20 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera with the 3.0L flat-six and 8-speed PDK. To be direct, if fuel economy is a main concern, look at other cars. Those buying a 911 aren’t prioritizing hybrid-like efficiency. They’re buying a performance icon, a status symbol, and an exhilarating driving experience. This MPG figure is simply the cost to get into that club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates you’ll see 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Keep in mind that these figures are very dependent on driving style. The 3.0L turbocharged engine, while strong, is responsive to how you use the throttle. Long periods of stop-and-go traffic, or always accelerating hard, will lower the city MPG a lot. But a careful approach on the open road should let you meet, or a little exceed, the highway estimate. The AM-S8 automatic transmission (PDK) helps here, always picking the best gear for both performance and saving gas.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera at $2,900. This number is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a mix of city and highway driving (55% city / 45% highway), and assumes the current national average fuel price. Of course, your fuel expenses will vary depending on local fuel prices, driving habits, and how many miles you drive.

Real-world expectations

Do not expect to always get the advertised combined MPG if you often push the 911’s performance. The urge to launch the car, or use the paddle shifters to hold gears on a winding road, is hard to resist, and that costs fuel efficiency. Many owners report numbers closer to the city MPG in mixed driving, especially in cities. But those who mostly use the 911 for longer highway drives, or drive more gently, might see numbers closer to the EPA estimate. If you are concerned with fuel efficiency see 911 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 911 Carrera isn’t the only performance car with lower fuel economy. The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, for example, manages around 19 MPG combined in its base version. A BMW M4 Competition, another performance benchmark, gets around 18 MPG combined. Even the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, a smaller, lighter sports car, achieves a similar 20 MPG combined. These comparisons show that performance and efficiency are often opposite, and the 911 buyer knows this tradeoff. If they are concerned with fuel efficiency you can look through all Porsche fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the “Normal” driving mode when you can. This setting optimizes the throttle response and shift points of the PDK transmission for fuel efficiency, without hurting everyday driving. It’s a good choice for commutes and casual driving.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel consumption. Check your tire pressure often and make sure it’s at the recommended level, found on the driver’s side door jamb.

Avoid idling too much. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, think about turning off the engine. Modern engines, including the 911’s flat-six, are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, reducing wear from repeated starts.

Plan your routes well. Avoiding congested areas and choosing routes with fewer stop-and-go situations can really improve your fuel economy, mostly in city driving. Use navigation apps to find the most efficient paths.