20 MPG combined isn’t usually exciting, but for the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S, it’s an acceptable tradeoff. This isn’t an economy car; it’s a high-performance, all-wheel-drive sports car with a retractable roof and a legendary reputation. Targa 4S buyers aren’t only looking for efficiency. They want open-air driving, iconic looks, and exciting performance, and they know this affects fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates around 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city number matters, since many Targa 4S owners use their cars for weekend trips in urban areas. The highway number is optimistic, especially if you often accelerate quickly. The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine runs best at high RPMs, and the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (AM-S8) encourages fast driving. Expect worse fuel economy if you often drive aggressively.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S at $2,900. This is based on 15,000 miles per year and average fuel prices. Premium fuel is required, which increases the cost. Your fuel expenses will change based on your driving, local gas prices, and annual mileage. Someone who drives the Targa 4S on weekends will spend less than someone who commutes daily.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. The Targa 4S encourages enthusiastic driving, and most owners will test its performance. Expect figures near the low end of the EPA range, or slightly lower, if you often use Sport or Sport Plus modes, or drive in stop-and-go traffic. Driving style, weather, and tire pressure also affect mileage.

How it compares

The 911 Targa 4S’s fuel economy is average for high-performance sports cars. The rear-wheel-drive 911 Carrera S Coupe gets around 21 MPG combined, a slight improvement. The BMW M4 Competition Convertible, a competitor, achieves 19 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet, with its V8 engine, gets 18 MPG combined. The Audi R8 V10 Coupe gets around 17 MPG combined, if you want to trade performance for efficiency. Buyers in this market know that performance and open-air driving have costs, and fuel economy is rarely the main factor.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Targa 4S is built for performance, but you can still improve fuel economy. Gentle acceleration and braking are important. Watch traffic and avoid speeding, especially in cities. The turbocharged engine responds quickly, so controlling the throttle matters.

Keep your tires inflated. Correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which improves fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when temperatures change. The sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb shows the recommended pressure.

Avoid idling. Modern engines are efficient when running at a constant speed. Idling wastes fuel and increases emissions. If you’re stopped for over a minute, turn off the engine, especially in traffic.

Use the right drive mode. The 911 Targa 4S has driving modes that prioritize performance or efficiency. “Normal” mode balances both for everyday driving. “Sport” mode won’t hurt economy too much on open roads.

Follow scheduled maintenance. Regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, keeps the engine running well. A well-maintained engine is more efficient. See the owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule. Find all Porsche fuel economy data on our site, as well as 911 MPG across all years.