“The ONLY negative is the exhaust sound. For a 6-figure car, it should sound better than my 66 Beetle.”
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2021 is a broad standard-equipment upgrade across the 718 Boxster range. This is a meaningful equipment update, not a redesign.
About the 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster
982-generation 718 Boxster / fourth-generation Boxster family (2017-2025), fifth model year; equipment-update year rather than a redesign.
Porsche positions the 718 Boxster as a true mid-engine roadster built around balance, steering feel, and open-top driving enjoyment instead of straight-line bragging rights alone. Its core appeal is that it feels like a focused sports car but still works in everyday use, with a power top, usable front and rear cargo areas, and a cabin that is simple and driver-centered. In this class, Porsche leans on handling precision, braking confidence, and a very direct connection between driver and car.
The base Boxster is a 300-hp open-top sports car with more everyday comfort for 2021, while the T uses the same power with a lower sport suspension and other handling upgrades. The 350-hp S provides a stronger turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the enthusiast-focused GTS 4.0 brings a 394-hp six-cylinder engine, a sport exhaust and a locking rear differential. The limited Boxster 25 Years builds on the GTS 4.0 with commemorative styling and richer cabin details.
What changed, by category
Tech
Two-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirrors with a rain sensor and wired Apple CarPlay became standard across the core range. The base, T and S also gained standard bi-xenon headlights with Porsche’s corner-following lighting system.
Powertrain
The GTS 4.0 joined the U.S. lineup with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 394 hp. A dual-clutch automatic transmission became an option later in the model year.
Styling
The limited Boxster 25 Years edition joined the lineup. Based on the GTS 4.0 and limited to 1,250 units, it uses Neodyme-colored accents and other details inspired by the original 1993 Boxster concept.
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 4.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 4.0 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 | 19 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 350 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 394 hp | 394 hp |
| Torque | 309 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 309 lb-ft | 309 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 4.4 cu-ft | 4.4 cu-ft | 4.4 cu-ft | 4.4 cu-ft | 4.4 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Interior Trim | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster redesigned?
No. The 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster received a meaningful equipment update within the existing 982 generation rather than a full redesign.
What equipment became standard on the 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster?
Two-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirrors with a rain sensor and wired Apple CarPlay became standard across the core 2021 Boxster range.
Did the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 join the U.S. lineup for 2021?
Yes. The 2021 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 joined the U.S. lineup with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 394 hp, plus a sport suspension, sport exhaust and locking rear differential.
Was an automatic transmission offered on the 2021 Boxster GTS 4.0?
Yes. Porsche added an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to the 2021 Boxster GTS 4.0 after the model initially arrived with a six-speed manual.
What is the 2021 Porsche Boxster 25 Years edition?
The 2021 Boxster 25 Years is a 1,250-unit anniversary model based on the GTS 4.0. It pairs the 394-hp six-cylinder engine with Neodyme-colored accents and design cues inspired by the original 1993 Boxster concept.
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster.
4.7
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster
(12 reviews)
Sources
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster Cayman 21338
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster Cayman Pdk Gts Spyder Cayman Gt4 22097
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / 2020 Porsche 718 Gts 4 0 Boxster Cayman 19748
- newsroom.porsche.com — 2021 / Products / Porsche Boxster 25 Years Premiere 23382
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / Porsche 718 Boxster 718 Cayman 19874
- newsroom.porsche.com — en US / Products / 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T 718 Cayman T 19152