What Makes the 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Consumer Reports’ Favorite Convertible?

Porsche rolled out the Boxster about 20 years ago. While the vehicle was quite nice, it took time for Porsche fans to really give it a chance; at the time they were so attached to the 911 that they had a difficult time considering adding the 718 Boxster to their car collection.

Eventually, luxury car enthusiasts started giving the Porsche Boxster a chance and fell in love with the sporty little car. Today, drivers proudly boast about the adventures they’ve enjoyed while behind the wheel of their Boxster.

The Porsche 718 Boxster has become so popular that the 2020 model is currently Consumer Reports’ favorite roadster convertible.

What makes Porsche’s 718 Boxster so awesome?

2020 is a big year for the Porsche 718 Boxster. Both it and the Porsche Cayman got a facelift. One of the biggest changes to the vehicle is the weight. By making some changes to the vehicle’s configuration and using some different materials, Porsche was able to decrease the 718 Boxster’s overall weight, a feat that also helps them reduce production and shipping costs, meaning you spend a little less when you purchase this gorgeous vehicle.

Consumer Report has given the 2020 718 Boxster an overall rating of 88 out of a possible 100. What’s really impressive is the vehicle’s performance. In the road test, the 718 Boxster scored a 96 out of a possible 100, a score that’s virtually unheard of.

While there was some worry that the four-cylinder engine would fail to compare to roadsters with larger engines, the 718 Boxster proves that as long as the engine is well-designed, small is mighty. The vehicle accelerated and handled hills with a great deal of power while not burning through fuel as a larger engine would.

A 718 Boxster with an automated manual transmission was used for the road test. The driver reported that the car shifted easily and smoothly. The suspension is firm but doesn’t jar passengers, and the vehicle handled beautifully.

While the 2020 718 Boxster is a lot of fun to drive and is an excellent choice when you’re looking for a roadster convertible, one thing you do want to keep in mind is that the way the vehicle is built can make getting in and out of the car difficult, particularly if you struggle with mobility issues.

How safe is the 2020 718 Boxster

The first priority for drivers who like convertibles is making sure the vehicle is fun to drive. The Porsche 718 Boxster certainly fits the bill. While fun is important, most of us also want to know that we’re safe while we’re behind the wheel. In terms of safety, it scored well; Consumer Reports gave it a score of four out of five.

While the official safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have yet to be released, Porsche has equipped the vehicle with several features designed to keep passengers safe. These features include multiple airbags throughout the vehicle, seatbelt pretensioners, stabilizers, collision warning software, and automatic emergency braking.

Options for the 2020 model year

Once you’ve decided to add a 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster to your car life, you will have to decide which of the three trim options you prefer. The base trim starts at $59,600 and has rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission w/OD. The 718 Boxster T starts at $68,500. The most exclusive trim option is the 718 Boxster S, which starts at $72,000. Each of the trims has special packages added to the vehicle. 

No matter which trim level you choose, you can rest assured that your new vehicle will have your friends turning green with envy as they beg you for a ride.