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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 21 / 27 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,400 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 375 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $59,514–$69,940 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman at 8.0/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.3/10, while Value at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 9.3/10. The Porsche 718 Cayman delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.3/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $59,514–$69,940, 21 MPG, seating 2, the Porsche 718 Cayman sits in the premium tier of the sports category. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman is a solid, well-rounded sports that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman ranks #68 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 79% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $59,514 starting price is about 29% above the segment's median of $46,090.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.0 — and starts roughly $6,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.2/10 | $67,362 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $65,400 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $63,438 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $61,476 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $59,514 | |
| 2020 | 7.9/10 | $57,552 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.9/10 | $55,590 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.8/10 | $53,628 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.8/10 | $51,666 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman's reliability 8.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #68 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 79% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman starts at $59,514 and ranges up to $69,940 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Porsche models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.