20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any green awards, but it’s the price of admission for the 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera S. This isn’t a car bought for hypermiling; it’s a precision instrument engineered for visceral thrills. Its drivers prioritize cornering G-forces and launch control starts far more than miles per gallon, and they understand the trade-off. The 911 Carrera S is a statement of priorities, and fuel economy is intentionally further down the list than flat-six howl and razor-sharp handling.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 18 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway for the 2024 911 Carrera S with the automatic transmission. Stop-and-go traffic will obviously punish those city numbers, while a steady cruise on the open road might allow you to tickle, or even exceed, the highway estimate. Remember that these figures are derived from a standardized testing procedure, not a real-world thrashing session down a winding back road. The car’s characteristics and the way it’s usually driven are very revealing. For the kind of driving the average 911 owner subjects this vehicle to, maintaining those numbers in reality can prove challenging.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera S at $2,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices, which fluctuate often. Premium fuel is required for the 911’s high-performance engine, and premium fuel comes at a higher cost per gallon than regular unleaded. While $2,900 is merely an average estimate, it’s also likely to be the minimum for a typical 911 Carrera S driver, unless every single drive is consciously engineered for maximum efficiency. It has an element of “your mileage may vary” that relies heavily on driving style.

Real-world expectations

Anyone expecting to consistently achieve the EPA estimates in a 911 Carrera S is likely kidding themselves. The car begs to be driven hard. That said, if you are conscientious, a mix of careful highway cruising and restrained in-town driving might yield something close to the official figures. However, the simple act of taking a quick onramp can obliterate any chance of keeping the MPG in check. Driving style matters immensely here, and the temptation to exploit the prodigious performance on offer will almost always outweigh the desire to conserve fuel. In other words, expect to fill up often.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sports cars, the 911 Carrera S’s fuel economy is a mixed bag. The Jaguar F-TYPE P450, with its supercharged V8, achieves a combined 19 MPG. The BMW M4 Competition posts similar figures around 19 or 20 MPG combined, depending on the specific configuration. Even some high-performance, track-focused SUVs like the BMW X5 M produce within a similar MPG range. The fact that a similarly powered coupe sits roughly on par with these gas drinkers speaks volumes. Buyers in this segment are aware of these trade-offs, but those looking at all Porsche fuel economy data, including other 911 variants, should note that the Carrera S prioritizes power over parsimony compared to some lesser models in the range. Further research into 911 MPG across all years may be illuminating as well.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. The Carrera S’s powerful brakes are fantastic for track days, but gently rolling to a stop whenever possible uses less fuel. Smooth and steady driving is more efficient, so try to maintain a consistent speed on the highway, using cruise control where appropriate and legal.

Engage the “Normal” driving mode when possible. The 911 offers various driving modes that dramatically affect fuel consumption, and the Normal mode will relax the engine and transmission settings to deliver the best possible efficiency. Resist the urge to constantly drive in Sport or Sport Plus mode unless you’re on a track; those settings are optimized for performance, not fuel economy.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra weight increases fuel consumption. Remove any unnecessary items from your trunk or passenger compartment to lighten the load and improve gas mileage. This ranges from golf clubs in the trunk to luggage that doesn’t need to be in the car.

Avoid excessive idling. Modern engines are designed to be efficient even when starting, so prolonged idling wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine.