Porsche 718 Boxster Driving Review in Tenerife

When you land in Tenerife, the island immediately presents a complex driving puzzle. You have wide coastal motorways, ancient volcanic climbs, and rainforest switchbacks all packed into a single landmass. We wanted to know exactly how a mid-engined sports car tackles this incredibly varied terrain.

To find out, we spent a few days touring the island in the Porsche 718 Boxster. Dropping the roof under the Canarian sun is an obvious appeal for any visitor, but we were far more interested in the chassis dynamics and everyday usability on these specific Spanish roads.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Starting on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast, the Boxster feels incredibly planted and secure. The long fast sweepers that connect the airport to the southern resorts highlight the inherent stability of the mid-engine layout. Wind noise is surprisingly well managed with the fabric roof up, allowing for a relaxed cabin environment. With the roof down, you can comfortably hold a conversation at highway speeds without shouting over the wind. The suspension soaks up the expansion joints of the motorway with a level of compliance you might not expect from a dedicated sports car.

Leaving the coast behind, we pointed the nose towards the TF-21 climbing to Mount Teide. This spectacular road takes you up to 2,100 metres above sea level, weaving through pine forests before breaking out into a stark lunar landscape. As the air gets thin and the temperature drops significantly, the turbocharged engine truly proves its worth. Older naturally aspirated cars can feel breathless and sluggish up here, but the turbo keeps the torque highly accessible. The steering is a masterclass in feedback. You can feel the exact texture of the volcanic tarmac through the wheel, allowing you to place the front tires with pinpoint accuracy.

The real test of agility comes on the TF-436 into Masca. This road is infamous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and blind corners. Large grand tourers struggle here, often needing three-point turns to navigate the tightest corners while dodging oncoming tourist buses. The Boxster, however, is relatively compact. Small cars have the advantage in Masca, and the Porsche darts through the switchbacks with absolute precision. The brakes inspire massive confidence when heading downhill towards the ravine, resisting fade even after repeated heavy applications.

Finally, we took the car north to the Anaga forest roads. These routes are frequently damp, twisty, and often misty, creating a completely different atmosphere from the sunny south. The rear-wheel-drive setup requires a bit of respect on wet leaves, but the traction control system is beautifully calibrated. It intervenes smoothly without killing your momentum. The suspension absorbs the worst of the uneven, root-damaged forest roads, proving that a sports car does not have to be bone-shakingly stiff to handle well.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The Porsche 718 Boxster shines brightest when the road gets complicated and demanding. The balance provided by the engine sitting directly behind you means the car pivots perfectly around your hips. It makes you feel like a much better driver than you probably are. We tested the 2.5-litre automatic Boxster, and the PDK gearbox is simply flawless. It snaps through gears instantly on a mountain pass but slurs them smoothly when you are just cruising through town. The duality of the transmission is a major highlight of the driving experience.

However, we must be completely honest about the drawbacks. The four-cylinder engine noise is a frequent point of contention among enthusiasts. It sounds a bit like a gruff rally car rather than the howling flat-six engines of older Porsche models. While it is highly effective and produces great power, it lacks a certain musicality that some drivers crave.

Another drawback is the low ride height when dealing with the steeper ramps of underground car parks or the occasional harsh speed bump in rural villages. You have to approach them at an angle and at a crawling pace to avoid scraping the low front splitter. Visibility with the roof up is also somewhat compromised over your shoulder, making blind spot checks crucial before changing lanes on the motorway.

Practical notes

Driving a premium sports car in Tenerife requires some practical planning and awareness. When navigating the busy resort streets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas, you will inevitably face tight parking situations. Finding a safe spot on the street is tough, and you will need to look out for the blue-line meters which require payment during specific hours. We strongly recommend using the dedicated underground parking garages for peace of mind, though you must take extreme care around the tight concrete pillars and narrow entry ramps.

Luggage space is surprisingly generous for a compact two-seater. Because the engine is tucked away in the middle, you get a deep trunk in the front (commonly called the frunk) and another shallower trunk in the rear. Between the two compartments, you can easily fit two cabin-sized suitcases and a couple of soft duffel bags. It is more than enough cargo capacity for a week-long trip across the island.

Fuel consumption is perfectly reasonable if you stay on the motorways and drive gently, but climbing mountains and driving spiritedly will drain the tank quite quickly. Fortunately, petrol stations are plentiful along the coastal routes. You should always remember to fill up before heading into the Teide National Park or the remote Anaga mountains, as fuel stations are virtually non-existent in those protected areas.

Verdict

The Porsche 718 Boxster is a phenomenal companion for exploring Tenerife. It is small enough to conquer the terrifying hairpins of Masca without inducing panic, comfortable enough for the long coastal stretches on the TF-1, and engaging enough to make the climb up Mount Teide a genuinely memorable event. The chassis balance is superb, offering a driving experience that few other cars can match on these specific roads.

While the engine note might not please traditional purists, the actual performance, grip, and handling are entirely beyond reproach. It offers a rare blend of open-top enjoyment and serious dynamic capability. If you want a car that turns every single journey on the island into a special event, the Boxster is an exceptional choice. It handles the diverse microclimates and varied road surfaces of Tenerife with incredible grace and pace.

Where to book the Porsche 718 Boxster in Tenerife

If this one sounds like your kind of drive, you can check dates and prices for the Porsche 718 Boxster hire in Tenerife directly. Prefer to compare first? Browse all Porsche rentals in Tenerife, convertible car hire in Tenerife, car hire in Tenerife.