24 MPG combined might not sound amazing, but for an all-wheel-drive Porsche 911, the 2017 Carrera 4 with the 3.0L flat-six and automatic transmission offers a good level of responsible performance. It’s a sports car designed to deliver exhilarating performance and everyday usability.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 gets about 22 MPG in the city. This reflects the stop-and-go nature of city driving, where the engine idles more and accelerates from a standstill, impacting fuel consumption. On the highway, the car gets 28 MPG. This shows how efficient the drivetrain can be when cruising. The engine operates more steadily at highway speeds, allowing for better fuel optimization. These numbers preview what drivers can expect in different driving conditions, but real-world results will vary.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a percentage in the city and the rest on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price, which the EPA monitors and updates. Individual fuel costs might differ, but this is a baseline estimate to consider.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a starting point, but 911 drivers know that real-world fuel economy can vary. It often trends lower. The Carrera 4 encourages spirited driving, so frequent use of the throttle impacts fuel consumption. “Sport” and “Sport Plus” driving modes also tend to reduce MPG, while increasing throttle response and firming the suspension.

How it compares

The 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 occupies an interesting space among its rivals. The all-wheel drive BMW M4 Competition, with similar performance, gets around 20 MPG combined. The Jaguar F-Type R AWD, with its supercharged V8, gets in the low teens. Even the rear-wheel-drive Chevrolet Corvette Stingray gets close to 27 MPG on the highway, but less in the city. All of this data is available within the all Porsche fuel economy data on this site. The Carrera 4 balances performance and efficiency for buyers who value the Porsche driving experience, but care about gas mileage. For further insight, check out 911 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Don’t constantly use all of the engine’s power. While the 3.0-liter flat-six is responsive, maintaining a steady pace and avoiding hard acceleration improves fuel economy.

Use cruise control on the highway so the vehicle manages speed, resulting in using less gas.

Make sure tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check tires regularly. You can find the correct pressure on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb.

Reduce weight. Extra items in the trunk or rear seats add load, impacting fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary items to lighten the load and improve MPG. This helps a car tuned to get good gas mileage.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Drive smoothly to minimize fuel consumption. Read the road ahead and adjust your speed to maintain a consistent pace.

Use “Normal” driving mode for commuting. “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes prioritize performance over fuel economy. The “Normal” setting optimizes the engine and transmission for efficiency, maximizing MPG in typical driving situations.