The Porsche 718 Boxster is a luxury sports car that started out as a 2017 model year (not to be confused with the previous Boxster model, which was offered between 1997 and 2016).
It features potent engine choices, finely tuned transmissions, and offers an exhilarating driving experience.
In this article, we’ll be investigating all of the best and worst model years of the 718 Boxster.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Porsche 718 Boxster Are:
The best Porsche 718 Boxster model years are 2024, 2022, 2020, 2019, and 2018. The worst model years of this model are 2017, 2021, and 2023. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Porsche 718 Boxster?
2024 Porsche 718 Boxster
The 2024 718 Boxster may come with a higher price tag compared to many competitors, yet its exceptional handling and steering feel place it among the top sports cars available on the market today.
There are 5 available trim levels: Base, Style Edition, S, GTS 4.0, and Spyder RS. Base pricing ranges from approximately $72,000 to $162,000.
The most popular trim is the high-end GTS 4.0. It starts at $98,950.
Its popularity is largely due to the fact that it is the only variant to come standard with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (known as Porsche’s PDK transmission).
As a result, however, it posted the lowest MPG out of all trims, reaching only 19 MPG (combined city and highway driving) according to the EPA whereas the others can go up to as much as 22 MPG.
In the engine department, there are a variety to choose from:
- Turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque) – Base and Style Edition
- Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (350 horsepower, 309 pound-feet of torque) – S
- Naturally aspirated 4-liter flat-six engine (394 horsepower, 309 pound-feet of torque) – GTS 4.0
- Flat-six engine sourced from the Porsche 911 GT3 (493 horsepower, 331 pound-feet of torque) – Spyder RS
Noteworthy safety and driver assistance tech include Porsche Active Safe, Lane Change Assist, and Porsche Car Connect.
- Edmunds: 4.9 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 5.0 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2024 Porsche 718 Boxster, Edmunds Review:
“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…”
2022 Porsche 718 Boxster
If you’re searching the pre-owned market for a 718 Boxster and desire modern features (along with extended warranty coverage), then opting for the 2022 model year is an excellent decision.
While the base engine—a turbocharged flat-four—has faced criticism for its sound compared to the beloved naturally aspirated flat-sixes of the past, it nonetheless delivers ample power for spirited driving.
For enthusiasts longing for the iconic Porsche growl, the GTS 4.0 and the range-topping Spyder variant provide a more traditional auditory thrill, thanks to their flat-six engines.
Based on owners’ reviews online, these are the best aspects of the car:
- Fuel economy
- Appearance
- Interior
- Value for money
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Manufacturing quality
- Driving experience
Critics, on the other hand, have praised the sports car’s precise and nimble handling, exemplary engine power, and a smooth-operating convertible roof.
- Edmunds: 4.9 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 5.0 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2022 Porsche 718 Boxster, Edmunds Review:
“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…”
Related: 20 Best & Worst Porsche Boxster Years (With Data & Stats)
2020, 2019, and 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster
The 2020, 2019 and 2018 718 Boxsters are great choices and you can’t go far wrong with either of them. These iterations continue to deliver on the promise of exhilarating performance, thanks to their precise and nimble handling that boosts driver confidence and fun.
In the 2018 model year, the lineup welcomed the introduction of the premium GTS model as its flagship.
For 2020, the series saw the arrival of two novel models: the dynamic Boxster T and the potent Boxster Spyder, with the Boxster GTS pausing for a year.
Our favorite safety features include the following:
- Dynamic Cornering Lights
- Rollover Protection
- Speed-Dependent Headlight Range Control
2020 Porsche 718 Boxster:
- Edmunds: 4.9 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 5.0 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster:
- Edmunds: 4.9 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 5.0 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2018 Porsche 718 Boxster:
- Edmunds: 4.9 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 5.0 / 5.0
- JD Power: 87 / 100
2018 Porsche 718 Boxster, Edmunds Review:
“Sublime handling, comfortable, much faster than expected, this is simply the best toy car I have ever owned…”
Consumer Scores For Best Porsche 718 Boxster Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster | 4.9 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster | 4.9 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster | 4.9 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster | 4.9 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster | 4.9 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 87 / 100 |
Related: How Long Do Porsche Boxster Last? (12 Important Facts)
What Are The Worst Years For The Porsche 718 Boxster?
2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
Unsurprisingly, the debut 2017 718 Boxster model year has been the most fraught with issues, making it the most problematic iteration to date.
The most pressing issue experienced by owners is premature tire wear without any cause or contributing factor.
Tire tread that wears out quickly can lead to increased replacement costs, reduced grip, and longer stopping distances.
