2022 Porsche 718 Spyder Review: The Dynamic Benchmark

718 may not be as large of a number as 911, but the Porsche 718 Spyder hardly feels like a poor relation of its iconic big brother. This is the most powerful Porsche drop-top without a 911 badge slapped on the back and retains its greatest asset for the 2022 model year: a 414-horsepower 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine that can scream its way to 8,000 rpm. With the manual gearbox, it'll hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Last year, Porsche's class-leading PDK dual-clutch transmission became available as an option, slashing that benchmark sprint by half a second. Vying for space in the 718 Spyder's crowded trophy cabinet is one of the greatest chassis and steering setups in any convertible, providing pin-sharp handling and plenty of feedback. At nearly $100,000 in the US, competitors like the Audi TT RS and BMW Z4 serve up similar performance for a lot less money, but it's the Porsche that will leave you with a bigger smile on your face.

What's the Price of the 2022 Porsche 718 Spyder?

The already expensive Porsche 718 Spyder has seen a price increase this year, with the base MSRP jumping from $97,300 in 2021 to $98,300 for 2022. That'll get you behind the wheel of the six-speed manual version but another $3,210 will be required to get the seven-speed PDK transmission, meaning you're looking at a six-figure car. The price of the 718 Spyder excludes tax, licensing, registration, and a delivery/handling charge of $1,350 in the USA. The sky is the limit in terms of options, and ticking a couple of boxes quickly saw us approaching the $150,000 mark. If, for some reason, you want to, it's possible to exceed this amount, but that'll see you get irrationally close to a 911 Turbo.

2022 718 Spyder Exterior

Dimensions

2022 718 Spyder Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

What's so impressive about the 718 Spyder is that each individual component is masterfully tuned in isolation, yet just as good when operating in concert with others. Take the electric steering, for instance. It's neither too heavy nor too light, responds with urgency and precision to driver inputs, and is pleasingly talkative. But it's not the only star of the show in a convertible that leaves the competition trailing for dynamism. Once you've added in the rigid chassis, the slick gearboxes, that amplified engine note, and the strong brakes, the 718 Spyder's cocktail of ingredients is intoxicating in the best way possible. With the stability control systems disabled and enough space, it's easy to induce oversteer in a predictable and manageable fashion. However, with the systems on, there's still plenty of entertainment to be had. As we noted in our first Porsche 718 Spyder review, it surprises with its compliant ride quality when you aren't thrashing it. It's no Panamera, but it can do the extended cruising thing without coming across as intolerable. More of an issue for a daily driver is the roof, which keeps the rain at bay, but that's about it - a brief test drive quickly reveals loads of tire and wind roar.

2022 718 Spyder Interior

2022 718 Spyder Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is The 2022 Porsche 718 Spyder A Good Car?

At a base price of nearly $100,000, the 2021 Porsche 718 Spyder doesn't make a lot of sense at first glance. A base model Porsche Boxster has more features at nearly $40,000 less and is a far more efficient drop-top. Then, there are rivals like the BMW Z4 M40i that are better-equipped and significantly cheaper. But the 718 Spyder isn't trying to be all things to all people. As a weekend toy, it enamors with its atmospheric engine and sublime handling. It's equipped with everything you need and relegates any superfluous extras to the options list as if anything that dares to threaten the unfiltered driving experience must be eliminated. The 718 Spyder's unique styling only adds to its off-the-charts desirability. If you have the means, and assuming there's something more practical in the garage to take care of the daily commute, the 718 Spyder remains one of the best Porsches to drive - and that's saying a lot.

What Porsche 718 Spyder Model Should I Buy?

You could leave the showroom with a bog-standard 718 Spyder and emerge with one of the finest drop-tops on the planet. Not many are likely to do this, though, considering the massively long options list. We'd stick with the manual gearbox, although we wouldn't blame you if you went for the excellent PDK, either. Other than that, we'd keep the options light but spec the heated seats ($530), a heated multifunction steering wheel ($470), and dual-zone climate control ($770), all upgrades that make an open-top car easier to live with. Almost every part of the cabin can be covered in leather and there are plenty of colors to choose from, but we'd stick with the standard seats. Finally, iPhone users may want to add Apple CarPlay with Siri for $360. Including the destination charge, the total comes to $101,010. Customers who tend not to question how much something costs may choose to spend a frankly ridiculous $1,040 for an owner's manual in a carbon fiber cover.

2022 Porsche 718 Spyder Comparisons

2022 Porsche 718 Spyder vs Porsche 911 Carrera

The latest 992-generation 911 Carrera is possibly the most complete sports car in the world. Unlike the more focused 718 Spyder, the 911 Carrera must thrill the driver yet also be comfortable and refined enough for the daily drive to and from the office. At an almost identical starting price, the base 911 Carrera is down on power and displacement but its 3.0-liter flat-six is boosted by two turbochargers and it gets an eight-speed PDK box as standard so is faster to 60 mph than the manual 718 Spyder. While the 718's engine makes it a touch more involving to drive, the 911 is both sharp and comfortable. It also has a far better cabin with nicer materials and standard features like heated seats, Apple CarPlay, and small rear seats for emergencies. The 718 Spyder is more fun, but the 911 is more car at the same price.

2022 Porsche 718 Spyder vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

The 718 Spyder's manually operated lightweight roof robs it of some refinement, which is where the 718 Cayman GT4 steps in. The Cayman is $2,900 more expensive, but at this level, that's unlikely to be a dealbreaker for anyone preferring a hardtop. With the same 414-hp 4.0-liter engine, performance is identical between the two cars, although the GT4 has a negligibly higher top speed of 188 mph. In the GT4's favor is a much larger rear luggage area measuring 9.5 cubic feet; together with the frunk, it can accommodate quite a bit more luggage than the 718 Spyder. Added to that, the fixed roof adds a layer of refinement that's missing from the Spyder, with the GT4 better able to isolate its occupants. Both make their drivers feel like heroes, so the choice comes down to whether the more glamorous Spyder or the more practical GT4 suits your needs best.