19 MPG combined won’t win any fuel efficiency awards, but in the world of high-performance, open-top motoring, the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet occupies a unique space where raw driving pleasure trumps all else. This isn’t a car bought by bargain hunters or those with hypermiling aspirations. This is a machine for the enthusiast who wants the thrill of a potent, turbocharged flat-six engine, the precision of Porsche engineering, and the sensory overload of top-down driving. Fuel economy is simply a secondary consideration, a necessary evil in the pursuit of automotive nirvana.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2022 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet are 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The reality of these figures depends heavily on driving style. In urban environments, the combination of stop-and-go traffic and the temptation to exploit the engine’s responsiveness will likely keep you closer to the lower end of the range. On the open road, with a more consistent speed and less aggressive acceleration, achieving the EPA’s 23 MPG is certainly possible. But let’s be honest, few GTS owners will resist the urge to dip into the throttle and experience the intoxicating surge of power. It’s part of the car’s appeal.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet to be $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Keep in mind that premium fuel is a requirement for this high-performance engine, and your actual fuel costs could vary significantly depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices. How often you exploit the car’s performance potential also affects the cost. Of course, if you’re considering a car in this price bracket, fuel costs are unlikely it be a significant barrier.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures provide a useful benchmark, but real-world fuel economy will vary. Consider your typical driving conditions. Lots of short trips with cold starts will hurt efficiency. Extended highway cruising will improve it. Aggressive driving will always penalize fuel economy. Some owners report slightly lower figures than the EPA estimates, particularly in mixed driving. Treat the EPA numbers as a best-case scenario and be prepared for slightly less in everyday use. The joy of driving a GTS Cabriolet often outweighs the sting at the pump.

How it compares

When comparing the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet to competitors, it’s important to consider the vehicle’s purpose. A Jaguar F-Type R Convertible (16 MPG combined) offers similar performance but with a more overtly aggressive persona and slightly worse fuel economy. The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 (16 MPG combined) targets a slightly different demographic with its more luxurious focus and complex technology, yet delivers similar fuel consumption. All Porsche fuel economy data shows that the 911 range typically prioritizes performance over outright efficiency, reflecting the brand’s focus on driving dynamics. Even within the 911 family, you’ll find variations. Checking the 911 MPG across all years reveals a general trend of incremental improvements, but the GTS models tend to sacrifice some efficiency for increased power and sharper handling. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the car’s drive modes intelligently. The “Normal” mode is surprisingly effective at optimizing fuel efficiency for everyday driving. Resist the urge to constantly operate in “Sport” or “Sport Plus” unless you’re truly exploiting the car’s performance. Learn to appreciate the lower modes for the street, and save the aggressive settings for the track or canyon roads.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Correct tire pressure minimizes rolling resistance, leading to improved fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and adjust them according to the sticker on the doorjamb. Invest in a quality tire pressure gauge for accurate readings, and adjust your pressures for summer or winter driving for the best performance and lifespan.

Avoid unnecessary weight. The 911 GTS is already a relatively lightweight sports car, but excess cargo adds to the burden on the engine. Lighten the load by removing any unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment to improve fuel economy, especially around town.

Anticipate traffic conditions and drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, as these actions waste fuel. Maintain a consistent speed and allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead to minimize the need for abrupt maneuvers. Coasting when possible can also help claw back a touch of fuel on long runs.