21 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but it’s perfectly acceptable for the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. This isn’t a car bought for its efficiency. It’s a machine purchased for its soul-stirring performance, its precision handling, and the sheer joy it delivers. The MPG figure is simply a cost, a footnote largely ignored by the enthusiast who prioritizes the driving experience. Owners accept the GTS’s thirst for premium fuel because of what that fuel enables: access to one of the most engaging and rewarding sports cars.

City and Highway Performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 911 Carrera GTS at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures accurately reflect the car’s behavior in typical driving conditions. The city MPG will likely drop with frequent hard acceleration and stop-and-go traffic, while the highway MPG can improve slightly with consistent cruising speeds. Nonetheless, the temptation to exploit the 3.8-liter flat-six’s power is ever-present, especially with the lightning-fast shifts of the PDK dual-clutch transmission (AM-S7). It is rare that a GTS owner sticks only to the numbers.

Annual Fuel Cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is $2,750. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the EPA’s combined MPG rating, and assuming national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. Keep in mind this number will fluctuate based on individual driving habits and how much you pay at the pump. For the average GTS driver, $2,750 is a reasonable estimate of what to expect.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2016 911 Carrera GTS is heavily influenced by driving style. Someone who commutes daily in heavy traffic and enjoys spirited weekend drives can expect figures close to the EPA estimate. But if track days and aggressive driving are frequent occurrences, the MPG will drop. Conversely, consistent highway cruising at moderate speeds can yield better than the official 26 MPG rating. The GTS is a performance car, and its fuel economy will reflect how it’s driven.

How It Compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2016 911 Carrera GTS occupies a middle ground when it comes to fuel economy. The BMW M4 offers similar performance with roughly 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, though a different vehicle, achieves 16 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, showing the GTS is more efficient in everyday settings. All Porsche fuel economy data show the brand clearly values strong performance metrics. Even looking at other 911s, you can see 911 MPG across all years varies moderately with generation and trim, but rarely prioritizes outstanding fuel economy. Given the GTS’s focus on performance, its fuel economy is acceptable, and it aligns with the expectations of drivers who choose to live with the Porsche.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use the “Normal” driving mode in everyday situations. The GTS offers various driving modes, but the “Normal” setting optimizes fuel economy by adjusting throttle response, shift points, and other parameters. While it tempers the car’s performance, it’s perfectly suitable for city driving and highway cruising, and will demonstrably benefit fuel economy.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Smooth, gradual inputs help conserve fuel. The 911 Carrera GTS is eager to accelerate, but resisting the urge to constantly exploit this performance will contribute to better MPG numbers. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessarily harsh braking.

Maintain optimal tire pressure. Correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which improves fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels indicated on the door jamb or in the owner’s manual. A GTS often has different size tires in the front vs. the back.

Consider lightweight wheels and tires. Reducing unsprung weight can improve fuel economy. Lighter wheels and tires require less energy to rotate, resulting in slightly better MPG. While this upgrade is primarily for performance, it can offer a small fuel economy benefit.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements, helps ensure the engine is running efficiently. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased performance and reduced fuel economy.