The Porsche Boxster hit the market in 1996 as a mid-engined sports car. In the years that followed, it became known as a roadster with plenty of power, excellent handling and plenty of luggage space. The 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster continues the latest generation of the Boxster, which debuted for the 2017 model year. There are plenty of choices you can make when it comes to the new Porsche. Here’s what to know about each so you can choose the best one, with the help of Autotrader:
2023 Porsche 718 Boxster base
Starting MSRP: $65,500, according to Porsche
According to Autotrader, the 718 Boxster range starts with the basic version. Although it’s at the bottom of the list in terms of price, it’s not lacking in power or features. The Porsche Boxster features a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that generates 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Porsche says you can hit a top speed of 170 mph and get a total of 22 mpg. At speeds above 75 mph, an electronic rear wing automatically deploys.
The Porsche Boxster comes standard with a six-speed manual, but Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic shift system – PDK – is also available. The new Porsche’s convertible top includes a heated glass rear window and can be opened or closed at up to 31 mph.
Features of the base Porsche Boxster include remote keyless entry, power heated and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, and rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers. Driver aids include blind-spot monitoring, anti-lock brakes, front and rear parking sensors, a rear backup camera and cruise control.
Inside the cabin, the two leather seats are heated. A 7-inch touchscreen works with a six-speaker audio system and includes Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and Porsche Car Connect wired apps. An internal jukebox includes 11 gigabytes of storage, and a CD/DVD drive also comes standard.
Many upgrade packages are available for the basic version. For an additional $11,430, you can use the Paint-to-Sample option on the new Porsche and choose from several historic colors. Sports seats are also available, as is the Premium Package. This package gives you ventilated seats, blind spot monitoring and lane change assist, passenger floor storage net, heated steering wheel and Porsche’s proximity key entry and driver.
For performance enhancements, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is available and lowers the Porsche Boxster by 10 millimeters. You also get Porsche Active Torque Vectoring, a 16.9 gallon extended range fuel tank and a mechanical locking differential. The Sport Chrono Package gives you launch control, PSM (Porsche Stability Management) mode, a steering wheel-mounted button for Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual settings, and active transmission mounts.
2023 Porsche 718 Boxster T
Starting MSRP: $74,600, according to Porsche
The 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster T retains the same powertrain as the base version, but incorporates numerous upgrades as standard options. The PASM system, the Sport Chrono package and the Porsche Torque Vectoring options are standard.
Inside, leather sports seats with Sport-Tex cloth centers are standard, as is a red-patterned shifter and GTS sports steering wheel. There are fewer paint options to match the interior trim. Adaptive 18-way sports seats or full bucket seats with carbon fiber reinforced plastic are also available. All other enhancements available for the base model are also optional for the new Porsche Boxster T.
2023 Porsche 718 Boxster S
Starting MSRP: $77,500, according to Porsche
The 718 Boxster S version sees the new Porsche gain more power with a larger 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine. Power rises to 350 horsepower to go with 309 lb-ft of torque. Top speed climbs to 177 mph and efficiency drops slightly to 21 mpg combined. You still get a standard six-speed manual transmission with the optional PDK upgrade.
Features are similar to the base Porsche Boxster trim, but the 18-inch wheels are replaced with 19-inch alloy wheels. The PASM system is also included and lowers the car by 20 millimeters.
2023 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
Starting MSRP: $92,400, according to Porsche
This significant increase in price is accompanied by a strong increase in power. This new Porsche version gets a 4.0-liter flat-six engine offering drivers 394 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. Top speed pushes up to 182 miles per hour with 19 mpg combined.
The PASM system lowered by 20 millimeters, Porsche Torque Vectoring and the Sport Chrono Package are all standard. Active transmission mounts, six-piston front brake calipers and 20-inch 718 Sport wheels in satin black are all standard to enhance performance.
Sport Seats Plus two-way heated front seats with Race-Tex fabric seat center are now standard for the Porsche Boxster. Sport pedals, a footrest and a GT Sport steering wheel also enhance the feeling for drivers.
There are optional upgrades for the Boxster GTS 4.0. This includes full bucket seats, ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control and a 505-watt 10-speaker Bose surround sound system.
2023 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder
Starting MSRP: $103,400, according to Porsche
The top trim of the new Porsche receives a further power increase. The 4.0-liter flat-six engine now produces 414 horsepower with 309 lb-ft of torque. The sports suspension now lowers the car by 30 millimeters and dynamic gearbox mounts, a shortened gear lever and an adjustable chassis are all standard.
The Chrono Package is standard on the Boxster Spyder, as is an auto-blip button that automatically operates the throttle for smoother downshifts. Two-way sports seats Plus and automatic headlight activation are standard.
There are optional upgrades for the Boxster Spyder like auto-dimming side mirrors with rain sensors, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. You can also get ceramic composite brake rotors, the Spyder Classic interior package and adaptive cornering lights.
Which 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster trim is the best?
There’s something for almost every buyer in the new Porsche Boxster range. If cost is the main factor, the new base Porsche model gives you plenty of power and driving excitement.
The Porsche 718 Boxster S offers you a lot of power compared to the basic version with certain features. It is Autotrader’s second choice behind the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. This trim gives you a combination of power and options, but is priced much higher than the Boxster S.
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