Porsche 718 Cayman (2025)
Mid-engine balance, precise steering, and daily usability, with a muted base-engine soundtrack.
The Porsche 718 Cayman (2025) is a precision tool with a playful streak, built for drivers who want sports-car excitement without a temperamental weekend-only compromise. Its mid-engine balance, sharp steering, and composed ride make winding roads feel inviting, while the dual trunks offer surprising usefulness for commuting or short trips. Porsche’s driver-focused reputation is strongly supported by owners and experts, although the base 300-hp turbo flat-four is quick rather than soulful, its muted soundtrack paling beside the GTS 4.0’s naturally aspirated six. Manual and PDK choices broaden the appeal, but expensive options, dated tech, and highway noise weaken its value. Overall, its Buyary standing reflects outstanding dynamics and usability offset by cost, practicality, and engine character.
Find Yours
What kind of driving experience are you looking for?
Answer to find your best matches.
The Field
Browse top contenders, or compare all options ranked by score and key attributes.
5 Options
The Scoreboard
Does this improve your life? Considers, health, habits, and environmental impact.
Benefits
Balanced handling makes everyday turns feel predictable, planted, and easy to enjoy.
Separate front and rear storage makes weekend bags easier to pack than expected.
Supportive seats and composed suspension make longer drives surprisingly manageable.
Clear steering and predictable balance make winding roads feel confidence-inspiring, not intimidating.
Trade-Offs
When friends or family need a ride, two seats leave no room for extra passengers.
Packing bulky groceries or luggage quickly becomes a shuffle between two small storage areas.
On long highway drives, road noise and firm suspension make conversation and relaxation harder.
Frequent button presses and dated screens make simple media changes feel needlessly fiddly.
Alternatives
Join the Circle
Where real meets deal
Know what's worth buying-and when.
Tips, special offers, and rewards for buying and sharing.
Publications
6 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Car and Driver is unequivocally enthusiastic about the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman. Its mid-engine balance, telepathic steering, precise handling, and excellent manual gearbox create the pure, visceral sports-car experience the brand is known for, while the GTS 4.0’s naturally aspirated flat-six adds intoxicating sound and effortless performance. Even the base Cayman is quick, comfortable enough for road trips, and surprisingly practical, fitting four carry-on bags between its trunks. The review’s measured criticisms are that the turbocharged four-cylinders sound coarse, the cabin includes cheap plastics and too many hard buttons, Porsche charges extra for conveniences, Android Auto is absent, and warranty maintenance coverage is skimpy. Still, those drawbacks barely dent the verdict: with strong real-world fuel economy, a broad range of capable powertrains, and repeated 10Best and Editors’ Choice recognition, the Cayman remains one of the segment’s most rewarding choices.
By Andrew Wendler
What Car? is highly enthusiastic about the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman, calling it one of the best sports cars available. It praises the Cayman’s exceptional balance of thrilling handling, everyday usability, quality construction, and strong residual values. The entry-level 2.0-litre model is considered fast and capable enough to make the pricier Cayman S unnecessary, while the GTS earns special admiration for its magnificent, soulful six-cylinder engine. Precise steering, excellent ride comfort, practical front and rear boots, and a polished cabin add to its appeal. Still, the review isn’t blind to compromises: Porsche charges heavily for options, running costs are high, motorway noise is intrusive, and the four-cylinder engines sound disappointing. Safety equipment is also notably sparse, with no available autonomous emergency braking or lane-keeping assistance. Even so, the Cayman’s driving enjoyment and versatility make it an emphatic five-star recommendation.
By Dan Jones
Car and Driver is unequivocally enthusiastic about the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman. Its mid-engine balance, telepathic steering, precise handling, and excellent manual gearbox create the pure, visceral sports-car experience the brand is known for, while the GTS 4.0’s naturally aspirated flat-six adds intoxicating sound and effortless performance. Even the base Cayman is quick, comfortable enough for road trips, and surprisingly practical, fitting four carry-on bags between its trunks. The review’s measured criticisms are that the turbocharged four-cylinders sound coarse, the cabin includes cheap plastics and too many hard buttons, Porsche charges extra for conveniences, Android Auto is absent, and warranty maintenance coverage is skimpy. Still, those drawbacks barely dent the verdict: with strong real-world fuel economy, a broad range of capable powertrains, and repeated 10Best and Editors’ Choice recognition, the Cayman remains one of the segment’s most rewarding choices.
