The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster with a flat-six engine over the rear axle — the same fundamental architecture that makes the 911 a handling benchmark. Boxster tires always use a staggered fitment (wider rear than front) to balance the rear weight bias. Getting tire selection right here is not cosmetic — it affects how the car actually handles.
Porsche Boxster tire sizes
The Boxster 718 (2017 to present) uses 235/40ZR18 front and 265/40ZR18 rear on 18-inch standard wheels. The optional 20-inch package uses 235/35ZR20 front and 265/35ZR20 rear. PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) vehicles may specify slightly different load indices — verify on the door sticker.
Earlier 981 Boxster (2012 to 2016) used 235/40ZR18 front and 265/40ZR18 rear on 18-inch, or 235/35ZR19 front and 265/35ZR19 rear on 19-inch. The staggered nature means front and rear tires must be purchased separately and cannot be rotated.
Best summer tires for the Porsche Boxster
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — the benchmark summer tire for the Boxster. Available in all common Boxster staggered sizes (235/40ZR18, 265/40ZR18, 235/35ZR20, 265/35ZR20). The PS4S is the factory-specified tire on many Boxster configurations. Dry grip, steering precision, and progressive limit behavior are exceptional.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 — for track-day and sport-driving Boxster owners who want maximum performance. The Cup 2 sacrifices wet weather and cold temperature performance for outright dry grip. Not a daily tire but transformative on a track day.
Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 — competitive summer alternative to the Michelin at lower cost. Available in Boxster staggered sizes. Strong dry and wet performance, slightly less steering feedback at the limit than the PS4S.
Sport all-season for year-round Boxster use
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 — for Boxster owners who drive year-round in markets with occasional cold weather. Available in 235/40ZR18 and 265/40ZR18. A significant drop from summer performance but the best all-season option for maintaining Boxster character in all conditions.
Frequently asked
What tire size does the Porsche Boxster use?
Boxster 718 (18-inch standard): 235/40ZR18 front, 265/40ZR18 rear. Optional 20-inch: 235/35ZR20 front, 265/35ZR20 rear. 981 Boxster (19-inch option): 235/35ZR19 front, 265/35ZR19 rear. Always verify on the door sticker.
How much do Porsche Boxster tires cost?
235/40ZR18 front: $175 to $280 per tire. 265/40ZR18 rear: $200 to $320 per tire. A full staggered set of four on 18-inch wheels installed runs $750 to $1,200.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-06-27. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.