2022 Porsche 718 Boxster

When it comes to sports cars that behave brilliantly in pretty much every situation and excel when you're pushing them, little comes close to the Porsche Boxster. Obviously, the Porsche 911 is the holy grail, but if you want something a little smaller and cheaper that is still plenty of fun, the Porsche 718 Cayman hardtop and 718 Boxster soft-top are outstanding choices. Driving thrills mixed with the wind blowing through your hair are the order of the day, with a choice of either a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four producing 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5-liter turbo with 350 hp/309 lb-ft, or a monstrous 4.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer-six producing 394 hp and up to 317 lb-ft of torque. Cheaper competitors like the BMW Z4 are out there, but the little Porker is still at the top of its game. Let's see just how much it leads the pack by.

All Porsche 718 Boxster models come with the clever Porsche Dynamic Light System with bi-xenon headlights and LED running lights. Large side intake vents feed the mid-mounted engine from the exterior, while the rear features a simple and smooth fascia with a faux diffuser and an adaptive rear wing. Base models get a central exhaust exit, while S models update this with twin-exit pipes. The T gets the same treatment but in black, while the range-topping GTS gets its own front and rear bumpers with High Gloss Black exhaust tips either end of its diffuser. Wheel sizing starts at 18 inches but can increase to 20s. A broad array of paint colors are available, ranging from subtle White to over-the-top Python Green. The 25 Years edition can be had in only Carrara White, Jet Black, or GT Silver and has exterior accents such as the side air intakes in Neodyme bronze. The soft top can be had in black or red. Two-tone Neodyme/silver 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted.

Dimensions on the Porsche Boxster convertible are largely similar across the range with all but the GTS measuring 172.4 inches in length while that top trim is slightly longer at 172.9 inches. Width is 70.9 inches with the mirrors folded while the wheelbase spans 97.4 inches. Height is 50.4 inches, but an available sport suspension package lowers the car by up to 0.8 inches. Curb weight starts at 3,020 pounds on the base model with the manual tranny, while the PDK model tips the scales at 3,082 lbs. The heaviest model is the GTS 4.0 with the PDK transmission, which weighs in at 3,224 lbs.

Both the base Boxster and Boxster T models share the same engine with similar performance - a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four with 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This sends power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and the joy of rowing through this slick-shifting 'box is incomparable. However, we wouldn't judge you for choosing the available seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. Left to its own devices, this gearbox is practically telepathic. Take manual control and it obeys your every command. 0-60 mph comes up in 4.9 seconds with the manual and 4.7 with the PDK, but if you opt for the Sport Chrono package, launch control can cut another two tenths off that time, while the top speed with either transmission is 170 mph.

There's also a Boxster S model, featuring a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer-four generating an impressive 350 horses and 309 lb-ft of torque. This model will get to 60 in a fastest time of four seconds and its top speed arrives a little later, at 177 mph. The same transmission options apply.

The GTS 4.0 is the ultimate choice in the range. Its responsive and high-revving naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer-six puts out 394 hp and the same torque as the Boxster S, although the PDK-equipped version manages 317 lb-ft. With the manual transmission, this model will hit 60 in 4.3 seconds and only stop accelerating at 182 mph. Equipped with the PDK transmission, top speed drops to 179 mph but the 0 to 60 sprint takes only 3.8 seconds. In terms of noise, response, and fun, this model is unbeatable. The Boxster 25 Years is based on the GTS's mechanical package.

There isn't another drop-top sports car in competition in this price range that handles as crisply and predictably as the Boxster. The steering is sharp and direct yet provides enough feel for you to confidently push your limits, limits that will be reached long before you get the car flustered. That balance and poise through any corner make it easy to get on the power early and help the car rotate on its own axis with ease. Surprisingly for such an agile and focused chassis, bumps in the road aren't bone-shattering either, and you can use the Boxster as a mini-GT every once in a while without hating yourself for it. As if its handling ability weren't great enough, there's a torque vectoring system with a mechanically locking differential available, with the GTS model getting it as standard. Just as it handles, so it stops. Braking is easy to modulate and the pedal is feelsome, but if you want greater security, carbon ceramics are available too. The only real complaint comes from the four-cylinder models, which sound rather strained and fairly gruff when you're wringing them out. The GTS, though, sounds majestic.

If you're buying a Porsche, gas mileage is probably the last thing you care about. Nevertheless, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the 2.0-liter models will be the lightest on gas. The Boxster and Boxster T have a 14.2-gallon tank while the S and GTS 4.0 have a 16.9-gallon tank. The base 2022 Boxster is expected to return 21/27/24 mpg on the EPA's city/highway/combined cycles (giving it an average range of 340 miles) while the Boxster T will drop 1 mpg off the combined cycle. The 16.9-gallon tank is available on these lower models too, so you could increase the mixed range to 405.6 miles on average. These figures apply to models with the PDK while the manual versions will return 20/26/22 mpg each. For the Boxster S, the PDK variant isn't far off with 19/25/22 mpg while the manual will return 19/24/21 mpg. EPA estimates for the GTS / 25 Years are 17/24/19 mpg for the manual and 19/24/21 for the PDK.

Just two people can be seated in the cabin of the Boxster, but in comparison to having rear seats that are completely unusable for anything other than overflow storage, we don't mind. The standard seats are only two-way adjustable yet provide decent support and good comfort. There's plenty to choose from if you want more control over your seating position though. 14-way power seats are available, as are 18-way adaptive seats that will pump up the bolsters depending on your direction of travel to keep you firmly in place. For those who value support over comfort, fixed bucket seats are also available. Whatever you choose, the cabin is pretty hospitable for even the tallest individuals, but you may need to stoop when climbing in if the roof is still up.