By Andrew Wendler
What Car? is highly enthusiastic about the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman, calling it one of the best sports cars available. It praises the Cayman’s exceptional balance of thrilling handling, everyday usability, quality construction, and strong residual values. The entry-level 2.0-litre model is considered fast and capable enough to make the pricier Cayman S unnecessary, while the GTS earns special admiration for its magnificent, soulful six-cylinder engine. Precise steering, excellent ride comfort, practical front and rear boots, and a polished cabin add to its appeal. Still, the review isn’t blind to compromises: Porsche charges heavily for options, running costs are high, motorway noise is intrusive, and the four-cylinder engines sound disappointing. Safety equipment is also notably sparse, with no available autonomous emergency braking or lane-keeping assistance. Even so, the Cayman’s driving enjoyment and versatility make it an emphatic five-star recommendation.
By Dan Jones
Car and Driver is unequivocally enthusiastic about the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman. Its mid-engine balance, telepathic steering, precise handling, and excellent manual gearbox create the pure, visceral sports-car experience the brand is known for, while the GTS 4.0’s naturally aspirated flat-six adds intoxicating sound and effortless performance. Even the base Cayman is quick, comfortable enough for road trips, and surprisingly practical, fitting four carry-on bags between its trunks. The review’s measured criticisms are that the turbocharged four-cylinders sound coarse, the cabin includes cheap plastics and too many hard buttons, Porsche charges extra for conveniences, Android Auto is absent, and warranty maintenance coverage is skimpy. Still, those drawbacks barely dent the verdict: with strong real-world fuel economy, a broad range of capable powertrains, and repeated 10Best and Editors’ Choice recognition, the Cayman remains one of the segment’s most rewarding choices.
By Andrew Wendler
What Car? is highly enthusiastic about the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman, calling it one of the best sports cars available. It praises the Cayman’s exceptional balance of thrilling handling, everyday usability, quality construction, and strong residual values. The entry-level 2.0-litre model is considered fast and capable enough to make the pricier Cayman S unnecessary, while the GTS earns special admiration for its magnificent, soulful six-cylinder engine. Precise steering, excellent ride comfort, practical front and rear boots, and a polished cabin add to its appeal. Still, the review isn’t blind to compromises: Porsche charges heavily for options, running costs are high, motorway noise is intrusive, and the four-cylinder engines sound disappointing. Safety equipment is also notably sparse, with no available autonomous emergency braking or lane-keeping assistance. Even so, the Cayman’s driving enjoyment and versatility make it an emphatic five-star recommendation.
By Dan Jones
YouTube
7 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Chasing CarsTom Place is highly enthusiastic about the Porsche 718 Cayman, calling it one of the best two-door coupes available and a standout before electrification changes the formula. After a week including a seven-hour drive, he praises the base 2.0-liter flat-four’s punch, superb steering, mid-engine balance, comfortable space, and surprisingly useful dual luggage compartments. He finds it capable of both spirited B-road driving and touring, though the Style Edition’s 20-inch wheels hurt ride comfort and road noise becomes tiring. Aging infotainment, grainy cameras, limited driver assistance, and expensive options are real drawbacks, but he still considers the Cayman a phenomenal, highly desirable enthusiast car.
TheTopherTheTopher is genuinely enthusiastic about the 718 Cayman, calling it a remarkably complete sports car and excellent value used. He praises its mid-engine balance, confidence-inspiring handling, fast PDK, tactile controls, refined cabin, comfortable ride, and surprisingly practical dual-trunk layout. The 300-hp turbo flat-four feels properly quick and usable on the street, though its sound lacks the character and howl of Porsche’s flat-six. Compared with a Lotus Emira, it is less dramatic, but more polished and livable. Overall, he sees the base Cayman as an exceptionally satisfying, versatile driver’s car.
Chasing CarsTom Place is highly enthusiastic about the Porsche 718 Cayman, calling it one of the best two-door coupes available and a standout before electrification changes the formula. After a week including a seven-hour drive, he praises the base 2.0-liter flat-four’s punch, superb steering, mid-engine balance, comfortable space, and surprisingly useful dual luggage compartments. He finds it capable of both spirited B-road driving and touring, though the Style Edition’s 20-inch wheels hurt ride comfort and road noise becomes tiring. Aging infotainment, grainy cameras, limited driver assistance, and expensive options are real drawbacks, but he still considers the Cayman a phenomenal, highly desirable enthusiast car.
TheTopherTheTopher is genuinely enthusiastic about the 718 Cayman, calling it a remarkably complete sports car and excellent value used. He praises its mid-engine balance, confidence-inspiring handling, fast PDK, tactile controls, refined cabin, comfortable ride, and surprisingly practical dual-trunk layout. The 300-hp turbo flat-four feels properly quick and usable on the street, though its sound lacks the character and howl of Porsche’s flat-six. Compared with a Lotus Emira, it is less dramatic, but more polished and livable. Overall, he sees the base Cayman as an exceptionally satisfying, versatile driver’s car.
