20 MPG combined is the price for owning the high-performing 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S. Few people buying a car this capable, visceral, and fast are prioritizing fuel efficiency. They want to shatter lap times and outrun sports cars that cost twice as much. The EPA figure is simply a reality, far below the thrill of launching from 0-60 mph in under three seconds.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 911 Turbo S gets 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Don’t expect to consistently achieve these numbers if you drive the car hard. The city figure will drop if you frequently exploit the engine’s power. The highway number is more easily attainable during longer cruises where you can resist the urge to accelerate. But even on the highway, one quick burst can undo the savings of miles of gentle cruising, illustrating the car’s power.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S at $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of fuel you use. Considering the car’s performance abilities, that number isn’t outrageous, but it is a factor to consider alongside the car’s higher insurance and maintenance expenses.

Real-world expectations

2016 911 Turbo S owners rarely see economy figures that match the EPA’s projections in the real world. Aggressive driving, common given the car’s capabilities, will almost certainly result in lower MPG. Stop-and-go traffic will also heavily impact fuel consumption. If driven with restraint, hitting the EPA highway figure on a long trip is possible, but maintaining the combined rating is unrealistic for the average owner who enjoys using the car’s performance capabilities. Consider the EPA numbers a best-case scenario, not a daily expectation. If you’re regularly tracking the car, your MPG will be far lower.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sports cars, the 2016 911 Turbo S is in the middle when it comes to fuel economy. The fuel economy of a 2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus with the S-tronic transmission is noticeably lower, hovering around 16 MPG combined. A similar-era Nissan GT-R also achieves similar numbers with 19 MPG combined, although being a cheaper contender in the same segment, the 911 Turbo S justifies its price tag with superior driving dynamics and performance feel. If lower fuel costs are a serious concern, a similarly-priced Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid returned around 25 MPG combined, but that’s a different kind of performance and car overall. These comparisons highlight that while the 911 Turbo S isn’t a gas guzzler, its efficiency is secondary to power and performance. You can research all Porsche fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the car’s automatic start/stop function in city driving. While some find it intrusive, engaging this feature can noticeably reduce fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic, especially if you’re frequently caught in congestion.

Gentle acceleration is key. The 911 Turbo S begs to be unleashed, so try to minimize excessive acceleration, especially from a standstill. Smooth, progressive throttle inputs will significantly improve fuel economy.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which has a positive impact on fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them within the range specified on the door jamb sticker. This is especially critical if you’re frequently engaging in high-performance driving, which can affect tire pressure.

Consider using the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system in its normal setting for everyday driving. This setting provides a balance between comfort and performance, optimizing fuel efficiency without compromising the car’s handling characteristics. “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes sharpen the car’s response, but they also increase fuel consumption by holding lower gears for longer. You can also compare 911 MPG across all years to see how different generations have performed.