The 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster S, equipped with its turbocharged 2.5L flat-4, achieves a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG. This isn’t a stellar figure on its own, but judging it in isolation misses the point. This isn’t a Prius, it’s designed to deliver a visceral, engaging driving experience. The 22 MPG figure is simply the price of admission. Its buyers aren’t comparing it with hybrid hatchbacks. They’re weighing performance and subjective qualities, with fuel economy a distant concern. They prioritize the engine’s sound, the sharp handling, and the open-air experience far above saving every last mile from a gallon of premium fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster S place city driving at 19 MPG and highway cruising at 25 MPG. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic and the temptation to exploit the engine’s immediate torque, which lowers fuel efficiency. On the highway, the tall gearing of the seven-speed PDK transmission helps improve efficiency, though consistent high-speed runs will prevent you from reaching the advertised 25 MPG. Using the passing power and available acceleration will quickly impact your fuel costs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster S at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which this car requires. This is just an estimate because your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and fluctuating fuel prices. However, $2,650 provides a reasonable benchmark for budgeting. Browse 718 MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides estimates, real-world fuel economy often differs. If you frequently drive aggressively or spend most of your time in city streets, expect figures slightly below the EPA estimates. However, those who primarily drive on the highway with a light foot may see numbers that meet or slightly exceed the 25 MPG estimate.

Many owners report an average of around 20-23 MPG in mixed driving conditions, which aligns with the car’s performance and how most drivers use it.

How it compares

The 718 Boxster S is in the middle of its rivals in fuel economy. The BMW Z4 M40i, with its more powerful inline-six engine, achieves around 25 MPG combined, offering similar performance with slightly better efficiency. The Audi TTS, another turbocharged four-cylinder competitor, delivers approximately 23 MPG combined, which puts it about the same as the Boxster S. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, with its naturally aspirated flat-six, uses more fuel, landing in the high-teens to low-twenties. The choice depends on your priorities: those seeking top performance may sacrifice fuel economy, while those prioritizing efficiency might consider less powerful alternatives. For all Porsche fuel economy data, you can explore the range of models and metrics.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 718 Boxster S is designed for performance, you can take steps to improve its fuel efficiency. Avoid fast acceleration and braking, as these habits impact fuel consumption.

Anticipate traffic and maintain a consistent speed. Proper tire inflation is also important. Regularly check your tire pressure and ensure it matches the recommended levels in the owner’s manual because underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, requiring the engine to work harder.

Use the PDK transmission’s “Normal” driving mode for everyday commuting. This mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by upshifting early and keeping the engine in its most economical range. Save the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes for fun driving when fuel economy is less important.

Reduce weight in the car. Extra cargo adds load to the engine and reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area.

Pay attention to the weather because strong headwinds can hurt fuel economy on the highway. Route planning to avoid congested areas can also improve MPG figures.