24 MPG combined is a figure you could easily overlook when discussing a car as visceral and driver-focused as the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S. This isn’t a Prius hunting for every last tenth of a mile per gallon; it’s a sports car, and a seriously capable one. But for the enthusiast who wants performance without completely emptying their wallet at the pump, this number represents a reasonable compromise.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway highlight the 911’s surprising duality. A lead foot in urban environments will quickly reduce that 22 MPG, but the relatively low estimate acknowledges that the Carrera S is begging to exploit gaps in traffic accompanied by a glorious engine note. The highway figure is more easily attainable, and those comfortable cruising at consistent speeds will find themselves routinely around the 28 MPG mark on long road trips. The seven-speed automatic transmission, or AM-S7, plays an important role here, offering smooth shifts and optimized gearing for fuel efficiency when not in Sport or Sport Plus modes. Expect worse fuel economy if opting for the manual transmission.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,400 for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and factoring in the national average fuel price at the time of the estimate. Of course, the actual cost will vary depending on individual driving habits and fluctuations in gasoline prices. Drivers with a heavier foot or those who primarily drive in congested urban environments will likely exceed this amount. Conversely, those who primarily use the 911 for longer highway journeys and practice mindful driving could potentially spend less.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers for a moment, because the true fuel economy of a 911 is very driver-dependent. Those who treat the throttle like an on/off switch will see numbers far south of 24 MPG. Conversely, those with a light foot and a willingness to let the car upshift early can likely match or even slightly exceed the combined rating. The reality for most 911 owners likely sits somewhere in between. They are not actively trying to hypermile, but they also understand the cost of aggressively exploiting the engine’s considerable power. Expect to average around 22 MPG in mixed driving if you drive the car as intended.

How it compares

The 911’s fuel economy needs to be viewed in the context of its competitive set. A Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, with its larger V8 engine, gets an EPA estimated 19 MPG combined. The Jaguar F-Type R, offering a similar level of performance, returns just 18 MPG combined. Even the BMW M4, a performance coupe with a smaller engine, only manages 20 MPG combined with its automatic transmission. The Porsche’s performance capabilities and the prestige of the brand make the 911’s fuel economy surprisingly respectable. For those seeking higher efficiency, a 911 Carrera with the base engine will deliver marginally better MPG, but at the expense of outright performance. Owners willing to explore other brands might consider a Tesla Model 3 Performance, which offers blistering acceleration with zero tailpipe emissions, but sacrifices the aural experience and driver engagement that the 911 delivers in spades. See 911 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The most impactful way to save fuel in your 911 is simple: resist the urge to floor the accelerator at every opportunity. The 3.0-liter turbocharged engine loves to rev, but gentle acceleration will keep you out of the boost and significantly improve your fuel efficiency. Smooth and predictable throttle inputs are rewarded with better mileage.

Take advantage of the driving modes. When not actively enjoying the car’s performance, switch to “Normal” mode. This setting encourages earlier upshifts and less aggressive throttle mapping, optimizing for efficiency. The “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes are designed for performance, and they will dramatically decrease fuel economy.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check tire pressures regularly, especially before long drives.

Consider using cruise control on long highway journeys. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and braking, leading to improved fuel efficiency. Note that cruise control is best used on relatively flat terrain.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A properly maintained engine runs more efficiently. Ensure that your 911 receives regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections as recommended by Porsche. You can view all Porsche fuel economy data on our site.