When it comes to sports cars, it’s easy to get fascinated, but some cars still linger in our minds because they truly stand out. The 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman is one of those sports cars that continues to capture our attention—and one that we’re happy to have on our list of the 10 best cars of 2023.
Its turbocharged engine is mounted amidships, giving the Cayman—and its convertible sibling, the 718 Boxster—a natural handling advantage over front-engined rivals like the Jaguar F- Type and Toyota Supra. On a twisty road, the Cayman remains planted and its responsive handling makes you never want to stop driving.
Sure, there are too few places to stow your phone, keys, and drinks inside the two-seat cabin, and the base turbo four could sound a bit more refined.
On the other hand, the Cayman is an impeccably designed sports car that’s easy to like. We should know. We were impressed with our long-running 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, which impressed us in all the ways we expected—and even a few surprises, including how few compromises it requires in daily driving.
What’s new for 2023? The top GT4 and GT4 RS models of the 718 Cayman are equipped with Apple CarPlay. The rest of the range can now be ordered in Ice Gray Metallic or Arctic Gray paint. Other than those minor updates, the 718 Cayman lineup enters the new year with no other changes.
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Price and which one to buy We plan to buy the GTS 4.0 model to unlock the sweeter flat-six engine. We’d also keep the standard manual transmission because it’s more enjoyable to operate than the automatic.
Additionally, every GTS is equipped with desirable performance features, including uniquely adjustable and bolstered Sport Seats Plus, a sleek exhaust system, and an adaptive sport-tuned suspension. and 20-inch black wheels. It also boasts the Sport Chrono package, which brings a limited-slip differential, brake-based torque vectoring and the mandatory clock on top of the dashboard.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA estimates the base Cayman will achieve up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The more powerful S model is rated at 19 mpg city and 25 highway with the automatic; The manual-equipped GT4 is rated at 16 mpg city and 23 highway.
We tested the base car and a Cayman S on a 75 km/h highway fuel-economy route as part of our extensive testing regimen, and both delivered return 32 mpg in the real world. For more information about the Cayman’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
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Interior, Conveniences and Cargo Easy-to-understand gauges, comfortable seats and well-placed controls give the Cayman’s cabin a snug feel, not unlike a superhero suit. However, too many hard buttons and some cheap plastic pieces make the interior not stand out in this segment. Luckily, Porsche will cover almost any surface with leather – for a fee, of course.
The compact front trunk complements the Cayman’s rear cargo space, giving the compact sports car cargo space that rivals its most competitive models. We put two carry-on suitcases in the trunk and two in the trunk. However, the steep rear door angle means owners will need to use soft duffel bags to make the most of the available space.
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Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Porsche’s warranty coverage lags behind most rivals when it comes to free scheduled maintenance, but otherwise it’s comparable.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,00 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Free maintenance is included for one year or 10,000 miles
