Porsche Boxster:Review the specs, features and pros & cons
Overview of the Porsche Boxster
Learn about the Porsche BoxsterPorsche Boxster Summary
The Porsche Boxster is a two-seater sports car that offers practicality, style and power with its rear-wheel drive, mid-engine design. It’s available in basic and luxury trims, and with manual or automatic transmission. Older models offer a choice of two V6 engines, while the newest generation comes with a range of turbocharged four-cylinder engines. No matter your choice, the Porsche Boxster provides strong acceleration and excellent horsepower. The Boxster strikes a balance of luxury, functionality and sports car performance for a comfortable yet thrilling ride.
Porsche Boxster Safety
Standard safety features aren't lacking in the Porsche Boxster. Models from 2007 include:
- Anti-lock braking system to prevent skidding
- Stability and traction control to maintain contact with the road in slippery conditions
- Dual head and side-impact airbags for added protection
Older models, like the 2000, has some basics, such as standard front and side airbags and built-in roll bars behind the seats, which protects you in the event of a roll-over accident. High-intensity gas-discharge headlights are an option, Models produced since 2013 also come with brake assist and emergency trunk release as standard. A rearview camera is available with select trims for reversing assistance. From 2017 onward, Boxsters offer driver assist technologies, such as blind spot monitoring to detect vehicles just out of sight and forward collision warning to notify drivers if a vehicle or hazard ahead is approaching too quickly.
Porsche Boxster Interior
The Porsche Boxster has a refined cabin with high-quality features. The following are offered as standard as of the 2006 model:
- Leather-wrapped, adjustable steering wheel
- Heated leather seats
- Power door locks, mirrors and windows to adjust at the push of a button
Air conditioning is a standard feature of all Porsche Boxsters, with dual-zone climate control available in high-end trim levels in newer models with separate temperature adjustment for driver and passenger. Power-adjustable seating is another optional feature.
Luxury trim levels on later models as of 2012 offer perks like a sport steering wheel and auto-dimming mirrors.
Porsche Boxster Technology
Porsche Boxsters all come with AM/FM stereo, a CD Player and a four-speaker stereo as standard. All but the oldest models also include auxiliary audio input. The base trim's speakers haven’t got the best sound quality, but the premium 10-speaker Bose and 12-speaker Burmester sound systems are available. Newer models around 2012 and onward offer a multi-functional infotainment system with an intuitive 7-inch touchscreen display that has a simple layout. The optional navigational system is also user-friendly. Bluetooth and smartphone compatibility are available through the infotainment system.
Porsche Boxster Space
The Porsche Boxster offers comfortable seating for two with ample legroom, even for taller drivers. Newer generations are slightly larger than their predecessors. While there’s minimal in-cabin storage, the mid-engine design means the car has both front and rear cargo trunks which combine for a cargo space of 9.2 cubic feet.
Porsche Boxster Comfort
Some drivers find entry and exit of the car a little cumbersome. The sharp, responsive steering and excellent braking dynamics combine for exceptionally agile handling and excellent cornering. An optional convertible hardtop is available. Road noise at high speeds can disturb cabin comfort, but there are premium sound systems available.
Pros and cons of the Porsche Boxster
- Top-down driving excitement
- Powerful mid-engine design
- Manual or automatic transmission
- Limited rear visibility with top up
- Long list of additional-cost options
- Limited cargo space even with two trunks
Specifications of the Porsche Boxster
Key specifications available across all trim levels- Seats2
- Doors2
- Fuel typeGas
- TransmissionManual
- City consumption10.1 - 13.1 L/100km
- Highway consumption6.3 - 9.9 L/100km
- Width1801 mm
- Length4374 - 4404 mm
- Trunk space280 L
- Cargo space280 L
Trims available with the Porsche Boxster
What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This variant of the Porsche Boxster 2013 - 2016 is available in 5 trims:Basic trim features and specs
Available with the Basic trim:
- 2 climate zones (optional)
- Air conditioning (automatic) (optional)
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Paddle shifters (optional)
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated steering wheel (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Power steering
- Tire repair kit
- Ventilated front seats (optional)
Available with the Basic trim:
- Adaptive bending lights (optional)
- Bi-Xenon headlights (optional)
- Cornering lights (optional)
- Fog lights (optional)
- Headlight cleaners (optional)
- Xenon headlights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- High-beam assist (optional)
- LED daytime running lights
- Rollover bar
- Short wheel base
Available with the Basic trim:
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Collision warning system with automatic braking (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Rain sensor (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Basic trim:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- CD player
- Digital radio (optional)
- Front sensors (optional)
- Keyless entry (optional)
- MP3-CD player
- Navigation system (optional)
- Radio
- Rear sensors (optional)
- USB port for front passengers
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD disc changer (optional)
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Rear view camera (optional)
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
Spyder trim features and specs
Available with the Spyder trim:
- 2 climate zones (optional)
- Air conditioning (automatic) (optional)
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Sport seats in the front
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated steering wheel (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Power steering
