17 MPG combined, the 2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S wasn’t conceived to conserve fuel. It’s a 570-horsepower missile disguised as a luxury SUV, and for its target demographic, the fuel bill is a secondary concern. These are buyers who prioritize ludicrous acceleration and astonishing handling for its size, plus the cachet of the Porsche crest. Then they consult all all Porsche fuel economy data.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2018 Cayenne Turbo S at 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The 14 MPG city rating reflects its immense power and stop-and-go driving where that power is available. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but the temptation to exploit the V8’s torque is always there. On the highway, the 21 MPG shows more restraint, rewarding steady cruising with marginally better efficiency. However, even then, a quick downshift and surge of acceleration are a toe-tap away.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,400 for the 2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway conditions, using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Given the Cayenne Turbo S’s need for premium fuel, and the likelihood many owners will exceed the average mileage with frequent long-distance trips, that $3,400 figure is often a starting point. Consider it a baseline cost before spirited driving is factored in.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy in the Cayenne Turbo S depends on driving style. Owners who frequently enjoy the full potential of the engine will likely see numbers significantly below the EPA estimates. Drivers who adopt a more conservative approach and prioritize smooth acceleration may achieve figures closer to the official ratings, but even then, seeing 17 MPG combined will require conscious effort. The weight of the vehicle, the standard all-wheel-drive system, and the engine output are constant factors working against exceptional fuel efficiency.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the 2018 Cayenne Turbo S sits at the less efficient end of the spectrum. For example, the BMW X5 M, with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, manages around 16 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S, also packing a potent V8, achieves similar figures. Even the Range Rover Sport SVR, known for its performance and luxury, clocks in around 15 MPG combined. Many newer competitors now use hybrid technology to improve fuel economy, like the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid which delivers significantly better mileage around 21MPG combined. However, these competitors often trade some level of raw power compared to Cayenne Turbo S. Buyers considering the Turbo S are rarely cross-shopping based primarily on fuel economy, but for shoppers who are still intrigued by how the CAUYENNE MPG across all years stacks up, the Porsche range is well worth consideration. The choice is between ultimate performance and relative efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Porsche’s driving modes effectively. The “Normal” mode provides a slightly more relaxed throttle response and optimized shift points, encouraging smoother acceleration and reduced fuel consumption. Avoid frequent and aggressive acceleration, which triggers the turbochargers and consumes fuel at an accelerated rate.

Maintain consistent tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Check tire pressures regularly and inflate to the recommended levels, which can be found on the driver’s side doorjamb. Also a well maintained vehicle will improve MPG; therefore, regular servicing helps maximize fuel economy too.

Minimize idling. Allowing the engine to idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern start/stop systems manage this automatically, but older vehicles require manual intervention.

Plan your trips efficiently. Combine multiple errands into a single trip and avoid peak traffic hours when possible. This reduces stop-and-go driving, which is particularly detrimental to fuel economy in a high-performance vehicle like the Cayenne Turbo S.