The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T is a stand-alone trim that packs a similar engine option available with the base variant. Yet it manages better performance, thanks to its improved dynamics and better features. At an expected MSRP of $69,600, the 718 Cayman T comes equipped with two transmission options and a standard drivetrain setup. Some of its salient features include standard front and rear performance tires, HID headlights, and an adjustable steering wheel. Other trim-wise exclusive features include:

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The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T lies midway between the introductory version of the base coupe and the higher-placed S variant and tries to bridge a gap between the two, by creating a more performance-focused vehicle that continues to use the base engine. While it is devoid of some essential features, its existing specification load and optional packages help in maximum consumer satisfaction. We’d recommend opting for the 7-speed PDK transmission system for better performance and supple ride quality.

The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T makes use of the similar engine option as available with the base variant. The 2.0L turbocharged boxer-4 unit on offer is good for 300hp of power and 280lb.-ft of torque. However, when compared to the base trim, the 718 Cayman T variant does manage better performance, through its reduced curb weight and a better sport suspension system. It comes equipped with either a 6-speed manual transmission unit or a 7-speed PDK automatic transmission, both of which work efficiently. The RWD setup is the standard drivetrain option and works well for the coupe that features a mid-engine placement.

While the performance figures of the 2022 718 Cayman T are not yet known, it is expected to be appreciable and impressive, with the Sport Chrono Package only adding to its capabilities. Apart from its performance and acceleration, the coupe from the house of Porsche is a nimble driver that carries itself with poise and suppleness, even in the city. It retains the growly nature that 718 Cayman’s usually possess and is a symphony to the ears when on the go. It is responsive to throttle inputs and the lowered sports suspension bestows a more planted and sturdier ride.

While the 6-speed manual transmission is agile and versatile, Porsche’s traditional PDK transmission unit is refined and sophisticated and improves performance by shifting effortlessly and always being in the optimum gear. Given the engine placement, the weight of the coupe feels evenly distributed, which helps to aid braking abilities. The 2022 Porsche Cayman T makes use of front and rear ventilated disc brakes and ABS and features 20-inch performance tires both upfront and at the rear, that provide better grip on the road.

The 2021 Jaguar F-Type Coupe is rather evenly matched to the Porsche in terms of power and torque outputs. Its inline-4 unit produces 296hp and 295lb.-ft of torque, while the V6 powered 2021 C43 Coupe is the most powerful vehicle available in the segment at 385hp and 384lb.-ft, respectively. The sheer power that the Mercedes-AMG possesses is evident in its acceleration timings clocking 4.5 seconds and 12.2 seconds in the 60mph and quarter-mile run, making it almost a second or two quicker than its competitors.

When compared to base setups, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe is the most distinct vehicle making use of a bi-turbo engine setup, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and is the only all-wheel-drive variant available in the segment. The Jaguar as the 2022 718 Cayman T features a standard rear-wheel-drivetrain, however, it does make use of 8-speed automatic transmission, instead.

The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T is rather fuel-efficient and surpasses our expectations. Yet it ranks lower than most of its competitors. It averages 20 MPG in the city, which increases exponentially to 26 MPG when sprinting on the highway. Combined the T variant in the Cayman lineup is rated at 22 miles per gallon of fuel, which when equated with its fuel tank of 14.2-gallons, which is the least voluminous in the segment, will help in covering a comparable range.

The 2021 Jaguar F-Type dusts its competitors when efficiency is concerned. With a combined mileage of 26 MPG, it is the most frugal coupe available on the market. Its fuel tank is considerably sized at 16.6-gallons and consequently, it covers the maximum range in the segment of 382, 498, and 432 miles in the city, on the highway, and combined. On the other hand, the 2021 AMG C43 Coupe, despite its higher power and torque outputs, manages similar efficiency as the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T. In addition, it also features the largest fuel tank in the segment that can hold 17.4-gallons, which means higher distance coverage in every fuel stop.

Though ergonomic, the cabin of the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T is not the most luxurious in the segment. While it does not feel lackluster, the cabin-like previous model years features fewer premium materials including cloth inserts on seats and the complete exclusion of the steering mounted controls. However, in practicality and usability, they rank similar to all other counterparts in the lineup.

The deeply placed front sport seats offer ample support and have a heating option to them. The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T can seat two passengers only, however, both occupants will find themselves at unparalleled ease, thanks to cushioning and bolstering that do not cause the seats to feel too narrow. Though lowly placed, the visibility in the coupe is never a problem. While rearward visibility could have been improved marginally, it’s similar to what you get in the competitors. There is adequate head-, shoulder-, and legroom on offer and even cargo capacity of the front and rear luggage compartment feels considerable at 14.9 cubic feet.

In terms of design, the cabin of the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T looks highly modern and the centrally placed infotainment system and digital cluster add to the contemporary nature of the vehicle. While external noises are successfully masked, the only noise that you hear is of the exhaust crackling exhaust note when picking up speed.

By providing an extra row of seats that can seat two additional passengers, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe gains ascendancy over its competitors in the segment. Despite the the second row of seats, space up front does not feel compromised and all four travelers will find themselves in receipt of suitable space, even for long drives. The 2021 F-Type can seat two passengers, however, both competitors of the 2022 718 Cayman T have the advantage of being highly luxurious and featuring ultra-premium materials, which buyers would want in a vehicle that is placed just under the $70,000 mark.

 When cargo capacity is concerned, Porsche emerges victorious in the segment. While the Jaguar is closely placed in the segment at 14.4 cubic feet, Mercedes-AMG’s second-row cuts into cargo space leaving only 10.5 cubic feet at the user’s disposal.

