A combined fuel economy of 16 MPG is the price for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Buyers aren’t seeking out this particular Cayenne for its efficiency. They’re after performance, a 570 horsepower sledgehammer wrapped in a luxurious and capable SUV package. The fuel consumption, while certainly noticeable, is less important than its acceleration and handling.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Cayenne Turbo S are 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. In urban environments, the weight and the engine’s eagerness to unleash its power take their toll. Stop-and-go traffic is this car’s weakness. Open stretches of highway, where the engine settles into a more relaxed cruise and the advanced 8-speed automatic transmission can optimize for efficiency, yield slightly better results. Achieving that 21 MPG figure requires resisting the temptation to exploit the Turbo S’s power.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S at $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with an assumed fuel price reflecting national averages. Actual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the percentage of city versus highway driving. Consider this number a baseline for budgeting, but aggressive driving or significant time in dense urban traffic will increase your yearly fuel expenses. Many owners might also opt for premium fuel brands, influencing the total.

Real-world expectations

Your real-world MPG will depend on your driving style. Those who frequently engage the Turbo S’s launch control and revel in its acceleration will see numbers closer to the city estimate, or even lower. Drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and consistent highway speeds can approach, or even slightly exceed, the EPA’s highway figure. Realistically, achieving the combined MPG consistently may be challenging given the car’s performance potential. Check online owner forums and fueling apps for insights from drivers who track their expenses for a realistic range.

How it compares

The Cayenne Turbo S exists in a rarefied segment, and its fuel economy reflects that. A comparable BMW X5 M, also packing a high-performance V8, delivers roughly similar figures, around 14 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe occupies similar territory, with city MPG in the low teens and highway numbers that seldom breach 20. While hybrid SUVs such as the Lexus RX exist, they represent a different target audience because people purchasing a Cayenne Turbo S value dynamic performance and brand cachet beyond fuel efficiency, accepting the consumption penalty. The fuel economy of the Cayenne Turbo S is largely unimportant to buyers in the SUV market that want all Porsche fuel economy data. You can research CAYENNE MPG across all years too.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use “coasting” whenever possible. Anticipate traffic flow and decelerate gently, allowing the transmission to downshift optimally. This can help conserve fuel compared to abrupt braking followed by hard acceleration. This is a heavy vehicle, so minimizing unnecessary stop-and-go driving can make a difference in city fuel consumption.

Check your tire pressures regularly, ensuring they’re at the recommended levels. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. Correct inflation also contributes to improved handling and tire wear.

Resist the temptation to use launch control and full-throttle acceleration unless necessary. The Turbo S’s performance is exhilarating, but aggressive driving habits will decrease your fuel economy. Maintaining a steady speed and avoiding bursts of acceleration will improve fuel consumption.

Use the Porsche’s driving mode selector to choose a more conservative setting when performance isn’t a priority. Cayennes have a “Normal” or “Comfort” mode that optimizes throttle response and transmission programming for efficiency, rather than acceleration.