2024 Porsche 718 Cayman Review: Performance, Comfort, and Value
2024 Porsche 718 Cayman
The price of the Porsche 718 Cayman ranges from $68,300 to $160,700. This range shows the starting prices for different versions, before adding extra features or fees.
Porsche 718 Cayman Overview
The 718 Cayman is Porsche’s entry-level sports car, a two-seat coupe with a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder or naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine. However, the four-cylinder doesn’t sound as good as the rest of the car, so you might want to spend more and choose the GTS 4.0 or GT4 RS, where the flat-six engine’s sound will make your heart race. Still, if you can overlook the turbo-four’s noise, the 718 Cayman delivers the performance and quick responses you’d expect from a mid-engine sports car.
Porsche 718 Cayman Changes for 2024
The name says it all about the new-for-2024 718 Cayman Style Edition. Positioned between the base model and the Cayman S, the Style Edition features black or white stripes and matching 20-inch wheels. Inside, there’s leather on the seats and selected parts of the cabin, with light gray stitching throughout. If that’s not thrilling enough, Porsche is planning a Manthey Kit for the high-performance 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Optimized for track driving, the aerodynamic and chassis upgrades cut more than 6 seconds off a lap around Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, according to Porsche.
Expert Rating
Even in its base model, the Porsche Cayman is predictably excellent in all the ways we’ve come to expect. This is a driver-focused vehicle with sharp handling and high-quality cabin materials. However, excessive outside noise, a lackluster engine sound, and questionable value reduce the Cayman’s overall appeal.
Porsche 718 Cayman Performance 8.5/10
How does the 718 Cayman drive?
There are certain moments when driving the Cayman feels like pure joy. It is not incredibly fast, but it begs to be driven hard. If you do that — especially on a twisty road where the brilliance of the perfectly balanced steering and top-notch handling shine — the Cayman is worth its weight in gold. The brakes have amazing stopping power and good durability.
Our test 718 Cayman S with a manual transmission went from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. That’s not great, though the PDK automatic version is noticeably faster. We’re not fans of the base 2.0-liter engine. It provides enough power for passing, but full acceleration is lacking due to tall gearing. The shifts of the dual-clutch automatic transmission can also be rough at low speeds, though it smooths out once you pick up speed.
Porsche 718 Cayman Comfort 7.0/10
How comfortable is the 718 Cayman?
Even though the optional sport seats have only a few adjustments, they’re well-shaped and adequately cushioned for long trips. The ventilated seat option is also a nice addition on hot days. Our test Cayman S had the optional PASM sport suspension. With it, smaller bumps are nicely smoothed out, but driving over larger bumps can make you momentarily leave your seat.
Engine and exhaust noises are loud enough to be considered deal-breakers. With the sport exhaust, the four-cylinder engine is rough and unrefined, sounding like a poorly tuned Subaru. The base Cayman is even worse. Wind noise is minimal by comparison, but road noise is intrusive on rough asphalt.
Porsche 718 Cayman Interior 8.0/10
How’s the interior?
The driving position in the Cayman is almost perfect, as you’d expect. The tachometer and speedometer are easy to see, and adjustments to the seat and steering wheel make the snug cockpit comfortable for most body types and sizes. There is excellent forward and side visibility with few blind spots, though you’ll need the rearview camera to back up safely.
To get inside, you must drop down a bit, and taller occupants will need to duck. It may be more difficult for wider passengers. The cabin feels small from the outside, though it isn’t too tight once you’re in. It’s just the right fit for a sports car.
Porsche 718 Cayman Technology 7.0/10
How’s the tech?
Technology is not the Cayman’s strong suit. The infotainment system has a learning curve due to the many buttons. Android Auto smartphone integration is not available.
Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance are optional. The stability control system is effective when needed, and most drivers won’t notice its assistance at high speeds. However, the standard parking sensors can be annoying as they often activate in heavy traffic.
Porsche 718 Cayman Storage 6.5/10
How’s the storage?
There’s a mostly vertical trunk in the rear for duffel bags and a second storage space in the front. It’s about half the size of the rear trunk but can hold a few bags. The total capacity is decent, but the split prevents you from loading larger items that might otherwise fit in a single trunk of the same total size.
Inside, there are only a few small bins and pockets for your personal items. The typical Porsche cupholders are effective but fiddly and a bit out of reach for the driver.
Porsche 718 Cayman Fuel Economy 8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy?
The EPA estimates the Cayman will get 19-24 mpg in combined city/highway driving, depending on the model and transmission. Our manual-equipped Cayman S achieved an impressive 28 mpg on our standardized mixed-driving evaluation route. Overall, the Cayman is one of the more fuel-efficient sports cars you can buy.
Porsche 718 Cayman Value 7.0/10
Is the 718 Cayman a good value?
The interior build quality is excellent. We particularly appreciate the use of premium materials and their precise assembly. However, the Cayman’s steep price is its primary drawback. If bragging rights aren’t a priority for you, there are significantly less expensive sports cars that offer similar performance and utility.
Porsche 718 Cayman Wildcard 8.0/10
This is a stunning car that proudly displays its sporty intentions. The Porsche heritage, including the layout of the gauge cluster, is both evident and practical. Few cars offer such responsiveness paired with exceptionally high handling limits. It’s ready for the track right off the bat.
Unfortunately, the ordinary four-cylinder engine noise doesn’t match the expectations set by its design. It just doesn’t sound like what you’d expect from a Porsche. As trivial as it may sound, this is a deal-breaker for some reviewers.
Porsche 718 Cayman Competitors
The 718 Cayman is arguably in a class of its own, but there are other options worth considering. For instance, the BMW M2 costs less, offers more practicality, and delivers greater performance. The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray brings a lot more power and personality to the mix. If the Corvette feels too big and bold, you might prefer the sleek Jaguar F-Type. Or, if you can increase your budget, you could go for the 911 Carrera that you really want.
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