17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, it’s simply what you have to accept to enter an exclusive club. Those in that club demand very fast acceleration, steady handling, and a badge showing off success. Fuel economy matters, of course, but it doesn’t make the final decision for those buying this Cayenne.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These numbers give a clearer picture of how much gas the Cayenne Turbo S uses. The city figure is where the 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 uses the most fuel. Stop-and-go traffic makes the engine work harder, constantly overcoming the vehicle’s heavy weight. However, on the open road, the Cayenne uses gas a bit more carefully. Its strong torque allows easy cruising at higher speeds, and the eight-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine in its most efficient range when possible. Think of the highway MPG as the best-case scenario, however. You might be tempted to unleash all 570 horsepower on long road trips.

Annual fuel cost

Based on the EPA’s estimates, the 2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S will cost its owner about $3,400 per year in fuel. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving each year, a mix of city and highway routes, and national average fuel prices. That’s a lot of money, but it’s probably less than other costs of owning a high-performance SUV like this: maintenance, insurance, and wanting to add expensive options. For a full picture of all Porsche fuel economy data, buyers should check the EPA’s website.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures give a baseline, the Cayenne Turbo S’s real-world fuel economy depends a lot on how you drive. If you have a heavy foot, expect numbers much lower than the official estimates. The turbos spool up quickly even with light throttle, and the resulting power is addicting. Constantly accelerating hard and using the Cayenne’s sport modes will push fuel use very high. However, if you drive carefully and anticipate traffic, you might get numbers closer to the EPA estimates, especially on the highway. But let’s be honest, buying a 570-horsepower SUV and driving it conservatively would be unusual.

How it compares

The 2017 Cayenne Turbo S exists in a rare space of performance and, therefore, less-than-stellar fuel economy. Compared to its competitors, The BMW X5 M, with its twin-turbo V8, delivers similar performance and around 16 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, another powerful vehicle, also gets low-to-mid teens for combined MPG. Even within Porsche, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid offers better MPG but serves a different buyer who wants both efficiency and performance. This buyer may also research CAYENNE MPG across all years. But the Cayenne Turbo S buyer won’t choose based only on MPG. They’re comparing power, handling, and brand reputation, and will accept the fuel economy compromises.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid constantly pushing the accelerator hard. The Cayenne Turbo S delivers strong power at low RPMs, so short-shifting and avoiding unnecessary downshifts can help fuel economy. Watch traffic and coast when you can. Letting the vehicle slow down naturally minimizes fuel use.

Make sure your tires have enough air. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressures often and keep them at the levels in the owner’s manual.

Don’t let the car idle for long. Modern engines use fuel even when stopped, so avoid idling when possible. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s usually better to turn off the engine.

Use the Cayenne’s coasting function when it makes sense. When conditions allow, the transmission can decouple from the engine, letting the vehicle coast. This reduces engine drag and helps fuel economy, especially downhill.

Think about using premium fuel. While not required, premium fuel (91 octane or higher) can help engine performance and efficiency, especially under hard conditions. The Cayenne Turbo S’s high-compression engine is designed to get the most from higher-octane fuel.