritate the driver's leg during spirited jaunts.

Roominess

7.0

With the top up, two people will feel cozy, mostly because visibility out the rear sides is pretty compromised. In rivals such as the Jaguar F-Type or Chevrolet Corvette, the view out the sides and back feel panoramic by comparison. Passengers won't feel claustrophobic, though, and even taller drivers can lower the seat almost to the floor.

Visibility

6.5

Here is a tale of two tops. With the top down, visibility to the rear is limited only slightly by the rollover-protection headrest hoops. With the top up, there's a substantial zone of no visibility in the three-quarters view. Lane changes require some caution.

Quality

8.5

The build quality is exceptional and world-class. Mercedes-Benz might be the only one who does it as good and as consistently. The interior panels' fit is tight, and buttons and switchgear offer a nice amount of resistance to touch. Everything feels polished and crafted.

Utility

7.0

You're not buying the Boxster for utility, but it is better than others of its ilk because it has two storage areas. The front trunk offers decent space, and the small rear trunk doesn't get consumed by convertible top action. Interior storage is as expected for a two-seat convertible, as is child-seat compatibility.

Small-item storage

7.0

The Boxster doesn't have many storage spaces inside, which is par for the course in this class. Each door has two pockets, one of which is expandable with a spring-loaded lid. It's large enough to store wallets or phones. One phone can go in the shallow center console where you'll also find the USB connection.

Cargo space

8.0

Splitting the cargo space between the 4.6-cubic-foot rear trunk and the 5.3-cubic-foot frunk (front trunk) in this mid-engine car makes it larger in total volume than others in its class. However, the split means you can't fit big items.

Child safety seat accommodation

5.5

An automatically locking retractor seat belt makes it possible to secure certain forward-facing seats and boosters. There is also a top tether anchor. But let's face it: This two-seat car is not a kid carrier.

Technology

7.0

The Boxster isn't overly concerned with the tech side of things, although Porsche obviously understands its buyers seek the creature comforts just as enthusiastically as they do the roadster's thrills. A responsive navigation system, crisp graphics, and a general suite of apps and functions mean you don't have to compromise tech for performance.

Smartphone integration

7.5

You can easily control your device through Porsche's infotainment system via USB or Bluetooth. Apple CarPlay is optional.

Driver aids

6.5

Parking sensors come standard but can be overly sensitive. Blind-spot monitoring should be standard considering the car's lack of visibility, but it isn't.

Consumer reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster.

Features & Specs

2dr Convertible features & specs
2dr Convertible 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M
MSRP	$59,000
MPG	21 city / 28 hwy
Seating	Seats 2
Transmission	6-speed manual
Horsepower	300 hp @ 6500 rpm

See all for sale

S 2dr Convertible features & specs
S 2dr Convertible 2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M
MSRP	$71,400
MPG	20 city / 26 hwy
Seating	Seats 2
Transmission	6-speed manual
Horsepower	350 hp @ 6500 rpm

See all for sale

GTS 2dr Convertible features & specs
GTS 2dr Convertible 2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M
MSRP	$82,800
MPG	19 city / 25 hwy
Seating	Seats 2
Transmission	6-speed manual
Horsepower	365 hp @ 6500 rpm

See all for sale

See all 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite 718 Boxster safety features:

Dynamic Cornering Lights: Helps you see on curvy roads in the dark by swiveling the low beams when you turn the steering wheel.
Rollover Protection: Shields occupants in the event of a rollover with high-strength structures in front of and behind the seats.
Speed-Dependent Headlight Range Control: Ensures a clear view at night by adjusting the range of the headlights depending on vehicle speed.

Porsche 718 Boxster vs. the competition

Porsche 718 Boxster vs. BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 has been fully redesigned and is the most direct rival to the Boxster. In its sDrive30i trim, power output is similar to the base Boxster, though overall performance favors the Porsche. In many ways, the Z4 is better as a fun little touring roadster, while the Boxster is more of a true sports car. But you will get more features with the BMW for your money.

Compare Porsche 718 Boxster & BMW Z4 features

Porsche 718 Boxster vs. Audi TT

The Audi TT should be plenty sporty for most drivers seeking open-air enjoyment, but it doesn't really challenge the Boxster when it comes to performance. There are more athletic versions such as the TTS and the TT RS, but they're only offered as coupes. We like the TT for its surefooted all-wheel-drive layout and up-to-date tech features. It doesn't have much in the way of cargo space, but it's still far better than the Boxster.

Compare Porsche 718 Boxster & Audi TT features

Porsche 718 Boxster vs. Chevrolet Corvette

Among the small group of European convertible sports cars, the Chevrolet Corvette is a heady dose of good ol' Americana. We're partial to the midrange Grand Sport trim. It delivers a ton of performance for the money yet remains pleasantly comfortable over many miles. It falls a bit short when it comes to interior and build quality, but it's hard to beat for thrills and theater.

Compare Porsche 718 Boxster & Chevrolet Corvette features

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FAQ

Is the Porsche 718 Boxster a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2019 718 Boxster both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. You probably care about Porsche 718 Boxster fuel economy, so it's important to know that the 718 Boxster gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg to 24 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 718 Boxster has 9.6 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 Boxster. Learn more

What's new in the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster:

No significant changes for 2019
Part of the fourth Boxster generation introduced for 2017

Learn more

Is the Porsche 718 Boxster reliable?

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

Is the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2019 718 Boxster and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2019 718 Boxster is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster?

The least-expensive 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster is the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $59,000.

Other versions include:

2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $59,000
S 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $71,400
GTS 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $82,800

Learn more

What are the different models of Porsche 718 Boxster?

If you're interested in the Porsche 718 Boxster, the next question is, which 718 Boxster model is right for you? 718 Boxster variants include 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), S 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and GTS 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M). For a full list of 718 Boxster models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster

2019 Porsche 718 Boxster Overview

The 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster is offered in the following submodels: 718 Boxster Convertible. Available styles include 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), S 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and GTS 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M).

What do people think of the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 718 Boxster.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 718 Boxster featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster?

2019 Porsche 718 Boxster S 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

The 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster S 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $72,650. The average price paid for a new 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster S 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $10,758 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $10,758 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $61,892.

The average savings for the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster S 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 14.8% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster S 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

Which 2019 Porsche 718 Boxsters are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster for sale near. There are currently 3 new 2019 718 Boxsters listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $88,920 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster.

Can't find a new 2019 Porsche 718 Boxsters you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Porsche 718 Boxster for sale - 4 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $23,663.

Find a new Porsche for sale - 1 great deals out of 19 listings starting at $20,280.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Porsche lease specials

2019 Porsche 718 Boxster