2016 Porsche Boxster: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Porsche Boxster is the new Spyder, a lighter, manual-only top model with a 375-hp flat-six engine. The core base, S, and GTS models largely carry over.
About the 2016 Porsche Boxster
3rd generation (981), final model year before the 2017 718 Boxster redesign.
Porsche positions the Boxster as a compact mid-engine roadster built around balance, open-top driving, and a close connection between driver and road. Compared with a 911, it is the lighter, more intimate sports car in the brand’s lineup, with the engine mounted behind the seats for quick responses and predictable handling. The core appeal is simple: strong performance, precise steering, and a true two-seat roadster feel without giving up everyday usability.
The 2016 Boxster ranges from the straightforward 265-hp base roadster to the sharper 315-hp S and 330-hp GTS. The Black Edition adds navigation, upgraded headlights, heated seats, and 20-inch wheels, while the 375-hp Spyder favors lower weight, a manual roof, and more focused handling.
What changed, by category
2016 Porsche Boxster specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, 3.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, 2.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.8 Liter | 6-Cyl, 2.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 31 mpg | 32 mpg | 24 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 315 hp | 330 hp | 265 hp | 376 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 309 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft | 4.6 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| AM/FM Radio | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Interior Trim | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Porsche Boxster?
The main change is the addition of the 375-hp Boxster Spyder as the lighter, manual-only top model. Porsche also added the comfort-focused Black Edition, while the base, S, and GTS largely carried over.
Is the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder manual only?
Yes. The 2016 Boxster Spyder pairs its 375-hp 3.8-liter flat-six engine exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. It also has a lightweight manual roof and equipment aimed at sharper handling.
What is special about the 2016 Boxster Black Edition?
The Black Edition is a style-and-equipment model based on the 265-hp Boxster. It combines a black-themed look with navigation, upgraded headlights, 20-inch wheels, heated seats, and two-zone automatic climate control.
Does the 2016 Boxster still use naturally aspirated flat-six engines?
Yes. Every 2016 Boxster model uses a naturally aspirated flat-six engine, from the base model’s 2.7-liter engine to the Spyder’s 3.8-liter engine. The switch to turbocharged four-cylinder engines came with the 2017 718 Boxster.
Is 2016 the final year before the Porsche 718 Boxster?
Yes. The 2016 Boxster is the final model year of the 981 generation before the redesigned 2017 718 Boxster arrived with turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
2016 Porsche Boxster Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Porsche Boxster.
Sources
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:2Ddd1212 Aa7A 42Dd B35E Ef7F31Ed60Db / In elegant black Porsche Boxster and 911 Carrera Black Edition
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:C40C7826 0Ad8 4B27 8518 89C69B09A62D / PM Boxster Spyder US EN4
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / Porsche 718 Boxster 718 Cayman 19874
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:4D1913A9 97F9 4Ade 8Bc4 Fc2Cc32Caeb9 / 2013 Boxster Technical Specifications.pdf
- newsroom.porsche.com — Products / Porsche Gts Model Series 2015 911 Cayenne Boxster Cayman Panamera 10245
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:Edba1E37 315E 4Dc2 Bf1C 84Fac14Ab621 / 2015 Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS Technical Specifications.pdf
- newsroom.porsche.com — Jcr:4Ff9D202 B4B3 4B36 Ac7B A17Bd555F92A / 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder Technical Specifications.pdf