Twenty miles per gallon combined won’t win any hypermiling contests, but in the world of high-performance, all-weather sports cars that offer open-air driving, the 2022 Porsche 911 Targa 4S occupies a unique space where practicality isn’t the main focus. Anyone prioritizing ultimate fuel efficiency probably isn’t cross-shopping this Porsche against, say, a Prius.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 911 Targa 4S 3.0L delivers 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the reality of a powerful, turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (AM-S8) and all-wheel drive. The relatively low city MPG is unsurprising considering the stop-and-go nature of urban driving and the Targa’s inherent eagerness to accelerate. The highway figure of 23 MPG is more respectable, suggesting that the car can maintain decent efficiency during longer cruises, although expect the number to drop if you’re frequently using the turbocharger’s boost.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2022 Porsche 911 Targa 4S is $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended and likely factored into that $2,900), and local fuel prices. Still, it’s a useful benchmark to consider when budgeting for ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers are a useful starting point, they rarely tell the whole story of real-world fuel economy. The 911 Targa 4S is a car that encourages spirited driving, and that will almost certainly have a negative impact on fuel consumption. Expect to see numbers closer to the EPA estimates if you’re primarily commuting and resisting the urge to exploit the car’s performance. However, if you regularly unleash the engine’s full potential, or frequently drive in dynamic modes, your MPG will likely fall below the official figures. Exploring 911 MPG across all years reveals a trend: enthusiastic driving always impacts fuel economy.

How it compares

The 911 Targa 4S exists in a niche of its own, but it’s worth considering how its fuel economy stacks up against similar vehicles. The BMW M4 Competition Convertible, for example, manages 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance, while boasting a naturally aspirated V10, achieves an EPA-estimated 13 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. Even the less powerful Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 only manages 17 MPG city and 24 MPG on the highway. These comparisons highlight that the Targa 4S’s fuel economy, while not stellar, is competitive within its class of high-performance convertibles and roadsters. Buyers in this segment are generally less concerned about maximizing MPG than they are about performance and driving experience.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While squeezing every last mile from a gallon might not be the top priority for a Targa 4S owner, there are still ways to improve fuel economy without sacrificing too much driving enjoyment. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these habits significantly impact fuel consumption, particularly with a turbocharged engine. Gentle throttle inputs and gradual braking not only save fuel but also contribute to a smoother and more relaxed driving experience, something the Targa is surprisingly adept at when not being pushed to its limits.

Take advantage of the car’s driving modes. Selecting “Normal” or even “Eco” mode can help to optimize fuel efficiency by adjusting throttle response and transmission mapping. These modes may dull the car’s performance slightly, but they can make a noticeable difference on longer journeys or in heavy traffic.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels (found on the doorjamb sticker). A well-maintained vehicle is also a more efficient vehicle, keep up with scheduled maintenance to guarantee peak running condition.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods, such as waiting in a parking lot, wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, it’s better to simply turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go. Explore all Porsche fuel economy data to understand how different models respond to varying driving styles.