- Tire repair kit
- Ventilated front seats (optional)
Available with the Spyder trim:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Bi-Xenon headlights
- Cornering lights
- Headlight cleaners
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- High-beam assist (optional)
- LED daytime running lights
- Rollover bar
- Short wheel base
Available with the Spyder trim:
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Rain sensor (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Spyder trim:
- CD player (optional)
- Digital radio (optional)
- Front sensors (optional)
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Navigation system (optional)
- Radio (optional)
- Rear sensors (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD disc changer (optional)
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Rear view camera (optional)
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
GTS trim features and specs
Available with the GTS trim:
- 2 climate zones (optional)
- Air conditioning (automatic) (optional)
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Paddle shifters (optional)
- Sport seats in the front
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated steering wheel (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Power steering
- Tire repair kit
- Ventilated front seats (optional)
Available with the GTS trim:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Bi-Xenon headlights
- Cornering lights
- Headlight cleaners
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- High-beam assist (optional)
- LED daytime running lights
- Rollover bar
- Short wheel base
Available with the GTS trim:
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Collision warning system with automatic braking (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Rain sensor (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the GTS trim:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- CD player
- Front sensors (optional)
- Keyless entry (optional)
- MP3-CD player
- Radio
- Rear sensors (optional)
- USB port for front passengers
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD disc changer (optional)
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Rear view camera (optional)
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
Black Edition trim features and specs
Available with the Black Edition trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Heated front seats
- Paddle shifters (optional)
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated steering wheel (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Power steering
- Tire repair kit
- Ventilated front seats (optional)
Available with the Black Edition trim:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Bi-Xenon headlights
- Cornering lights
- Headlight cleaners (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- High-beam assist (optional)
- LED daytime running lights
- Rollover bar
- Short wheel base
Available with the Black Edition trim:
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Collision warning system with automatic braking (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror
- Rain sensor
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Black Edition trim:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- CD player
- Digital radio (optional)
- Front sensors
- Keyless entry (optional)
- MP3-CD player
- Navigation system
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- USB port for front passengers
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD disc changer (optional)
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Rear view camera (optional)
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
S trim features and specs
Available with the S trim:
- 2 climate zones (optional)
- Air conditioning (automatic) (optional)
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Paddle shifters (optional)
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated steering wheel (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Power steering
- Tire repair kit
- Ventilated front seats (optional)
Available with the S trim:
- Adaptive bending lights (optional)
- Bi-Xenon headlights (optional)
- Cornering lights (optional)
- Fog lights (optional)
- Headlight cleaners (optional)
- Xenon headlights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- High-beam assist (optional)
- LED daytime running lights
- Rollover bar
- Short wheel base
Available with the S trim:
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Collision warning system with automatic braking (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Rain sensor (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the S trim:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- CD player
- Front sensors (optional)
- Keyless entry (optional)
- MP3-CD player
- Navigation system (optional)
- Radio
- Rear sensors (optional)
- USB port for front passengers
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD disc changer (optional)
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Rear view camera (optional)
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
Frequently asked questions about the Porsche Boxster
New Porsche Boxsters have a starting price of $66,100. Second-hand models are available in the price range of $14,000-$69,000, depending on condition, model year and trim level.
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engined, two-seater luxury roadster. The Boxster 986—the first of its type—was released in 1996.
Yes—the Porsche Boxster’s mid-engine design means it offers riders the benefits of both front and rear cargo space.
The two cars are very similar, but the Cayman is a hardtop coupe model (fixed roof) while the Boxster is a convertible.
No, the Porsche Boxster’s engines are water-cooled (on models prior to 2016) or use an intercooler in newer turbocharged models.
Dimensions of the Porsche Boxster
Year | Height from | Width from | Length from |
---|---|---|---|
Exact values depend on trim choices. | |||
2016 | 1262 mm | 1801 mm | 4374 mm |
2015 | 1281 mm | 1801 mm | 4374 mm |
2014 | 1281 mm | 1801 mm | 4374 mm |
2013 | 1281 mm | 1801 mm | 4374 mm |