“rear tires are complete bald after 5000 miles. we have had car for over a year. dealership has inspected and verified alignment is fine and there are no signs of aggressive driving. when we purchased vehicle parts were missing from rear tire and we had to wait for them to be replaced. the car is not drivable at his point. they are saying that we shouldn’t have driven below 45 degrees.” – NHTSA.gov
“We have a 2017 boxster and have had to change rear tires every 5000 miles. They are so bald they don’t pass inspection. This is my wives car and it is garaged and she drives it very gently. They have inspected it and the alignment is good. There are no signs of abusive driving according to Porsche.” – 718forum.com
This model also received the highest number of recalls, including the following:
- Fuel Leak After Crash
- Passenger Frontal Air Bag may not Deploy
- Improper Windshield Bonding
- Fuel Leak due to Sheared Fastening Screws
- Seat Mounted Air Bags may not Deploy
- The 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster had a total of 3 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
Common problems:
- Defective passenger side mirror
- Exterior lighting defects
- Seat belt issues
- Foggy windshield
- Premature tire wear
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster
Second on this list of problematic 718 Boxsters is the 2021 model year.
The most frequently reported problem is a malfunctioning backup camera, leading to several cases where drivers faced challenges while reversing out of parking spots or garages because the camera feed failed to appear on the central display, even though the vehicle was in reverse gear.
“There is an intermittent problem where the backup camera fails to display an image when the gear selector is in Reverse. Backup camera reveals hazards that are not visible from the driver’s seat. Dealer has so far had three opportunities to diagnose the problem (and failed)…” – NHTSA.gov
- The 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster had a total of 1 problem based on NHTSA.gov data.
Common problems:
- Backup camera failure
2023 Porsche 718 Boxster
The 2023 718 Boxster, despite modern advancements in car technology, is yet another problematic model year produced by Porsche.
The primary concern revolves around the vehicle’s braking system. Online accounts suggest intermittent failures of the brake mechanism, with incidents of no resistance felt when the brake pedal is fully depressed.
“There was not a lot of traffic. It was maybe around 4:00 pm and the weather was fine. In the distance I could see a lane closure marked by orange and white barrels. I was going 70 mph. I tried to slow down, but when I pressed down on the brake pedal, NOTHING. There was no resistance and the pedal went all the way to the floor. I hit the brake multiple times and nothing…” – NHTSA.gov
- The 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster had a total of 1 problem based on NHTSA.gov data.
Common problems:
- Brake system failure
Related: 17 Sports Cars with Ventilated Seats (With Pictures)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (NHTSA.gov) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster | 0 | 3 | 5 |
What Problems Do Porsche 718 Boxster Have?
- Defective passenger side mirror
- Exterior lighting defects
- Seat belt issues
- Foggy windshield
- Premature tire wear
- Backup camera failure
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Porsche 911?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Chevrolet Corvette | 9.0 | $68,300 – $130,650 | City: 12 – 16 /Highway: 19 – 25 |
| BMW M2 | 8.6 | $63,200 | City: 16 /Highway: 23 – 24 |
| Audi R8 | 8.5 | $158,600 – $222,100 | City: 13 – 14 /Highway: 18 – 23 |
| BMW 8-Series | 8.5 | $90,800 – $149,300 | City: 17 – 21 /Highway: 24 – 29 |
| BMW Z4 | 8.5 | $53,600 – $66,300 | City: 23 – 25 /Highway: 31 – 33 |
| Porsche 911 | 8.5 | $114,400 – $290,000 | City: 13 – 18 /Highway: 18 – 25 |
| Porsche 718 Boxster | 8.5 | $70,400 – $160,700 | City: 17 – 21 /Highway: 24 – 27 |
| Porsche Cayman | 8.5 | $68,300 – $162,000 | City: 15 – 21 /Highway: 19 – 27 |
| Toyota Supra | 8.4 | $44,640 – $58,345 | City: 19 – 25 /Highway: 27 – 31 |
| BMW M4 | 8.2 | $74,700 – $139,900 | City: 16 /Highway: 22 – 23 |
| Lexus LC | 8.0 | $98,450 – $105,950 | City: 15 – 26 /Highway: 24 – 33 |
| Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 8.0 | $141,300 – $183,000 | City: 13 – 14 /Highway: 21 – 22 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: 13 Best & Worst Porsche 911 Years (With Facts & Stats)
References
- https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/porsche/718 Boxster
- https://www.edmunds.com/porsche/718-718 Boxster/
- https://www.kbb.com/porsche/718-718 Boxster/
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2024/porsche/718-boxster
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Porsche/718_718 Boxster/
- https://www.carproblemzoo.com/tsb/porsche/718718 Boxster/
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/
