Porsche 718 Boxster (2025)

The Boxster balances sports-car control with genuine touring comfort better than its aggressive image suggests. Available PASM adaptive dampers let the suspension respond to changing road conditions, and testers praise the composed ride and supportive seats on longer drives. Sportier settings sharpen body control, though they can feel firm on rough pavement, especially in higher-performance trims. The result is a roadster that remains usable daily without sacrificing cornering confidence.

Performance is strong across the range, but character changes significantly between engines. The base 2.0-liter turbo flat-four makes 300 horsepower and feels punchy once moving, while the 350-hp Boxster S adds pace. The GTS 4.0’s naturally aspirated flat-six is the emotional favorite, with a glorious high-revving soundtrack and more satisfying response. Four-cylinder models are efficient and quick, yet reviewers and owners frequently criticize their gruff, uninspiring sound.

The cabin feels solid and premium in its materials and driving position, with supportive seats and a clear focus on the controls that matter. Standard or available comforts include leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. However, the small, dated infotainment screen and wired-only Apple CarPlay feel behind newer rivals, while Android Auto is absent and driver-assistance equipment is limited. Build quality supports the Porsche price, but technology does not fully match it.

The Boxster’s mid-engine layout makes it unusually easy to place and control through corners. Its balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis and communicative electric steering give the driver clear feedback, while torque vectoring helps manage drive force exiting bends. Reviewers and owners consistently praise its confidence and precision, often preferring its involvement to larger rivals. The compact dimensions add agility, although the low seating position may take adjustment.

The soft-top roof gives the Boxster a convincing open-air experience without making it feel fragile or compromised. Reviewers note minimal wind buffeting at urban speeds, although highway noise rises substantially with the roof lowered. Its two-trunk layout is a genuine usability advantage, offering about 8.6 cubic feet of cargo space for weekend luggage or groceries. Still, two seats and limited overall capacity make it a focused lifestyle car, not a flexible family vehicle.

Both transmissions suit the Boxster, but they create distinct personalities. The six-speed manual gearbox has a precise shift action and a satisfying clutch pedal, making the base car and GTS especially engaging. The available seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission delivers rapid, polished shifts and is the easier choice in traffic or during fast driving. Some reviewers note tall gearing, while manual four-cylinder cars can be unusually easy to stall at low revs.

The final verdict is clear: the 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster turns ordinary roads into a focused driving experience, with mid-engine balance and communicative steering that owners and experts consistently admire. Turbo-four models are quick, while the GTS’s flat-six supplies the sound and response enthusiasts truly want; the trade-off is gruff four-cylinder character. Adaptive suspension preserves surprising touring comfort, and the manual’s satisfying clutch or rapid PDK lets buyers choose involvement or ease. The soft top, minimal low-speed buffeting, and two-trunk layout make it more usable than expected, though two seats and highway noise limit flexibility. Premium cabin construction feels appropriately special, but dated infotainment and expensive options weaken the value case. This is best for drivers prioritizing precision, open-air enjoyment, and Porsche character—not family practicality or bargain performance. Its exceptional chassis and breadth justify a strong recommendation, provided buyers configure it carefully.