Some of the salient interior features of the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T include:

• 718 T logo on the front seat headrest
• Air conditioning with dual-zone climate control
• Manually adjustable seat height
• Front Cupholders
• Leather-wrapped GT Sport Steering Wheel
• Glove Box and a central console for storage
• Fabric upholstery with cloth inserts and redlining

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T?

While the Porsche 718 Cayman T were launched without the central infotainment screen, the US-based trims included them as a standard feature. Apart from the touchscreen unit display unit, the coupe also features a digital gauge cluster that displays information vital to the vehicle. In terms of feature load, 2022 MY of the 718 Cayman T comes equipped with wired Apple CarPlay, Satellite Radio, and HD radio. The central screen gets connected to the rearview camera as standard, and to the navigation system wherever opted for as optional.

Some standout infotainment features include:

• Porsche Communication Management
• USB Connection
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• AM/FM Stereo
• Sound Plus Package (which includes an 8-speaker sound system)
• Hard Disk Drive

Being a carryover model from the last year, the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T continues to be highly impressive in its design. With the name badging at the rear and on the foot of the doors, one can easily distinguish it from its base counterpart. However, it does feature other subtle design cues that make it instantaneously distinctive. The T variant in the lineup features gray-colored wheels and side mirrors and in addition, it also sits on 20-inch Carrera wheels, which do make it look proportionate keeping in mind its size and dimensions.

The design language of the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T is easily comprehensible and utterly likable. The swooping roofline does look typical to the coupe structure and the low-slung hood helps balance the complexities in the overall design. The headlights and taillamps also remain similar as the outgoing model and continue to look optimistic at the front and rather cunning at the rear. The four-point LED lights to fall in line with Porsche’s latest design strategy and give the sportscar a fitting and luxurious feel.

The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T is 172.4 inches long with a wheelbase of 97.4 inches, which is the shortest in the segment. Even in width and height of 70.9 and 50.4 inches, respectively, make it one of the smaller coupes in the segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe and Jaguar F-Type Coupe have a curb weight of 3,825 and 3,843 lbs, respectively. However, in all dimensions and proportions, the Mercedes-AMG is larger than its competitors. It is the longest vehicle in the segment at 185 inches and sports a wheelbase of 111.8 inches. It is also the tallest at 56.3 inches, while the Jaguar sports a higher ground clearance of 3.9 inches and is the widest coupe at 74.2 inches.

In terms of design, the 2021 Jaguar F-Type with its refreshed styling looks undeniably impressive and aggressive. However, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe is rather subtle in design but maintains its likability, anyhow.

Some of the standard exterior features of the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T include:

• 20-inch Carrera Wheels
• Four-point LED daytime running lights
• Headlight Cleaning System
• Rear Spoiler
• Front and rear performance tires

The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T has not yet been tested by IIHS or NHTSA. While its standard list of safety specifications does feel short and under-equipped, there are a number of optional specifications that make it a rather viable proposition in the segment. The basic features that the coupe comes fitted with include traction control, electronic stability control, and ventilated disc brakes. Other safety features include:

• Airbag System
• Seatbelt Pretensioners
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Porsche Side-Impact Protection System
• Lightweight aluminum-steel construction and galvanized body elements
• Rearview Camera and rear parking aid
• Porsche Car Connect system with vehicle tracker software

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T vs 2021 Jaguar F-Type Coupe

The 2021 Jaguar F-Type Coupe is an exquisite offering that has the capability to compete with cars above its class. Despite bearing a lower price tag, it manages to triumph over its competitors in aspects more than one. While the engine isn’t the most powerful, it is quick-firing and is immensely receptive to throttle inputs. However, if you still find the unit underwhelming, Jaguar is moving towards a standard V-8 engine option with the 2022 MY.

In other comparable aspects, the 2021 F-Type emerges to be the most efficient coupe in the segment that manages the highest range in a single fuel stop. While the interior space is similar to the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T, its cargo capacity is only a tad bit lower. The F-Type Coupe is the larger vehicle in comparison and moves streets ahead of the Porsche by providing best-in-class safety features. Thus, amongst the two, we would recommend opting for the F-Type Coupe.

2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T vs 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe is the least expensive option in the comparison and it is unarguably the most likable option. It features a powerful engine that generates the highest power and torque outputs and manages the quickest timings in each acceleration test conducted in the segment. While its efficiency is only similar to the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman T, the Mercedes-AMG can gain ground in terms of range, credits to its larger fuel tank.

By providing an extra row of seating that can easily seat adults as well, the 2021 C43 Coupe solidifies its position in the market, even further. While it does lack considerably in the cargo segment, the Mercedes’ unparalleled practicality and a premium cabin setup make it the better option in the segment. With an intuitive infotainment setup and a slew of safety features available with the C-Coupe, the Porsche does feel down-trodden and like a let-down.

We absolutely love Porsche’s idea to introduce a mid-level performance and driving pleasure-focused variant in the Cayman lineup. However, with the availability of lower-priced competitors that manage better performance, the idea does not have to seem to materialize quite well. The 2022 718 Cayman T features a potent engine option that upholds appreciable fuel efficiency. However, it loses out on valuable points due to its smaller fuel tank, a premium feeling to the cabin, and misses out on essential safety features. It is smaller in dimensions and vaunts lighter curb weight making it is easily maneuverable and is a delight to drive. However, with better options available in the market, we would recommend looking out for more sought-after options like the Jaguar or Mercedes-AMG.