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
Limited tech features
What's new
Last year's Spyder is replaced by an upgraded Spyder RS
The Boxster T has been discontinued
Part of the third 718 Boxster generation introduced for 2017
Overview
The 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster is simply one of the best sports cars you can buy today. It may not be the fastest or the most expensive, but it is exquisitely balanced to deliver one of the most engaging driving experiences at any price. Typically, boasts like these are reserved for the top model in a carmaker's lineup, but the Boxster and its Cayman hardtop sibling are positioned more as entry points into the Porsche brand. It is still a Porsche, though, and a starting price of $70,000 is far from affordable for many shoppers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder RS 2dr Convertible (4.0L 6cyl 7AM) 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 N/A undefined in Ohio.
With nearly perfect nose-to-tail balance, 300 horsepower and a light 3,000-pound curb weight, even the base Boxster can thrill drivers. Its rattly four-cylinder exhaust note is a big turnoff, though, which is why the six-cylinder is our choice, along with the added power and improved handling it brings. For enthusiasts, the Boxster can feel as though it's an extension of the driver rather than a vehicle the driver's sitting in, and that sensation is rare these days. The big news this year is the top Spyder RS that sneaks in a slightly detuned 493-hp Porsche 911 GT3 engine.
Competitors to consider
There aren't a lot of convertibles being made today and even fewer are sports cars comparable to the Porsche 718 Boxster. The Chevrolet Corvette convertible is the closest rival, with a similar mid-engine layout and a burly V8. The BMW M4 is also a stout performer and benefits from rear seats and a traditional trunk, while the BMW Z4 is more of a luxury tourer than an all-out sports car. We suggest starting with the Porsche.
Which 718 Boxster does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend spending the extra cash to upgrade to the GTS 4.0. Even though it's $25,000-plus more than the base model, we think it's worth it. The six-cylinder engine sounds significantly better than the rough four-cylinder, and when combined with the added power it delivers a much more inspiring drive. After all, isn't this what a genuine sports car like the Boxster is all about?
Save as much as $6,648 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $6,648 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Spyder RS trim.
2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder RS pricing in Columbus, OH
The Corvette is the bang-for-the-buck leader in the class, with a brawny V8 engine that makes similar power as the 718 Spyder RS but with a price that is in line with the base Boxster. There's also the 670-hp Z06 that costs over $20,000 more than the RS. It's easier for most drivers to tap into the Porsche's full performance potential, though, and its interior is a step up in quality materials. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Chevrolet Corvette.
The BMW M4 is one of the few other convertible sport coupes and packs an impressive 503 horsepower. It's priced just below the GTS 4.0 and benefits from a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that brave drivers can set to rear-drive-only. It's easier to live with than the Boxster due to its rear seat and a traditional trunk, but it's not quite as agile.
The BMW Z4 makes almost as much power as the Boxster GTS 4.0, but it's tuned more for touring and comfort than all-out performance. When it debuted back in 2019, we were hoping that BMW would make a high-performance M version, but that never happened. As it is, the Z4 is a more leisurely roadster that could be compared with the four-cylinder Boxster trims.
Detects stopped vehicles ahead, alerts the driver and brakes if necessary. Included with adaptive cruise control.
Lane Change Assist
Monitors the car's blind spots and alerts the driver through lights on the exterior mirrors.
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 Boxster a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 718 Boxster both on the road and at the track. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 718 Boxster has 9.4 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 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster:
Last year's Spyder is replaced by an upgraded Spyder RS
The Boxster T has been discontinued
Part of the third 718 Boxster generation introduced for 2017
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 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 718 Boxster is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster?
The least-expensive 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster is the 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder RS 2dr Convertible (4.0L 6cyl 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $160,700.
Other versions include:
Spyder RS 2dr Convertible (4.0L 6cyl 7AM) which starts at $160,700
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 Spyder RS 2dr Convertible (4.0L 6cyl 7AM). For a full list of 718 Boxster models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more