Against 529 other 4-cyl cars rated 2018–2020, the Boxster trails their 27.1 mpg average by 3.1 mpg, about $183 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1997, the 2L 4-cyl (2017–2020), does 24.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (1997–1999), 20: $372 a year apart.
Every Porsche Boxster engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 21.8 / 28.5 | 2017–2020 | $1,548 | |
| 2.9L 6-cyl | 20 / 29 | 2009–2012 | $1,634 | |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 19.3 / 28.1 | 2000–2016 | $1,722 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 17 / 24 | 1997–1999 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Mazda MX-5 gets 30 mpg, the Nissan 370Z 21.3 mpg and the BMW Z4 26.8 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 2020 Boxster.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2020) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2018–2020 | +$183 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,433 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2020 Porsche Boxster gives up 6 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 21 in the city, $407 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2020) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the Boxster changed over the years
The Boxster peaked in 2019 at 25 mpg (22 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2002 at 20 — 5 mpg apart, or $384 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2020 car does 24.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2019 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2018 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2017 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2016 | 22 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2015 | 22 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2014 | 22 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2013 | 22 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2012 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2011 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2010 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2009 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2008 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2007 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2006 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2005 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2004 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2000 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1997 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 24 EPA ratings of the Porsche Boxster — 4 engines across 1997–2020. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,433. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2020 Porsche Boxster get?
24 mpg combined, 21 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1997 the Boxster has averaged 22.6 mpg.
Is the 2020 Boxster more efficient than the 2019?
No: 24 against 25 mpg combined, about $64 a year more to run.
Which Boxster year has the best gas mileage?
The 2019, at 25 mpg combined (22 city, 29 highway).
Does the Boxster get better gas mileage than the Mazda MX-5?
No: 24 mpg for the 2020 Boxster against 30 for the 2021 Mazda MX-5, about $320 a year more to run.
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