The Porsche Boxster, one of the more accessible models in the storied German brand’s lineup, can be a performance bargain if it’s optioned carefully. Rivals include the Chevy Corvette, the Audi R8, and the BMW Z4.

What’s New for the 2023 Porsche Boxster

For 2023, the Porsche Boxster gets a new 718 Style Edition, but otherwise, this roadster carries over unchanged. The Boxster is basically the drop-top version of the Porsche Cayman, with near-identical design, powertrain, and feature details. It was last fully redesigned for the 2017 model year, though Porsche has kept the lineup fresh over the years with special editions, new high-performance versions, and technology updates. The Base, T, S, GTS 4.0, and Spyder trim lineup carries over from last year.

Design

The Porsche Boxster can be simple, if you want. It sports a timeless shape and the casual cool of a convertible top, along with distinctive alloy wheel designs that could only come from Porsche. Most standout-yet-standard details, such as big, colorful brake calipers, are directly tied to its performance. However, if you want racing stripes, big intakes, or a flamboyant rear wing, those are all available through various trim levels, feature packages, and standalone upgrade options. Porsche is known for offering a range of flashy colors, though if none of the choices from the big box of Crayolas is suitable for you, Porsche’s PTS (Paint To Sample) program is happy to take your money to give you a one-of-a-kind ride, paired with nearly any upholstery color you can think of.

Powertrain

The Porsche Boxster comes with rear-wheel drive (RWD) across the lineup, though there are a few engine choices. The base engine is a 2.0-liter flat-four that makes 300 horsepower, the S model steps up to a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four that makes 350 hp, the 4.0 model gets a 4.0-liter flat-six that makes 394 hp, and the Spyder also gets a six-cylinder upgraded to 414 hp. Transmission options depend on engine, and there are a ton of performance upgrades available. You’ll get the best fuel economy with the automatic Boxster S, which has EPA ratings of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Interior

The Boxster has a cozy interior that’s drastically improved by lowering the convertible top. It’s a well-curated if snug space for two, with very little storage space. If you’re interested in maximizing every inch, Porsche offers a wide range of sport seats, upholstery grades and colors, and even options to customize the colors of the cabin’s solid surfaces and seat belts. It’s all beside the point, anyway.

Technology

Technology features are kept to a minimum in this Porsche. The Boxster comes with a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment display, Apple CarPlay (Android Auto is not available), Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. Options include proximity keyless entry, a 4.6-inch driver information display, and a choice of premium stereo systems from Bose and Burmester.

Safety

The 2023 Porsche Boxster has not been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and neither has any Boxster model from the current generation. This is typical of luxury sports cars. The Boxster includes a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors, and it's available with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Many rivals are available with more driver-assistance aids.

Pricing

The 2023 Porsche Boxster is on sale now. As of this writing, the base model started at $65,500, a relative bargain in the segment, though it increases steeply from there. The Boxster T starts at $74,600 the Boxster S starts at $77,500, the Boxster GTS 4.0 starts at $92,400, and the top-tier Boxster Spyder starts at $103,400. Along the way, there’s an incomprehensible menu of options including performance upgrades, comfort and tech features, premium paints, and bespoke interior and upholstery offerings such as color-coded solid interior surfaces, instrument dials, seat belts, and more.