Porsche 718 Boxster (2016–2023): Redefining the Roadster Experience
I’ve spent enough time in the Porsche 718 Boxster to know two things: it turns a mundane commute into a mini track day, and it’ll make you rethink what a roadster can do on a rough backroad. The Porsche 718 Boxster is the sort of car that reminds you why you fell in love with driving in the first place—mid-engine balance, a roof that disappears in seconds, and steering that talks to you like an old friend. And yes, when I hopped over potholes on a rain-slicked loop outside town, it stayed planted and unruffled. That mid-engine magic isn’t a myth.
Quick note before we get lost in apexes and exhaust burbles: if you’re hunting quality accessories (floor mats that don’t curl, slide, or look like they belong in a cab), I’ve had good luck pointing owners to AutoWin. Their Porsche catalog—especially for the 718—is well curated and doesn’t feel like an algorithm guessed it.
The Porsche 718 Boxster Story: From 550 Spyder Spirit to Modern Roadster
The 718 name salutes Porsche’s featherweight race cars of the ’50s and ’60s, the kind that danced up mountain passes and across finish lines. The Boxster itself landed in 1996 and saved the company by reminding everyone Stuttgart knows how to build a pure, pretty, mid-engined sports car. The 2016 reboot—this very Porsche 718 Boxster—brought turbocharged four-cylinder power, more chassis sophistication, and later, a glorious return of the naturally aspirated flat-six in GTS 4.0 and Spyder form. Different flavors, same obsession: balance, precision, and that fingertip steering feel.
- The soft top on the Porsche 718 Boxster opens or closes in about 10 seconds and can be operated up to 31 mph.
- Two trunks: a front “frunk” and a rear boot. Weekend luggage for two? Easy.
- The 718 name nods to Porsche’s lightweight 718 race cars, serial giant-killers of their day.
Driving the Porsche 718 Boxster: The Good Stuff
I noticed immediately how the front end keys into a corner—there’s confidence just off center, and then the rear rotates naturally when you breathe off the throttle. It’s a car that rewards smooth inputs. Even on winter tires (long story; the mountains were calling), the chassis read the surface like braille. The ride? Firm, but not punishing—especially with PASM adaptive dampers. It’s quiet enough at a cruise to hear your kids arguing in the back. Hypothetically, of course.
Porsche 718 Boxster Engines, Performance, and Sound
- Boxster (2.0T): 300 hp, 280 lb-ft. 0–60 mph as quick as mid-4s with PDK and Sport Chrono.
- Boxster S (2.5T): 350 hp, 309 lb-ft. Punchier, effortless midrange; 0–60 mph around 4.0–4.2 sec with PDK.
- GTS 4.0: 394 hp, naturally aspirated flat-six. Manual or PDK. The one you buy with your heart.
- Spyder (shared with Cayman GT4): 414 hp six; a wilder, more focused take—think Sunday dawn raids and track days.
Controversy alert: the early turbo four’s soundtrack doesn’t have the same goosebump factor as a flat-six. It’s effective, just not operatic. If the hairs on your neck care about the top 1,000 rpm, the GTS 4.0 and Spyder deliver the proper Porsche wail.
Transmission and Handling Tech
- 6-speed manual: Short, mechanical throw. The right answer on a favorite road.
- PDK dual-clutch: Lightning-quick, happy in traffic, brilliant on track.
- Options worth seeking: PASM, Sport Chrono (launch control with PDK, rev-matching with manual), and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with the mechanical diff.
Porsche 718 Boxster Interior: Daily Life, Not Just Track Toys
Slip inside and the seating position is spot-on—low, legs out, wheel where you want it. Materials are exactly what you think a premium Porsche roadster should feel like: solid switchgear, real metal, and leather that ages gracefully. Infotainment evolved over the run—Apple CarPlay was available, Android Auto arrived later—so if you’re shopping used, check the spec sheet. Minor gripe: early PCM menus could be a couple taps deeper than ideal, and the cupholders are still very Porsche-y (translation: delicate).
