19 MPG combined for the 2025 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS 3.6L 6-cyl shows a performance-first ethos in a vehicle designed to exhilarate. This is not a family sedan; it’s a six-figure rolling sculpture that can blast from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, all while cocooning its occupants in luxury and offering an open-air Targa experience. Buyers of a Targa GTS are not cross-shopping it with a hybrid SUV; they are considering it against other high-performance coupes and convertibles, vehicles where fuel efficiency is, at best, a tertiary concern. They prioritize the visceral thrill of a naturally aspirated flat-six, the precision of Porsche’s AWD system, and the unique silhouette of the Targa roof. For this niche, deeply passionate clientele, 19 MPG is simply the cost of admission to a truly exceptional driving machine, a minor line item in a budgeting process driven by emotion and driving dynamics.

City and highway performance

The EPA figures show a 17 MPG rating in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway for the Targa 4 GTS. The city figure, 17 MPG, reflects the reality of a potent 3.6-liter flat-six engine pushing 473 horsepower through an advanced all-wheel-drive system in stop-and-go conditions. Turbochargers, and the engine’s inherent design, demand a certain amount of fuel to operate, especially when frequently accelerating from a standstill. This is not a car for joyriding through downtown congestion; its natural habitat is the open road. When the 911 Targa 4 GTS finally stretches its legs on the highway, accessing that effortless torque and settling into a long cruise with the 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) automatic transmission, the efficiency improves to 23 MPG. This highway number represents a remarkably respectable return for a vehicle of this caliber and performance. It allows for extended touring, something many Targa owners value for its blend of open-air freedom and grand touring capability, without necessitating constant fuel stops.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,050 for the 2025 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS 3.6L 6-cyl. This figure is based on a standard assumption of 15,000 miles driven per year, distributed between 45% highway and 55% city driving, and incorporates national average fuel prices, which for a premium vehicle like this would be premium-grade gasoline. For the individual purchasing a Targa GTS, this ~$3,000 annual fuel expense is not a deal-breaker. It’s a trivial sum compared to the vehicle’s initial purchase price, insurance premiums, and routine maintenance costs, particularly when considering the specialized nature of the engine and components. The buyer understands that owning a peak-performance Porsche inherently comes with higher running costs across the board, and the fuel bill is just one component of that broader financial commitment. It’s an expense willingly paid for the unparalleled driving experience.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving, the 2025 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS will likely hover around its combined 19 MPG figure, though this is heavily dependent on the driver’s habits. Aggressive driving, which this car actively encourages with its exhilarating soundtrack and immediate power delivery, will predictably push efficiency lower, potentially into the mid-teens. Conversely, a disciplined driver on a long, steady highway cruise might even nudge past the 23 MPG highway rating. The advanced flat-six engine, while powerful, also benefits from technologies like direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, which help optimize combustion across the rev range. The PDK transmission, with its eight closely-spaced gears, is also a master of efficiency when not being pushed, allowing the engine to operate in its most economical band. But let’s be honest: no one buys a 911 Targa GTS to hypermile. The joy of this car is in its accessibility to performance, and every flex of the accelerator will consume fuel in direct proportion to the thrill it delivers. Owners get exactly what they expect: a car that delivers performance first, with fuel efficiency being a secondary consideration.

How it compares

The 2025 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS occupies a unique space, but direct competitors in the high-performance luxury convertible segment offer interesting comparisons. Consider the all Porsche fuel economy data. A 2025 BMW M4 Competition Convertible xDrive, with its 3.0L twin-turbo I6, typically achieves around 18 MPG combined (16 city/23 highway). While incredibly potent, its combined MPG is negligibly different from the Targa GTS, despite BMW’s engine being turbocharged. Similarly, a Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Roadster, packing a 4.0L twin-turbo V8, delivers even lower efficiency, often around 17 MPG combined (14 city/21 highway). This places the Targa 4 GTS in a surprisingly competitive light given its naturally aspirated engine and all-wheel-drive system, it’s not a fuel miser, but it’s not an outlier compared to its high-octane peers. The buyer here is not comparing against an economy car; they are comparing against vehicles where performance and luxury are important. Within this context, the 911 MPG across all years, and particularly for this Targa GTS, is entirely acceptable and competitive, especially considering the Targa’s unique styling and driving dynamics that few rivals can match.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel efficiency isn’t the primary driver for a Targa 4 GTS owner, a few conscientious habits can help optimize its consumption without sacrificing much of the fun. Maintaining smooth throttle inputs and avoiding sudden, aggressive acceleration and braking will yield noticeable improvements, as the engine and PDK transmission are designed to operate efficiently under steady loads. Using the car’s various driving modes can also make a difference, selecting “Normal” mode for everyday commuting lessens the engine’s eagerness and encourages earlier upshifts, while “Sport” or “Sport Plus” are best reserved for when maximum performance is desired. Regularly checking tire pressures to ensure they meet Porsche’s recommended specifications is crucial, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and force the engine to work harder. Finally, lightening the load by removing unnecessary items from the frunk and rear seats can subtly contribute to better efficiency, though for a car of this power, the impact will be minimal compared to driving style.