The 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster T, with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, gets a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG, a figure unlikely to deter open-air driving enthusiasts who want surgical handling and a visceral driving experience. This car isn’t about maximizing efficiency; it’s about maximizing thrills from a precision sports car that feels more analog than digital. Fuel economy is a secondary concern, if a concern at all, for the typical Boxster T buyer. They’re after the purest Porsche driving experience this side of a GT car, a fact reflected in its minimalist options list and carefully tuned chassis. They are willing to pay the price for that focus, both at the dealership and at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 718 Boxster T break down to 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the car’s character. Stop-and-go traffic will obviously impact fuel consumption because the engine works harder to overcome inertia. But on the open road, with the cruise control engaged and the engine humming along at a moderate RPM, the Boxster T is surprisingly efficient.

Its relatively low weight contributes to this, as does the well-calibrated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (PDK), which keeps the engine in its sweet spot without unnecessary revving. The highway figure also underscores the car’s relaxed demeanor when it’s not being pushed to its limits.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster T will be $2,500. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a certain percentage of those miles driven in the city versus on the highway, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing running costs between vehicles, but individual driving habits and fuel prices will significantly affect the actual amount you spend.

Keep in mind that the Boxster T also requires premium fuel, which is usually more expensive than regular unleaded, further impacting running costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 718 Boxster T is likely to vary depending on driving style and conditions. Someone who frequently drives the car hard on canyon roads, with lots of quick acceleration and deceleration, will undoubtedly see lower MPGs than someone who primarily uses it for leisurely highway cruising. Expect the 23 MPG combined figure to be a best-case scenario if you frequently exploit the car’s performance potential. If you have a heavier foot, anticipate dipping below 20 MPG in mixed driving.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the 718 Boxster T’s fuel economy sits in a competitive range. For example, the BMW Z4 M40i, with its more powerful six-cylinder engine, manages around 25 MPG combined. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, a long-time rival known for its frugality, achieves around 29 MPG. This contrast highlights the compromises inherent in performance car ownership. The Miata prioritizes lightness and efficiency, while the Boxster T offers a more potent driving experience, at the expense of a few MPG. Buyers looking at 718 MPG across all years tend to be more concerned with performance than outright fuel savings. And if you would like to see all Porsche fuel economy data, you can see how it compares against the rest of the lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While outright fuel economy may not be the primary concern for Boxster T owners, several things can minimize fuel consumption. Avoid hard acceleration and braking because these actions require a lot of energy and rapidly deplete fuel. Strive for smooth and consistent inputs. Preview the road ahead and anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary speed changes.

Take advantage of the car’s PDK transmission. In automatic mode, it will shift gears smoothly and efficiently, keeping the engine within its most economical operating range. If you prefer to shift manually, be mindful of the shift points and avoid unnecessarily high revs. The PDK engineering delivers on the performance and efficiency scale when left to its own devices.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the car. Extra weight increases the amount of energy required to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment to improve fuel economy. While the Boxster T is already a relatively lightweight car, every little bit helps.