Makes›Porsche›718›2021

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Boxster Base/S 2dr Convertible172.4 in70.9 in50.4 in97.6 in59.8 / 61.4 in2,943 lb46/54
Boxster Gts 2dr Convertible172.4 in70.9 in50.4 in97.6 in59.8 / 61.4 in3,031 lb46/54
Cayman Base/S 2dr Coupe RWD172.4 in70.9 in50.8 in97.6 in59.8 / 61.4 in2,943 lb46/54
Cayman Gt4 2dr Coupe RWD172.4 in70.9 in50.8 in97.6 in59.8 / 61.4 in3,197 lb46/54
Cayman Gts 2dr Coupe RWD172.4 in70.9 in50.8 in97.6 in59.8 / 61.4 in3,031 lb46/54

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
718 Boxster2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 24+26%$3,400375
718 Cayman2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 24+26%$3,400375
718 Boxster T2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+20%$3,550380
718 Cayman T2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+20%$3,550380
718 Boxster2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+15%$3,750394
718 Cayman2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+15%$3,750394
718 Boxster S2.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 22+15%$3,750410
718 Cayman S2.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 22+15%$3,750410
718 Boxster T2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+15%$3,750394
718 Cayman T2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+15%$3,750394
718 Boxster S2.5L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+10%$3,900423
718 Cayman S2.5L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+10%$3,900423
718 Boxster GTS4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+10%$3,900418
718 Cayman GTS4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+10%$3,900418
718 Spyder4.0L 6-cylAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+5%$4,100436
718 Cayman GT44.0L 6-cylAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+5%$4,100436
718 Boxster GTS4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19-1%$4,350458
718 Spyder4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-1%$4,350460
718 Cayman GTS4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19-1%$4,350458
718 Cayman GT44.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-1%$4,350460
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.1 MPG2021 Two Seaters average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Porsche 718 (this car)24 MPGNot rated2
2021 Porsche 91121 MPGNot rated8
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT22 MPGNot rated12
2021 Acura NSX21 MPGNot rated0
2021 Audi TT26 MPGNot rated0
2021 Jaguar F-Type26 MPGNot rated1
2021 BMW Z428 MPGNot rated5

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Porsche 718 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

4Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
Engine2
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera1
Seat Belts1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/06: 123/08: 124/09: 125/10: 122/0623/0824/0925/10max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Porsche 718 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 1 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  4. Seat Belts — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 71824172.4 inNot rated01
2024 71824172.4 inNot rated41
2023 71824172.4 inNot rated12
2022 71824172.4 inNot rated01
2020 71819172.4 inNot rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →