2021 Porsche 718
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Boxster Base/S 2dr Convertible, Boxster Gts 2dr Convertible, Cayman Base/S 2dr Coupe RWD, Cayman Gt4 2dr Coupe RWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 172.4 in
- Curb weight
- 2,943–3,197 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2021 two seaters (19.1 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Porsche 718 is a two seaters offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,943 lb (Boxster Base/S 2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 26% better than the 2021 two seaters average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
- Engines added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 19 to 24
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 718 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster Base/S 2dr Convertible | 172.4 in | 70.9 in | 50.4 in | 97.6 in | 59.8 / 61.4 in | 2,943 lb | 46/54 |
| Boxster Gts 2dr Convertible | 172.4 in | 70.9 in | 50.4 in | 97.6 in | 59.8 / 61.4 in | 3,031 lb | 46/54 |
| Cayman Base/S 2dr Coupe RWD | 172.4 in | 70.9 in | 50.8 in | 97.6 in | 59.8 / 61.4 in | 2,943 lb | 46/54 |
| Cayman Gt4 2dr Coupe RWD | 172.4 in | 70.9 in | 50.8 in | 97.6 in | 59.8 / 61.4 in | 3,197 lb | 46/54 |
| Cayman Gts 2dr Coupe RWD | 172.4 in | 70.9 in | 50.8 in | 97.6 in | 59.8 / 61.4 in | 3,031 lb | 46/54 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 718 Boxster | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 24 | +26% | $3,400 | 375 |
| 718 Cayman | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 24 | +26% | $3,400 | 375 |
| 718 Boxster T | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +20% | $3,550 | 380 |
| 718 Cayman T | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +20% | $3,550 | 380 |
| 718 Boxster | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +15% | $3,750 | 394 |
| 718 Cayman | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +15% | $3,750 | 394 |
| 718 Boxster S | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 22 | +15% | $3,750 | 410 |
| 718 Cayman S | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 22 | +15% | $3,750 | 410 |
| 718 Boxster T | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +15% | $3,750 | 394 |
| 718 Cayman T | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +15% | $3,750 | 394 |
| 718 Boxster S | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +10% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 718 Cayman S | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +10% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 718 Boxster GTS | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +10% | $3,900 | 418 |
| 718 Cayman GTS | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +10% | $3,900 | 418 |
| 718 Spyder | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +5% | $4,100 | 436 |
| 718 Cayman GT4 | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +5% | $4,100 | 436 |
| 718 Boxster GTS | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -1% | $4,350 | 458 |
| 718 Spyder | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -1% | $4,350 | 460 |
| 718 Cayman GTS | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -1% | $4,350 | 458 |
| 718 Cayman GT4 | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -1% | $4,350 | 460 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Porsche 718.
Similar 2021 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Porsche 718 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Porsche 911 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | 22 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2021 Acura NSX | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi TT | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Jaguar F-Type | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 BMW Z4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (2)
Engine · Mar 24, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V200000 · 193 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Porsche Cayman GT4, Cayman GTS 4.0, 718 Spyder, and Boxster GTS 4.0 vehicles. The engine connecting rods may crack and loosen.
- Risk
- A loose connection while driving may cause engine damage, a stall, or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connecting rods or, as necessary, the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA4.
Suspension › Critical Fasteners · Mar 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V157000 · 396 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo, Taycan Turbo S, Taycan, Taycan 4S, 911 Turbo S Coupe, Cayman, Cayman T, Cayman S, Cayman GT4, 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Carrera S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Targa, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S Targa Heritage Design Edition, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Turbo Coupe, 911 Turbo Cabriolet, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, 718 Spyder, and Boxster vehicles. Certain suspension components may not have been tightened correctly and can loosen.
- Risk
- Loose suspension components may detach, causing a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the affected suspension nuts and bolts. Dealers will also inspect surrounding components for damage, and replace any damaged parts as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA3.
Not every 2021 Porsche 718 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Porsche 718 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 1 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Seat Belts — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Porsche 718. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 718 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →