22 MPG combined won’t win any awards for fuel efficiency, but that’s not the point of the 2018 Porsche Cayman GTS. This is a scalpel-sharp sports car designed for drivers who prioritize engagement, precision, and a visceral connection to the road above all else. Its fuel economy is an acceptable trade-off for the performance it offers.

City and highway performance

The Cayman GTS achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four engine works harder and spends more time idling. The highway figure, while better, still reflects that this car is designed for spirited driving. Even at highway speeds, the temptation to dip into the throttle and exploit the engine’s responsiveness is ever-present, affecting overall fuel consumption. The automatic transmission (Porsche Doppelkupplung, or PDK), contributes to impressive acceleration times, but doesn’t prioritize fuel efficiency over performance in its standard settings.

Annual fuel cost

Based on the EPA’s estimates, the 2018 Porsche Cayman GTS will cost approximately $2,650 per year to fuel. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles driven annually and uses national average fuel prices. The actual cost may vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. Premium gasoline is recommended for optimal performance, which often costs more per gallon. Remember that driving aggressively or frequently using the sport modes will increase this expense.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2018 Cayman GTS can vary significantly. Drivers who frequently engage in spirited driving, track days, or primarily drive in urban environments with heavy traffic should expect lower MPG figures. Conversely, those who predominantly drive on the highway at moderate speeds may see results closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA’s highway estimate. Factors like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and ambient temperature can influence fuel consumption.

The type of gasoline used will make a small difference too, with premium fuels often yielding slightly better mileage because of their higher octane rating.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the Cayman GTS’s fuel economy lands in a specific segment. The BMW M2, with its more powerful inline-six engine, achieves around 21 MPG combined. The Alpine A110, prioritizing lightness, reaches closer to 25 MPG, a demonstration of how weight impacts consumption. Checking all Porsche fuel economy data shows even within the Porsche family, the Cayman GTS sits between the more economical Macan SUV and thirstier 911 models. For prospective owners, these comparisons are often secondary to the driving experience; however, understanding the broader landscape allows drivers to make more informed decisions. You can also compare CAYMAN MPG across all years to see how the efficiency has evolved over time.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Porsche’s “Normal” driving mode whenever possible. The “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes sharpen throttle response and hold gears longer, and they also significantly increase fuel consumption. The “Normal” mode optimizes the engine and transmission for efficiency without sacrificing too much performance for everyday driving.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Smooth driving inputs not only improve fuel economy but also enhance the overall driving experience. The Cayman GTS rewards precision, and gentle inputs allow the car to settle and maintain momentum, reducing the need for excessive throttle or braking.

Regularly check tire pressures. Maintaining the correct tire pressure, as indicated on the door jamb, can improve fuel economy by a small but measurable amount. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Consider limiting track days or spirited weekend drives. The Cayman GTS is built for performance, but frequent track use or aggressive driving can significantly lower fuel economy. Balance your passion for performance with an awareness of fuel consumption to minimize trips to the pump.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel unnecessarily. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s more efficient to turn off the engine. Restarting consumes more fuel initially, but modern engines are designed to handle frequent starts and stops.