Just as with fuel economy, trunk space isn't high on the list of important factors when you're looking at a sports car, but the Boxster is surprisingly useful. The rear storage area can hold 4.4 cubic feet of volume while the front trunk will hold 5.2 cubes - enough for one and two carry-on suitcases respectively.

However, the cabin is less versatile. You get pop-out cupholders in the dash, but these were clearly included just because people asked for them - not because Porsche approves of drinks in its cars. There are also narrow door pockets and a little spot between the seats, but you'll probably have to squeeze most of your stuff into the average-sized glovebox.

As standard, the Boxster features hill start assist, automatic stop/start, an adaptive rear wing, auto-dimming power heated wing mirrors with a rain sensor, heated seats, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, parking sensors at the front and the rear, a rearview camera, cruise control, a 4.6-inch driver info display, and a power-folding soft top. Available features include LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, ventilated seats, lane change assist, a heated steering wheel, launch control, adaptive dampers, adaptive cruise control, and active transmission mounts.

The infotainment system in the Boxster is made up of images displayed on a seven-inch touchscreen connected to a six-speaker sound system. This supports SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial subscription, HD Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto is not available. The system also boasts an 11 GB hard drive, two USB ports, and two SD card slots. Voice control is available along with navigation. The standard 110-Watt audio system has six speakers, but real audiophiles will find the available 10-speaker Bose surround-sound or 12-speaker Burmester configurations more enticing.

Last year, the Boxster was recalled twice for improperly tightened suspension components and the possibility that an engine connecting rod might crack on the six-cylinder engine. Thus far, no recalls have been issued for either 2022 models of the 718 Boxster, so reliability should be good.

An impressive warranty offering provides the 718 Boxster with limited and powertrain coverage for the first four years or 50,000 miles. The first year or 10,000 miles of ownership also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has conducted any crash tests on the 718, so there is no Porsche Boxster review or rating from either. This is not uncommon for sports cars at this price point.

Standard safety equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, hill start assist, and frontal and side-impact airbags. Adaptive bi-xenon headlights are also standard, but these can be upgraded to LEDs if you wish. Also available are lane change assist and adaptive cruise control.

The Boxster is small, expensive, and most models come with engines that do little to stir the soul in terms of noise. The interior has minimal storage space and some attractive features like navigation and adaptive cruise control are reserved for the options list. Despite this, we love the car. It handles absolutely beautifully, looks handsome, and most importantly, it's one of the few cars, let alone sports cars, still available with a proper, old-school manual gearbox. The feeling of driving the Boxster is unlike any other, with balance and composure that few can imitate. With the arrival of the GTS 4.0 version, our love for the sports car has only grown from previous reviews of the Porsche Boxster. Its soulful six-cylinder sings in the way that only a naturally aspirated Porsche boxer can, and its further enhanced handling ability make it a true contender for one of the best sports cars of the year. If you can afford any variant, however, we'd say go for it.

The cheapest model in the lineup is the base model Boxster, which retails for an MSRP in the USA of $62,600, before a $1,350 destination charge. The Boxster T is a little more expensive at $71,700 while the Boxster S is $74,600. Usually, the most expensive car is the Boxster GTS 4.0, which is on sale with a base price of $89,500. Fully loaded with optional extras, this Porsche Boxster carries a price of well over $140,000. However, in standard trim, the limited-edition Boxster 25 Years is the most expensive for the 2022 model year; it costs $100,100 in manual guise and $103,830 with the PDK transmission.

We're absolutely enamored by the GTS 4.0's spec with its naturally aspirated engine - a motor that we feel makes the Boxster range as a whole far more worthy of consideration. Nevertheless, it's also the most expensive option besides the even more expensive limited-edition 25 Years, so if you can't afford the cost of that Porsche Boxster trim, we'd suggest going for the Boxster S. This model's 2.5-liter engine produces an astonishing 350 hp and 309 lb-ft of twist - the same torque figure as the manual GTS. We would be tempted to add ventilated seats and navigation to this model to make it a little more comfortable to live with daily, while the addition of adaptive cruise control would make it safer on long trips. We also think the Premium Package with its LED headlights, Bose sound system, lane change assist, and heated steering would be worth the extra cash. That said, all handle brilliantly, no matter which of the Porsche Boxster models you choose.

Much like the 718 Boxster, the BMW Z4 arrives in base form with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, no manual gearbox is available with all models sending power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic. While the base Boxster produces 300 hp, the base Z4 only develops 255 hp. This can be remedied with the M40i model which comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six that makes 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Z4 also has a larger trunk and a more advanced cabin. In addition, in this configuration, it has a cost of only $1,100 more than the base Boxster. For affordable fun and power, as well as a usable trunk and more standard features, the Z4 is ideal. However, replicating the driving feel of a Boxster is impossible, so we'd suggest a test drive before pulling the trigger on either.

The Porsche 718 Boxster is undoubtedly a premium product, but Jaguar's new F-Type is even pricier. In convertible guise, it now starts at $73,000 - more than ten grand higher than the 718. Like the BMW Z4 and the Boxster, the Jag's base model used to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo for about the same price as a base Boxster, but that model has been dropped and the range now starts with a 444-hp V8. Like the Bimmer, only an eight-speed auto is available. However, with a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.4 seconds, it is a mere 0.1 of a second faster than the base Boxster's fastest configuration. Despite offering more space in the trunk on paper, the F-Type is alarmingly impractical - even for a premium sports convertible. In addition, the Jag is far less rewarding to drive although still excellent. On the plus side, it looks better and has a more comfort-focused cabin, but its suspension is a little less forgiving. Although the supercharged V8 howl is enticing, it's very expensive. We prefer the Porsche.