20 MPG combined. That’s the figure that hangs over the 2019 Porsche Macan S like a faint exhaust cloud. It won’t win any awards for thriftiness, but it’s also not a deal-breaker for the type of buyer drawn to this particular Porsche. This isn’t a vehicle purchased purely on rational grounds. People buy the Macan S because they want a Porsche, and they need something vaguely practical. Fuel economy considerations are often secondary to performance, handling, and badge appeal.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Macan S, equipped with its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (PDK), break down to 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the Macan’s weight and the engine’s eagerness to deliver power take their toll. The highway rating, while better, illustrates that even at cruising speeds, a performance-oriented SUV extracting 348 horsepower from its engine is never going to be a fuel-sipping champion. These figures position the Macan S as one of the thirstier options in its class, but few competitors offer quite the same level of driver engagement. To get a sense of how these numbers fit into all Porsche fuel economy data, check out our dedicated page.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Porsche Macan S at $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a certain percentage of those miles driven in the city versus the highway, using the national average fuel price. The assumption is that with the 3.0L engine it will require premium unleaded. It’s a standardized metric designed to allow consumers to easily compare the cost of fuel across different vehicles. While this is a useful tool, remember that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (mostly city or highway), and the local price of gasoline. Someone who drives predominantly in congested urban areas may see a significantly higher annual fuel bill. For the price of this vehicle, owners must realize the Macan has a heavy gas wallet to match heavy driving performance.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Macan S owners report figures that vary from the official estimates, depending on driving style and conditions. Drivers with a heavy foot, frequently exploiting the engine’s performance capabilities, will likely see fuel economy numbers closer to the city rating, or even lower. Conversely, those who prioritize fuel efficiency and employ a more conservative driving style on the highway might achieve figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s 23 MPG estimate. Checking MACAN MPG will help give you an idea of long turn fuel economy performance across all model years. Overall, it’s wise to budget for fuel costs that could exceed the EPA’s $2,900 estimate, especially if you plan to enjoy the Macan S’s performance potential regularly.

How it compares

The Macan S isn’t a leader in fuel economy. A BMW X3 xDrive30i, boasting 25 MPG combined, or the Acura RDX with 23 MPG combined, offers significantly better fuel efficiency. Even the Volvo XC60 T6, with its 22 MPG combined rating, outperforms the Macan S in terms of fuel consumption. However, these alternatives often sacrifice some level of driving engagement and performance feel that is a critical element of owning a Porsche. The more powerful Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 offers similar performance to the Macan S but delivers comparable fuel economy around 20 MPG combined. For the Porsche fan, fuel economy is a sacrifice they make for the handling and prestige these other models just can’t offer.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep your tires properly inflated. The correct tire pressure, specified on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb, reduces rolling resistance, directly improving fuel economy. Regularly inspect your tires and maintain the recommended pressure. This is especially critical for a performance vehicle like the Macan S, where tire pressure can significantly affect handling and fuel efficiency.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Macan S’s powerful engine tempts drivers to use its full potential, but frequent bursts of acceleration and hard braking consume significantly more fuel than smooth, gradual driving. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady pace to minimize fuel waste.

Use the Macan’s driving modes judiciously. The Macan S offers various driving modes, including a “Normal” mode designed for everyday driving. Using this mode can help optimize fuel efficiency by adjusting throttle response and shift points. Keep in mind that “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes, while enhancing performance, will decrease fuel economy.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight in your Macan S reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle, particularly from the cargo area, to minimize the load on the engine. Every extra pound requires more fuel to accelerate.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. On long highway stretches, cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, which can reduce fuel consumption, compared to manually modulating the throttle. Setting your cruise control will allow for optimum fuel efficiency that is far more consistent.