21 MPG combined might surprise some for other cars, but for the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0L, it’s a trade-off. This isn’t a commuter car; it’s built for driving thrills. Buyers don’t prioritize fuel efficiency over the sound of its naturally aspirated flat-six engine. They understand and accept this.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 gets 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Stop-and-go traffic lowers your mileage, as the engine works harder without open-road driving. However, on the open road, a driver with a moderate right foot can get close to or slightly exceed 24 MPG. This shows the engine’s efficiency at steady speeds, using the automatic transmission’s taller gearing. Most drivers will yield to the temptation to push the throttle, though, decreasing any attempts to save fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0L at $2,750. This comes from an assumption of 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will change based on your driving, fuel type, and regional fuel prices. Aggressive driving, premium fuel, and price increases can all raise this number. Porsche enthusiasts accept the cost of feeding a high-performance machine.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently reach the EPA’s combined 21 MPG in real-world driving. This car encourages aggressive driving, which decreases your fuel economy. Owners who mainly use their Cayman GTS 4.0 for weekend drives or track days will likely see lower numbers. Those who mainly use the car for longer highway trips, resisting the temptation to push it, might see slightly better fuel efficiency. However, smiles per gallon matter more than total distance.

How it compares

The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 compares well to its rivals, highlighting the cost of performance. The BMW M2 Competition, with its 405-hp turbocharged inline-six, gets about 20 MPG combined. The Audi TTS, a smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder sports coupe, gets around 26 MPG combined, showing its lower power and distinct driving. The Alpine A110, a global competitor not sold in the U.S., gets close to 30 MPG because of its lighter weight and less strong engine. Buyers choose the Cayman GTS 4.0 for its performance, handling, and the emotional appeal of a naturally aspirated flat-six. Fuel economy is secondary.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Although the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 isn’t designed for fuel efficiency, here are a few techniques to help. Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are important to reduce fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive launches and sustained high-speed driving when possible, as they quickly deplete the fuel tank.

Use the car’s driving modes. “Normal” mode softens the throttle response and encourages earlier upshifts, helping to conserve fuel. While “Sport” and “Sport+” modes enhance performance, they also increase fuel consumption.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the levels in the owner’s manual. This improves your MPG and extends tire life.

Remove unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra weight increases the engine’s workload, reducing fuel efficiency. Remove items you don’t need from the trunk and interior to minimize the car’s weight. Every little bit helps!

Consider that exploring 718 MPG across all years can put this car in perspective and that exploring all Porsche fuel economy data is helpful for model comparisons.