Chasing CarsTom Place is highly enthusiastic about the Porsche 718 Cayman, calling it one of the best two-door coupes available and a standout before electrification changes the formula. After a week including a seven-hour drive, he praises the base 2.0-liter flat-four’s punch, superb steering, mid-engine balance, comfortable space, and surprisingly useful dual luggage compartments. He finds it capable of both spirited B-road driving and touring, though the Style Edition’s 20-inch wheels hurt ride comfort and road noise becomes tiring. Aging infotainment, grainy cameras, limited driver assistance, and expensive options are real drawbacks, but he still considers the Cayman a phenomenal, highly desirable enthusiast car.
TheTopherTheTopher is genuinely enthusiastic about the 718 Cayman, calling it a remarkably complete sports car and excellent value used. He praises its mid-engine balance, confidence-inspiring handling, fast PDK, tactile controls, refined cabin, comfortable ride, and surprisingly practical dual-trunk layout. The 300-hp turbo flat-four feels properly quick and usable on the street, though its sound lacks the character and howl of Porsche’s flat-six. Compared with a Lotus Emira, it is less dramatic, but more polished and livable. Overall, he sees the base Cayman as an exceptionally satisfying, versatile driver’s car.
Chasing CarsTom Place is highly enthusiastic about the Porsche 718 Cayman, calling it one of the best two-door coupes available and a standout before electrification changes the formula. After a week including a seven-hour drive, he praises the base 2.0-liter flat-four’s punch, superb steering, mid-engine balance, comfortable space, and surprisingly useful dual luggage compartments. He finds it capable of both spirited B-road driving and touring, though the Style Edition’s 20-inch wheels hurt ride comfort and road noise becomes tiring. Aging infotainment, grainy cameras, limited driver assistance, and expensive options are real drawbacks, but he still considers the Cayman a phenomenal, highly desirable enthusiast car.
TheTopherTheTopher is genuinely enthusiastic about the 718 Cayman, calling it a remarkably complete sports car and excellent value used. He praises its mid-engine balance, confidence-inspiring handling, fast PDK, tactile controls, refined cabin, comfortable ride, and surprisingly practical dual-trunk layout. The 300-hp turbo flat-four feels properly quick and usable on the street, though its sound lacks the character and howl of Porsche’s flat-six. Compared with a Lotus Emira, it is less dramatic, but more polished and livable. Overall, he sees the base Cayman as an exceptionally satisfying, versatile driver’s car.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors generally view the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman as an outstanding driver’s car, despite a few reservations. Its mid-engine balance, steering, chassis, and available flat-six—especially in GTS and GT4 forms—earn enthusiastic praise, while the base and turbo-four versions are considered fast, capable, and often better daily drivers. Critics dislike the dated interior, muted four-cylinder sound, long gearing, high prices, and uncertain resale value. The final combustion-engine model year and manual availability add emotional appeal, though most advise buying it to drive rather than treating it as an investment.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Balanced Cornering ConfidenceDesigned for balanced, confidence-inspiring cornering.
- •Engaging Engine ChoicesOffers quick performance across multiple trims.
- •Precise Steering ResponseDelivers accurate, easy-to-place responses.
- •Flexible Transmission ChoicesManual and PDK suit different driving preferences.
Considerations
- •Muted Four-Cylinder SoundTurbo-four soundtrack feels coarse and muted.
- •Escalating Option CostsOptions rapidly inflate the purchase price.
- •Aging Cabin TechnologyDated screens and controls feel cumbersome.
- •Highway Noise LevelsLarger wheels add noise and firmness.
Porsche’s 718 Cayman remains a benchmark mid-engine sports coupe, positioned below the 911 for drivers who value involvement over rear-seat practicality. It serves equally well as a weekend escape, back-road companion, or surprisingly capable daily car, pairing a 300-hp turbo flat-four with a chassis praised for confidence and composure. Unlike larger, faster rivals such as the Corvette, its appeal is less about straight-line value and more about precision, polish, and usable balance. Enthusiasts can choose the engaging manual or rapid seven-speed PDK, while the GTS 4.0 adds the emotional pull of a naturally aspirated flat-six. The two-trunk layout also makes this two-seater more useful than expected, though dated technology, highway noise, and option costs deserve scrutiny. The sections ahead examine what makes the Cayman special—and whether its soundtrack can keep up with its cornering.
