18 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling awards, but for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS with its 3.6L twin-turbo V6, it’s what you get for a vehicle that blends genuine Porsche performance with SUV practicality. The Cayenne GTS isn’t for those on a budget; it’s for those who want a thrilling driving experience and the Porsche badge, in a comfortable and capable SUV. Fuel economy is less important, but understanding its limitations is crucial for future owners.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Cayenne GTS at 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving common in urban environments, where the GTS’s responsive throttle can quickly use fuel. The highway figure is better, showcasing the engine’s efficiency at cruising speeds. Remember that this figure is achieved under ideal conditions. If you push the GTS hard, those highway numbers will quickly drop. Porsche’s eight-speed automatic transmission (S8) is programmed to get the best fuel economy, but it’s always ready to downshift and unleash the engine’s full potential; a temptation few GTS drivers can resist.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS at $3,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Premium fuel is recommended for the Cayenne GTS, and the estimate is based on the price of premium fuel. Fuel prices change, and your actual costs will vary depending on your driving style and location.

Real-world expectations

Expect to see numbers slightly below the EPA estimates in real-world conditions, particularly if you frequently use the sportier drive modes or enjoy fast acceleration. Fast driving uses a lot of fuel. While some drivers might achieve the EPA highway figure on long road trips, regular city driving will likely result in numbers closer to 14-15 MPG. Actively monitor your MPG to get a sense of your average fuel use.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2016 Cayenne GTS’s fuel economy is average. The BMW X5 xDrive50i, with its 4.4L V8, is rated at 17 MPG combined, slightly worse than the Cayenne GTS. The Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe gets 20 MPG combined, a slight advantage. Audi’s SQ5, with its supercharged 3.0L V6, manages 19 MPG combined. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged posts fairly similar numbers, while also providing greater off-road ability. All of these vehicles offer similar performance and luxury, but the Cayenne GTS provides a unique Porsche driving experience. For buyers prioritizing less gas, any of these vehicles may make a better choice. See CAYENNE MPG across all years, including the hybrid models, if fuel economy is your main priority.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration and braking. The Cayenne GTS’s powerful engine is tempting, but doing so frequently will reduce fuel economy. Smooth acceleration helps conserve fuel.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can improve fuel economy, especially on long highway drives. Avoid excessive speed changes, which require more fuel. The Cayenne GTS’s adaptive cruise control can enhance efficiency by automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe following distance.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so you won’t experience any wear and tear.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements, ensures that the engine is running efficiently. A well-maintained engine consumes less fuel and performs better. If you want to research all Porsche options, you can see all Porsche fuel economy data.