2018 Porsche 718 Boxster Review
2018 Porsche 718 Boxster Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCarlos Lago
Carlos Lago has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. Along with an extensive background in performance testing and evaluation, he has produced hundreds of car-related articles and videos.
Pros
- Precise and nimble handling promotes driver fun and confidence
- Muscular and efficient turbo four-cylinder engines
- PDK is one of the best dual-clutch transmissions
- Takes less than 10 seconds to open or close the roof
Cons
- Engines lack the aural flair of earlier Boxsters
- Some features you'd expect to be standard are optional
- Breadth of options allows personalization, but gets pricy in a hurry
What's new
- New range-topping GTS model
- Part of the fourth Boxster generation introduced for 2017
The Porsche 718 Boxster is a convertible sports car 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 gives the 718 Boxster (and its fixed-roof 718 Cayman sibling) a handling balance prized by car enthusiasts.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster 2dr Convertible (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 $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$203/mo for 718 Boxster Base
718 Boxster Base
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
The Boxster received the 718 name last year as part of a complete redesign. Though there were many significant changes as part of the update, the biggest was the switch from six-cylinder engines to more efficient and powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engines. While the new engines lack the high-revving charm of the old ones, it's hard to argue with the performance increase they bring. Even the cheapest Boxster you can buy is now cranking out 300 horsepower.
Of course, being a Porsche, the Boxster can also be fitted with all sorts of customization options. Some enhance the car's performance while others are just for visual flair. But it's the car's core qualities, including its sublime steering and handling, plus the carefree nature of owning a two-seat roadster, that will have you hooked for life.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
8.0 / 10Over the years, the Porsche Boxster has earned a reputation for a sublime driving experience. That reputation is further solidified with the 2018 718 Boxster. Outstanding handling, powerful engines and top-down fun put this convertible in the pantheon of the world's best.
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 automated manual | RWD).
Scorecard
Overall | 8.0 / 10 |
Driving | 9.5 |
Comfort | 8.0 |
Interior | 7.5 |
Utility | 7.0 |
Technology | 7.0 |
Driving
9.5You can drive the Boxster GTS to your personal limits. You can 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
9.5Acceleration 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
9.5The 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 require race car-style force to apply. Stops from 60-0 mph required 99 feet, which is another quasi-supercar number from an "entry-level" Porsche.
Steering
10.0This 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
9.5The 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
9.0With 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
8.0You'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 bumpier 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
8.0For 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
7.5Our test vehicle has the lowered sport version of Porsche's adaptive suspension, which includes stiffer springs and dampers. Occupants will inevitably feel more road 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
8.0The 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
7.5Only 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
7.5You'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
7.5Porsche 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 finally discern.
Getting in/getting out
7.5The GTS sits low to the ground, lower even than the Boxster S. But 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
8.0Manual 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
7.0With 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 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
6.5Here 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
8.5The 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
7.0You'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
7.0The Boxster doesn't have many storage spaces inside, but this 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
8.0Splitting 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
5.5An 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
7.0The 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.
Audio & navigation
7.5The navigation system is sharp and responsive and features 3D mapping from Google. It's also possible to port the nav map over to the gauge cluster. The base audio system is nothing special. It sounds good, although overly bass-boosted, perhaps due to the door-mounted speakers.
Smartphone integration
7.5You can easily control your device through Porsche's infotainment system via USB or Bluetooth. Apple CarPlay is optional.
Driver aids
6.5Parking 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.
Which 718 Boxster does Edmunds recommend?
There was a time where going with the upgraded power of the Boxster S was a no-brainer. It's a lot harder to choose now that even the base model is punching out 300 hp. The price difference between the two trims is significant, too, and you don't really get any extra features on the S. Therefore, we say go with the base 718 Boxster unless you're truly in love with the additional power of the S or GTS. Going with the base frees up more of your budget for options, too. On top of keyless entry and ignition, we'd also have to take the heated seats and steering wheel, as few pleasures compare to driving with the top down on a cool, foggy day. Choosing between the manual or the dual-clutch automatic transmission presents a more difficult and personal decision, but the quality of both gearboxes means there's no wrong answer.
2018 Porsche 718 Boxster models
The 2018 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 base 718 Boxster comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder (300 horsepower, 280 pound-feet 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, a louder exhaust, redesigned 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 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 is available through Porsche Connect, while a Plus variant of that option adds 4G LTE connectivity. 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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster.
5 star(91%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
11 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
My first Porsche (updated)
BruceJ, 07/29/2016
2017 Porsche 718 Boxster 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
7th Heaven in 718S Boxster
Sean C, 09/15/2017
2017 Porsche 718 Boxster S 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I purchased my 2017 718S Boxster in May of 2017. This is my 7th Porsche since 1991. I have had 4 911's, 1 Panamera E-Hybrid S and 1 2003 Boxster. My 2017 718S Boxster is the best so far. It is amazing how Porsche continues to improve every model of car they build. I am very impressed with the performance of the 4 cyl 2.5L Turbo of the 718 S and the fuel economy is fantastic. My most … previous Porsche was a 2006 Carrera S Tip. up until this current car, was my favorite. Performance was great as well as reliability. I had 90K on it when I sold it and bought my 718S. We decided that we wanted a convertible and with the new styling and improved performance, and fuel economy of the 718, it was a no brainer. The PDK transmission is amazing, fast and perfect. The handling is unparalleled to any car in its class. I don't use it as a weekend car, but drive it on a regular basis. I bought it in May and have 6K on the car now and it is glorious. Id recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic performing sports car that is great looking, fast and fuel efficient. 5 Stars all the way Porsche! Keep it going!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Bucket List Car
Keith, 03/16/2021
2018 Porsche 718 Boxster S 2dr Convertible (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Our first Porsche was a 914-4 when we were first married 50 years ago, BK (before kids). It was great fun. We vowed that we'd get other Porsches when we were able. A few years ago we bought a 2011 Cayman S Black edition, loved it but had to part with it to make room for the grandkids this time. After retirement, we moved back to the town where we grew up, and started a "Tops Down" … club with our life long friends. We toured remote parts of Oregon in our Mini Cooper S convertible for a year or so, but still remembered our 914-4 fondly. We found the 718 Boxster S at Porsche Beaverton and fell in love with it. This car is perfect, lots of fun, great power. I thought I would miss the 6 cylinder of the Cayman, but I don't. The 718's turbo 4 has more power, is definitely faster, and the PDK is a dream. The sound of 4 reminds us the 914, but 718 demonstrates 50 years of constant improvement. We are very happy with the 718!