Transmission Performance
The Cayman offers two distinct personalities through its six-speed manual and rapid seven-speed PDK. The manual adds involvement and is widely favored by reviewers who want the engine and chassis to feel more interactive, though long gearing can dilute that engagement. The PDK dual-clutch transmission delivers exceptionally quick, clean shifts and helps the base car reach 60 mph in roughly 4.1 to 4.7 seconds, depending on source and configuration. GT4 RS models are PDK-only, prioritizing lap-time consistency over traditional interaction.
Steering Precision Feedback
The Cayman’s precise steering is a major reason it feels special below racing speeds. Its compact dimensions, low seating position, and clear response help you judge corners accurately without making the car intimidating. Expert and owner feedback strongly supports Porsche’s reputation here, although some reviewers find the steering less communicative than older hydraulic systems. That slight loss of texture does not undermine its accuracy, but buyers seeking maximum road feel may prefer a manual GTS or GT4 RS over the quieter base configuration.
Ride Comfort Control
The standard passive dampers give the Cayman a useful blend of control and comfort. Its fixed suspension can absorb ordinary road imperfections while keeping body motion disciplined during enthusiastic driving, making the car credible for commuting and road trips. Larger 20-inch wheels, especially on the Style Edition, can add firmness and road noise, and the ride becomes less relaxing on rough highways. Feedback generally supports Porsche’s balance claim, though this is still a low sports coupe, not a quiet luxury cruiser.
Engine Performance Sound
The base Cayman is genuinely quick, but its 300-hp turbo flat-four is more effective than emotional. It delivers useful torque and strong street performance, yet reviewers repeatedly describe the soundtrack as coarse or muted beside Porsche’s naturally aspirated six-cylinder. The 4.0-liter flat-six in the GTS 4.0 adds a far more rewarding, rev-hungry character, while the GT4 RS raises output to 493 horsepower. In short, the four-cylinder suits daily use, but the six-cylinder better matches the car’s special chassis.
Handling and Balance
The Cayman’s mid-engine layout makes it unusually easy to place on a winding road. Weight centralized between the axles supports quick turn-in, stable braking, and confidence when the road tightens, while rear-wheel drive preserves the playful involvement enthusiasts expect. Reviews consistently praise its composed chassis and forgiving limits, from the base 300-hp car to the sharper GTS 4.0 and GT4 RS. It is less theatrical than a Lotus Emira, but its polish and predictability make it easier to enjoy regularly.
Cargo Practicality
Two seats do not prevent the Cayman from offering front and rear trunks that are unusually useful for a sports coupe. Together they can accommodate roughly four carry-on bags, giving weekend travelers more flexibility than the compact cabin suggests. The arrangement works best for soft luggage and smaller items, since bulky groceries or oddly shaped cargo may require shuffling between compartments. Owners and experts consistently treat this dual-trunk layout as a meaningful usability advantage, though it cannot compensate for the absence of rear seats.
Conclusion
The final verdict is clear: the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman earns its reputation through mid-engine balance, making fast corners feel composed rather than intimidating. Its precise steering and disciplined suspension deliver confidence on winding roads while remaining comfortable enough for commuting, and reviewers appreciate the choice between an involving manual and rapid PDK. The base 300-hp turbo flat-four is genuinely quick, but its muted, coarse soundtrack leaves the naturally aspirated GTS 4.0 as the more emotionally satisfying choice. Dual trunks add welcome practicality, though two seats, highway noise, dated technology, and expensive options limit its everyday value. This Cayman suits drivers who prize control, polish, and usable sports-car pace over maximum acceleration or luxury convenience; it is less persuasive for families, tech-focused buyers, or those seeking the richest engine character. Its strong but not flawless package makes it a highly rewarding enthusiast car with sensible compromises.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Acceleration
4/5
Handling Agility
5/5
Braking Performance
5/5
Ride Quality
4/5
Powertrain Refinement
4/5
Long-Term Reliability
4/5
Cargo Utility
4/5
Value
Performance Value
4/5
Ownership Cost
3/5
Resale Retention
4/5
Design
Exterior Styling
4/5
Interior Ambiance
4/5
Seating Support
4/5
Cabin Ergonomics
4/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
3/5
Noise Exposure
2/5
Safety
Crash Protection
4/5
Driver Assistance
2/5
High-Speed Control
5/5
Visibility
3/5
Sustainability
Fuel Efficiency
3/5
Emissions Performance
3/5
Material Efficiency
3/5
End-of-Life Recyclability
3/5
Experience Style
Driving Engagement
5/5
Everyday Usability
4/5
Customization Flexibility
5/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
3 Questions
Find Yours
What kind of driving experience are you looking for?
Answer to find your best matches.
