22 MPG combined won’t lead the pack in fuel economy, but honestly, if you’re considering the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS, fuel efficiency probably ranks low on your list of priorities. It’s not really a commuter car; it’s more like a race car adapted for the road. The fact that it achieves this level of fuel efficiency says a lot about Porsche’s engineering.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS with the automatic transmission (AM-S7) are 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure is more representative of what owners will experience, especially since you’ll probably want to use the engine’s responsiveness whenever you can. While the highway number is attainable, it requires a level of restraint that most GTS drivers won’t be able to manage. Expect the 20 MPG city number to be more realistic for daily driving, and even that might be optimistic depending on how you drive. The all-wheel-drive system provides great grip and stability, but it also slightly reduces fuel efficiency compared to rear-wheel-drive models.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is about $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate; your actual fuel expenses may vary based on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local gas prices. Porsche recommends premium fuel, which always costs more than regular gasoline, further increasing the real-world cost of ownership. Remember, this is the price you pay to experience the thrill and prestige of owning a 911 GTS.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers as soon as you start the engine. This car wants to be driven hard. The flat-six engine’s sound, the sharp throttle response, and the incredible grip of the all-wheel-drive system all encourage spirited driving. Expect to spend more time with your foot down than you would in a regular car, and adjust your MPG expectations accordingly. Those who drive in areas with frequent stop-and-go traffic will see lower numbers than those who mostly drive on open roads. Treat the $2,650 as a minimum, not a maximum.

How it compares

For a die-hard Porsche enthusiast set on a GTS considering other options is unlikely, but context is always helpful. The BMW M4 Competition, another performance coupe, gets around 19 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe, with its powerful V8, gets about 18 MPG combined. The Audi R8 V10, a direct competitor in terms of performance and price, can only manage about 16 MPG combined. These rivals have slight MPG differences, but the 911 GTS does well, delivering reasonable figures considering its performance. For access to all Porsche fuel economy data, you can browse our tool on FuelEconomyHub.com. You can also review 911 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid flooring the accelerator every time. A light touch on the accelerator leads to surprisingly improved fuel economy from the turbocharged 3.0-liter engine. The GTS is fun even at partial throttle, so try smoother inputs to improve fuel efficiency.

For normal commuting, select “Normal” mode. Switching from “Sport” and especially “Sport+” makes a big difference. The car still has plenty of power, but the relaxed settings will keep fuel consumption down when you don’t need maximum performance.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Maintaining the correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long drives.

Reduce extra weight. Remove any extra cargo from inside the car. More weight increases fuel consumption, so removing unnecessary items will help you save fuel.

In stop-and-go traffic, use the automatic start/stop function. It shuts off the engine when the car is stopped, saving fuel. While it can be disruptive during spirited driving, it helps when you’re stuck in traffic.