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2018 Porsche 718 Cayman review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Porsche 718 Cayman highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Great handling
  • Balanced performance engine options
  • Beautifully crafted

Cons

  • No six-cylinder option
  • Tech features are limited
  • Base engine is noisy

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 25 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
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For those who love to drive

With no major changes from the previous model year, the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman is ready to win your heart. If you’re a driving purist, you’ll love the precise handling of this sports car. While it might be Porsche’s entry-level model, it’s far from basic with a range of trims and performance features for you to enjoy.

All Porsche 718 Cayman years

What is new for the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman?

  • The 718 Cayman is available in a new trim called the GTS.
  • 718 Cayman trims have been upgraded with Leather & Suede Seats, Adjustable Suspension, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, and Automatic Transmission as standard equipment this year.
  • Leatherette Seats, Leatherette & Cloth, Lane Departure Warning, and Suede Seats features are now available as options on select trims.

2018 Porsche 718 Cayman trims

Curious how Porsche 718 Cayman trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

S:

GTS:

  • Includes all features available on the S
  • 365-hp, 309-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • CD Audio

Porsche 718 Cayman photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman

1. Outstanding handling 

Even in its base form, the Porsche 718 Cayman was built to perform. If you want to take things to the next level, look out for the Cayman GTS, which adds a sport exhaust system with black-painted tailpipes, a brake-based differential, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which adds adaptive dampers and lowers the ride height 10 mm. This lowered center of gravity means you get improved handling through the corners. 

2. Choice of engine options 

The base engine is a 2.0L flat-four with 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough for spirited driving but look out for the Cayman S if you want the more powerful 2.5L turbo, which has 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. The GTS model has the same 2.5L engine but boosts output to 365 horsepower. No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy the thrill of this well-engineered sports car. 

3. Refined interior 

Inside the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman, you’ll love the attention to detail. The focus is clearly on driving with a minimalist setup, multi-way adjustable seats, and partial leather upholstery. If you want a few more luxury touches, look for the GTS model, which adds a faux-suede steering wheel. All models come standard with Bluetooth® connectivity and a seven-inch touchscreen. 

4. Cargo space 

You’d be forgiven for assuming the 2018 Cayman comes with minimal cargo space but it does quite well in this respect. Because of the mid-engine design, there are two trunks. The proper one is actually at the front under the hood, offering 5.3 cu-ft of space. There’s also a 4.4-cu-ft space at the back that’s great for storing your gym bag. 

5. Sporty features 

As well as incredible handling, the 2018 718 Cayman has a range of optional features to improve performance. Look out for the Sport Chrono package that’s standard on GTS models. It adds a stopwatch on the dash — for timing your on-track laps, of course — plus launch control (on automatic transmission models only) and a Sport button that sharpens performance for 20 seconds.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Porsche 718 Cayman features and specs

Base 2WD 2D Coupe

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Burmester Audio
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Leather Interior
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Smart Key

Drive Wheels

2WD

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

300

Torque (ft-lbs)

280

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14.3

Wheelbase

97.4"

Overall length

172.4"

Width

70.9"

Height

50.9"

Front tires

P235/45ZR18

Rear tires

P265/45ZR18

Seating capacity

2

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Porsche 718 Cayman FAQ

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