20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4S, it’s a perfectly acceptable price to pay for its unique blend of performance, style, and open-air driving. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for its frugality; it’s acquired for its visceral thrills, iconic silhouette, and the sheer joy of piloting a legendary sports car with a retractable Targa top. The target demographic prioritizes driving experience over lower fuel costs, and they’re willing to absorb the cost at the pump in exchange for the singular experience only a 911 Targa can deliver.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 911 Targa 4S achieving 18 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the 3.0L twin-turbocharged flat-six engine works harder, and the automatic transmission cycles through gears more frequently. The highway figure demonstrates what’s possible with consistent speeds and less demand on the engine. The 911 Targa 4S, even while capable of serious performance, can achieve respectable fuel economy during long highway journeys, owing to its engine management and efficient eight-speed automatic transmission.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4S is $2,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, assuming that 55% of those miles are city driving and 45% are highway driving, and using prevailing national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. Premium fuel is required for optimal performance from this engine.

Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your individual driving habits, the type of driving, and current fuel prices in your area.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 911 Targa 4S will fluctuate significantly based on driving style. Drivers who frequently exploit the engine’s considerable power by accelerating aggressively and engaging in spirited driving can expect to see numbers closer to the city estimate, or even lower.

Conversely, those who prioritize smooth acceleration, anticipate traffic flow, and use cruise control on the highway may see results closer to the EPA highway estimate, or even slightly exceeding it. Terrain also plays a role; hilly or mountainous regions will inherently reduce fuel economy compared to flat terrain. Ultimately, the Targa 4S is a performance car, and its fuel efficiency is directly tied to how it’s driven.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sports cars, the 911 Targa 4S’s fuel economy is within the expected range. For example, the BMW M4 Competition Convertible, with its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, achieves a similar 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Cabriolet, powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, posts considerably lower numbers, around 17 MPG combined. Even within the Porsche family, the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet sacrifices some fuel economy for even greater performance, achieving an estimated 15 MPG city. These differences reflect the trade-offs in balancing performance with efficiency, and the 911 Targa 4S strikes a reasonable balance for its segment, placing it among the more efficient choices when looking at all Porsche fuel economy data. Comparing it to the other 911 trims can also provide perspective; view 911 MPG across all years to see how it stacks up.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Adopt smooth and progressive acceleration. Avoid abrupt starts and stops, as these actions consume significantly more fuel. Treat the throttle with respect, especially when you’re not specifically looking for maximum performance.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels listed on the door jamb sticker.

Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed. Using cruise control on highways will help minimize unnecessary acceleration and braking, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. Try to avoid hard braking; look ahead and lift off the throttle early when approaching slowdowns.

Consider using the “Normal” driving mode when performance isn’t a priority. The 911 Targa 4S offers various driving modes that adjust throttle response, shift points, and other parameters. Selecting “Normal” will optimize the car for fuel efficiency by softening throttle response and upshifting earlier.

Minimize idling time. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel unnecessarily. Repeated excessive idling can shorten the lifespan of the turbochargers.