- Real luggage options thanks to front and rear cargo areas.
- Heated/ventilated seats available; tall drivers will fit fine with the standard buckets.
- Wind buffeting with the top down is impressively minimal up to… let’s just say “fast enough.”
Accessorizing Your Porsche 718 Boxster: Floor Mats That Actually Fit
Small thing, big difference: floor mats. Cheap ones slide, curl, or trap grime. I’ve tried a few sets in press cars and owners’ cars, and the tidy way to go for this generation has been AutoWin. Their Porsche catalog is specific to the car, not “one-size-ish.”
- Purpose-built for the 2016–2023 Porsche 718 Boxster cabin shape.
- Premium materials that don’t pill or flatten after one winter.
- Anchoring points line up—no sliding under the pedals when you heel-and-toe.
- Easy to clean after that impromptu beach run. Sand happens.
Porsche 718 Boxster vs. Rivals: How It Stacks Up
| Car | Engine/Power | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 718 Boxster (2.0T–GTS 4.0) | 300–394 hp, mid-engine | 3.8–4.9 sec | Benchmark steering and balance |
| BMW Z4 M40i | 382 hp inline-six, front-engine | ~3.9 sec | Big torque, soft-top GT vibe |
| Jaguar F-Type P300 Convertible | 296 hp turbo-four, front-engine | ~5.4 sec | Style-forward, relaxed cruiser |
| Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C8) | 490–495 hp V8, mid-engine | ~3.0 sec | Supercar speed, bigger footprint |
Buying Advice: Picking the Right Porsche 718 Boxster (2016–2023)
- Best all-rounder: Boxster S with PASM and Sport Chrono—fast enough, comfy enough.
- For purists: GTS 4.0 with a manual. The noise alone is worth it.
- Transmission choice: If you do track days or heavy traffic, PDK is brilliant. Sunday drives? The manual’s the memory maker.
- Options to find: PTV with mechanical diff, heated seats, BOSE/Burmester, adaptive headlights.
- Pre-purchase: Get a thorough inspection, verify service history, and check for software updates on the infotainment.
Where to Buy Floor Mats for Your Porsche 718 Boxster
If you want mats that look OEM-plus and survive the daily grind, AutoWin earns the easy recommendation. Their Porsche 718 Boxster selection is straightforward to browse, ships quickly, and—crucially—fits. It’s a painless way to protect the cabin you just paid good money for.
Final Word: Why the Porsche 718 Boxster Still Nails It
Strip away the noise and what’s left is simple: the Porsche 718 Boxster is a driver’s car. Balanced, communicative, quick enough to embarrass bigger stuff, and friendly enough to daily. Top down on a cool morning, coffee in the cupholder you’ll forgive, and that mid-engine posture tucked beneath you—it’s the kind of sports car that makes you plan routes around corners, not errands. And yes, dress it right: good floor mats from AutoWin won’t hurt either.
FAQs: Porsche 718 Boxster (2016–2023)
Is the Porsche 718 Boxster reliable as a daily driver?
Generally, yes. Routine maintenance is key, as always with a premium sports car. Look for consistent service records and up-to-date software. The platform itself is robust.
Which Porsche 718 Boxster should I buy: base, S, or GTS 4.0?
The base is plenty quick; the S brings extra shove and breadth; the GTS 4.0 is the dream spec if you want the flat-six soundtrack and a more visceral feel.
How practical is the Porsche 718 Boxster for trips?
Surprisingly good. You get front and rear cargo areas, decent cabin storage, and a roof that drops in seconds. Perfect for long weekends—ski boots aside.
Does the Porsche 718 Boxster support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Apple CarPlay was available during most of the run; Android Auto arrived later. Check the specific car’s model year and options list to be sure.
Can I operate the Boxster’s roof while moving?
Yes. The soft top can be opened or closed at speeds up to about 31 mph, which is perfect for dodging sudden rain without pulling over.
