more about this model Porsche's entry-level car has received a thorough redo for the 2017 model year, including a new name: the 718 Boxster ("Seven eighteen," not "seven-one-eight," although the British might disagree). The biggest change is the switch to turbocharged flat-four engines. Not only are the new powerplants more efficient than the sixes they replace, but they also deliver more power. Many of the body panels are new, and some of the detailing (including the new head- and taillights) is exquisite.
Changes inside are more subdued, and they include a touchscreen display borrowed from the 911. The new interior offers plenty of room for 6-footers, though over-the-shoulder visibility isn't very good. All the more reason to drop the power-operated top, which folds down in just over 10 seconds. Two small trunks offer adequate luggage space, though golf clubs will be relegated to the passenger seat.
The new 718 Boxster comes with a mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet to the rear wheels, a 35 hp and 74 lb-ft improvement over the old six. Porsche claims a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, 0.7 second faster than the outgoing Boxster, and a 170-mph top speed, an improvement of 8 mph. The EPA rates the 2.0-liter Boxster's fuel economy at 25 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway) for the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic, with manual transmission figures 1 mpg lower.
Opt for the Boxster S, and the engine is bumped up to 2.5 liters with 350 hp, an increase of 35 hp over the outgoing Boxster S. Porsche claims the 0-60 run at 4.4 seconds for the manual and 4 seconds flat for cars with PDK and the Sport Chrono package. Top speed is 177 mph, and the Boxster S is EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway) with the PDK automatic. Manuals trail those figures by about 2 mpg.
The old Boxster was one of our favorite cars to drive, and changes to the new car's suspension and steering have only improved matters. The new tires provide better grip, the steering returns all the feedback we could want and the brakes are better than ever. The Boxster S offers an optional Porsche Active Suspension Management, with a lowered ride height and upgraded dampers, but we think the ride is too stiff on roads that aren't glass-smooth. The standard suspension rides better on less-than-perfect pavement and still offers outstanding levels of grip. And we miss the old car's six-cylinder soundtrack — the pops and burbles from the four-cylinder engine's exhaust are no match for the soulful wail that has defined the Boxster driving experience since the original car made its debut.
The Boxster is offered in base and S models, differentiated primarily by their engine. Both models now include more standard equipment, and in keeping with Porsche tradition there are enough extra-cost options to literally double the price of the car. Edmunds can help find the perfect 2017 Porsche Boxster for you.
2017 Porsche 718 Boxster Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 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.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 718 Boxster 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 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 2017 718 Boxster.
Vehicle
2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
I bought one of the first 718's available, though not on purpose. I was shopping for a used Boxster but the 718 looks so much better and it's so much faster, it was very hard to resist. I have a base model with "only" about 20K in options - PDK, wheels, nav, lighting upgrades, and the premium package. The purchasing experience at Sunset Imports was very pleasant and quite easy. I've driven it about 1000 miles so far so it's not even broken in yet, but this is easily the best car I've ever had the pleasure of driving. (Update) I've now had the car for most of a year, and have joined the local chapter of the Porsche Club. The 718 continues to delight me, even when it's sitting in the garage waiting for the snow to melt. It's rock solid, with no issues or trouble at all, and a pure joy to drive. I've taken it on several long road trips and find that it gets better gas mileage the faster you go. Who would have guessed? :) I can't recommend this car enough. Drive one and you'll see.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
Edmunds Value
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
Available Porsche 718 Boxster 2017 Submodel Types: Convertible
Available Trims: S, Base
Exterior Colors: Graphite Blue Metallic, Guards Red, Agate Grey Metallic, Racing Yellow, Rhodium Silver Metallic, Black, Night Blue Metallic
Interior Colors: Black premium leather, Black leather, Agate Grey premium leather, Luxor Beige leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Auto Climate Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, Leather Seats, Parking sensors, Power Driver Seat, Soft Top, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Upgraded Headlights
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: rear wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
