The 2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, with its 17 MPG combined, speaks volumes about its priorities. It’s a “performance SUV” for buyers who value power and prestige more than practicality, and for whom fuel costs are not a primary concern. If you’re considering a Cayenne Turbo based on fuel economy, you’re probably missing the point. It’s a statement vehicle, a performance machine with SUV practicality, and the 4.8L V8 engine’s power requires a lot of fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway for the 2018 Cayenne Turbo. These numbers reflect the realities of a high-performance engine moving a heavy vehicle. Stop-and-go city driving, with its frequent acceleration and braking, is where the V8 uses the most gas. The highway figure is better, but still lower than more fuel-efficient SUVs because the Turbo’s shape and tire resistance aren’t ideal for long trips. The eight-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine at its most efficient RPM, but more horsepower always means more fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo will cost $3,400 in fuel per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will change based on your driving, the type of gas you use (premium is required), and local fuel prices. If you drive aggressively or mostly in urban areas, expect to spend more. This is the price to pay for a high-performance SUV.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers are a guide, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Driving hard and frequently accelerating will lower your average MPG. However, gentle highway driving might give you slightly better results than the EPA estimate. Tire pressure, maintenance, and weather can also change fuel consumption. Use the EPA figures as a starting point, but trust your experience to understand your Cayenne Turbo’s fuel efficiency. Always check CAYENNE MPG across all years to give you a better idea.

How it compares

The 2018 Cayenne Turbo isn’t competing to win any fuel economy awards. A BMW X5 M, with similar performance, gets about 16 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe also gets around 17 MPG. Even the Porsche Cayenne S, with its V6 engine, gets an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined, showing the fuel cost of the Turbo’s extra performance. This comparison highlights the choice Cayenne Turbo buyers make. They’re not looking for the most gas-efficient SUV; they want Porsche performance and SUV practicality, no matter the gas bill. To see the full range of other models and figures, consult all Porsche fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Cayenne Turbo isn’t made for maximum fuel efficiency, but some habits can help you get more miles per gallon. Avoid hard acceleration and braking. Drive smoothly to reduce fuel use. The Turbo’s power makes it tempting to speed up quickly, but restraint helps at the pump.

Keep your tires inflated properly. Underinflated tires increase tire resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the levels on the driver’s side door. This basic maintenance helps overall efficiency.

Use the Cayenne’s driving modes effectively. The “Normal” mode focuses on fuel efficiency over performance by changing engine and transmission settings. “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes use the engine’s full power, but greatly increase fuel consumption. Pick the right mode for the situation.

Avoid idling. Idling uses fuel without moving the car. If you’ll be stopped for a while, like in a parking lot, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart fast, making idling largely unnecessary.

Think about the vehicle’s weight. Carrying extra items increases weight, which hurts fuel economy. Remove anything you don’t need to carry. Even small weight reductions can improve your gas mileage over time.