5 out of 5 stars
Black Magic box
Steve, 02/09/2017
2017 Porsche 718 Boxster 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
This is my third Porsche and this one is the best. Performance and road handling are better than a new corvette and $20k less. Fuel economy is better than the 13 model. I test drove the new corvette, the BMW, and the Porsche was much better on ride comfort, controls, handling. We use this vehicle on long trips due to not only being fun to drive, but the fuel economy and comfort are the … most important to us. The local service from Porsche is first rate compared to other dealers autos (corvette dealer is terrible). If you buy a Porsche you won't be disappointed.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster, so we've included reviews for other years of the 718 Boxster since its last redesign.
2018 Porsche 718 Boxster video
CARLOS LAGO: Hey, I'm Carlos Lago. And thank you for continuing to watch this channel. As you can tell from some of the recent things we've put up, from the three-truck comparison test to the reviews, and some of the adventure videos, we're trying to do more. And we're trying to do it better. We're going to start trying new types of shows too, including one that's going to air as soon as I'm done talking. Let us know if you like it. And let us know if you don't. We want to make it better for you to watch. With that in mind, be sure to like, comment, subscribe, that whole thing. And thanks again for watching. [MUSIC PLAYING] This is the Porsche Boxster GTS. And ahead of me is the Edmond's test track. We here in sport-plus mode. I'm going to engage launch control. And we're going to talk about how this thing drives and handles over the course of a lap or two. Let's do it. So the GTS comes with more power. And it's basically outfitted with all the performance options that you would want to have on your Porsche Boxster or Porsche Cayman. They're functionally the same car. One has a roof. And one doesn't. So we've got around 365 horsepower. More important though, we have our improved handling attributes. And so far, I can say this thing for drives really well. I'm going to try to not complain too much about how the engine sounds. I feel like I've been very forward in the past about my dislike for it. I'll say, in this situation, it's more linear than I remember it being. It delivers a good amount of power, around 365 horsepower. But it's a really nice addition, in terms of power delivery, to the way this car handles, which is a very smooth, and traceable, and confidence-inspiring character this car has. I really feel like I can challenge these corners, both on entry speed and on throttle out. And the whole car just feels really good, especially around this high-speed left hander, dig into to the throttle. And there's just a lot of traction on the way out. We're supposed to keep these to one lap. I'm going to do two, because I'm having fun. Out of this low-speed right hander, no sign of oversteer, maybe because I'm not challenging the gas too much on the exit. But man, this thing is delivering a lot of speed, but a lot of handling capability, too. It's stable, but not in a way that feels limiting. It feels really enjoyable to push out of a corner, not with the front tires, but with the rears urging you forward. Braking power is very strong, but predictable, too. It's smooth, a little bit off line there, but that's OK. You have a bit of control over where the car is going to end up through a corner. And a good amount of speed right on the exit there, you can hear that rumble strip. That tells me I'm just about out of road. Dive into the super slow right hander, now we've got the tires working. You can hear them chattering away up to this uphill complex. I've got the PDK in its automatic mode. PDK is what Porsche calls their dual-clutch transmission. And it's shifting exactly where I'd want it to be in its sport-plus setting. It has the logic that puts me in the gear that I'd choose to be if I wanted to. And that means I don't have to worry about shifting. I can worry about keeping the car on its path. Now, one downsides, I've got to say-- and I'll experience it through this right hander, too. The speaker grill that my left knee is resting on feels like a cheese grater. And that does not feel good. I'm going to have to make sure I don't need to apply a Bandaid afterwards. But that's been a quick spin in the Porsche Boxster GTS. And I have to say, it's a very nice handling and fun to drive sports car. And if you can live with the way that engine sounds, I think you're going to be in for a treat with this one. If you like what you see, keep it tuned, and be sure to subscribe. And for all your car shopping needs, be sure to visit edmunds.com.
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS Test Track
Carlos Lago takes a few quick laps at the Edmunds test track in a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS. What is it? In Porsche-speak, GTS is the trim you pick when you want all the normally optional go-fast parts standard. For the 718 Boxster, it means things such as more power, bigger wheels and… a more emotive exhaust system. During a recent test day, we wanted to show what the experience was like behind the wheel during laps on a track.
2018 718 Boxster Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $57,400 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the 718 Boxster models:
- Dynamic Cornering Lights
- Helps you see on curvy roads in the dark by swiveling the low beams when you turn the steering wheel.
- Roll-Over 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.
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