The Porsche Boxster first came to the market in 1996 as a mid-engine sports car. In the years since, it’s become known as a roadster with plenty of power, excellent handling, and lots of luggage space. The 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster continues the latest generation of the Boxster, which debuted for the 2017 model year. There are lots of choices you can make when it comes to the new Porsche. Here’s what to know about each one so you can pick the best, with help from Autotrader: 

2023 Porsche 718 Boxster base

Starting MSRP: $65,500, according to Porsche

According to Autotrader, the 718 Boxster lineup begins with the base trim. Though it’s at the bottom of the list in terms of price, it does not lack for power or features. The Porsche Boxster has a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Porsche says you can hit a top track speed of 170 mph and get a combined 22 mpg. At speeds above 75 mph, an electronic rear wing extends automatically.

The Porsche Boxster comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but Porsche’s dual-clutch seven-speed paddle-shifting automatic system – PDK – is also available. The new Porsche’s convertible soft top includes a heated glass rear window and can be opened or closed up to 31 mph. 

Features on the base Porsche Boxster model include remote keyless entry, heated and auto-dimming power side mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, and rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers. Driver aids include blind-spot monitoring, anti-lock brakes, front and rear parking sensors, a rear backup camera, and cruise control.

Inside the cabin, both leather seats are heated. A 7-inch touchscreen works with a six-speaker audio system and includes wired Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and Porsche Car Connect apps. An internal jukebox includes 11 gigabytes of storage, and a CD/DVD player also comes standard.

There are plenty of upgrade packages available for the base trim. For an additional $11,430, you can use the Paint-to-Sample option on the new Porsche and choose from several historic colors. Sport seats are also available, as is the Premium Package. That package gives you ventilated seats, blind-spot monitoring and lane change assist, a storage net in the passenger footwell, a heated steering wheel, and Porsche’s Entry and Driver proximity key. 

For performance upgrades, the Porsche Active Suspension Management system (PASM) is available and lowers the Porsche Boxster by 10 millimeters. You also get Porsche Active Torque Vectoring, an extended-range fuel tank of 16.9 gallons, and a mechanically-locking differential. The Sport Chrono Package gives you launch control, PSM (Porsche Stability Management) mode, a steering-wheel-mounted button for Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual settings, and active driveline mounts.

2023 Porsche 718 Boxster T

Starting MSRP: $74,600, according to Porsche

The 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster T keeps the same powertrain as the base trim but makes many of the optional upgrades standard. The PASM system, Sport Chrono Package, and Porsche Torque Vectoring options are standard.

Inside, leather sport seats with Sport-Tex fabric centers are standard, as is a red-patterned gear lever and GTS sport steering wheel. There are fewer paint options to match the interior trim. Adaptive 18-way sport seats or full bucket seats with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic are available upgrades as well. All other upgrades available for the base model are also optional for the new Porsche Boxster T.

2023 Porsche 718 Boxster S

Starting MSRP: $77,500, according to Porsche

The 718 Boxster S trim sees the new Porsche get a boost in power with a larger 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Horsepower goes up to 350 to go with 309 lb-ft of torque. The top speed goes up to 177 mph and efficiency drops slightly to 21 combined mpg. You still get a standard six-speed manual transmission with the optional PDK upgrade. 

The features are similar to the Porsche Boxster base trim, but the 18-inch wheels are upgraded to 19-inch alloy wheels. The PASM system is also included and lowers the car by 20 millimeters. 

2023 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0

Starting MSRP: $92,400, according to Porsche

This significant jump in price comes with a big boost in power. This new Porsche trim gets a 4.0-liter flat six-cylinder engine giving drivers 394 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. Top speed pushes up to 182 miles per hour with 19 combined mpg.

The PASM system lowered 20 millimeters, Porsche Torque Vectoring, and Sport Chrono Package are all standard. Active transmission mounts, six-piston front brake calipers, and 20-inch 718 Sport wheels in Satin Black are all standard to improve performance. 

Two-way Sport Seats Plus heated front seats with Race-Tex fabric seat centers are now standard for the Porsche Boxster. Sport pedals, a footrest, and a GT Sport Steering wheel also improve the feel for drivers.

There are optional upgrades for the Boxster GTS 4.0. That includes full bucket seats, ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, and a 505-watt 10-speaker Bose Surround Sound system.

2023 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder

Starting MSRP: $103,400, according to Porsche

The top trim for the new Porsche gets another boost in power. The 4.0-liter flat six-cylinder engine now makes 414 horsepower with 309 lb-ft of torque. The sport suspension now lowers the car by 30 millimeters, and dynamic gearbox mounts, a shortened gear lever, and an adjustable chassis are all standard.

The Chrono Package is standard for the Boxster Spyder, as is an auto-blip button that automatically blips the throttle for smoothness when downshifting. Two-way Sport Seats Plus and automatic headlight activation are standard. 

There are optional upgrades for the Boxster Spyder, like auto-dimming side mirrors with rain sensors, heated front seats, and two-zone automatic climate control. You can also get ceramic-composite brake rotors, the Spyder Classic Interior Package, and adaptive cornering headlights.

Which 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster trim is the best?

There’s something for almost every buyer in the new Porsche Boxster lineup. If cost is the main factor, the base new Porsche model offers you plenty of power and excitement behind the wheel. 

The Porsche 718 Boxster S does offer you a lot of power compared to the base trim with some features. It’s Autotrader’s second choice behind the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. That trim gives you a combination of power and options but does come at a much higher price than the Boxster S.