23 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS with its 3.0L flat-six and automatic transmission. It’s not going to win any hypermiling contests, and you’re likely not shopping for a Carrera GTS to maximize fuel efficiency. This is a performance-focused machine, prioritized for driving thrills and track capability, making the fuel economy a reasonable compromise for the power and prestige it offers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for the 2017 911 Carrera GTS. The city figures reflect stop-and-go traffic, not gentle cruising. The turbochargers spool up quickly, tempting you to tap into the engine’s torque at every green light. The highway number is more achievable during steady-state cruising, but even then, the slightest dip into the throttle will remind you of the readily available power, impacting your MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,500 for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Fuel costs fluctuate, so the figure will vary based on driving habits and the prevailing cost of premium gasoline. Drivers who frequently exploit the GTS’s performance potential will likely exceed the estimated cost.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Some 911 GTS owners report figures close to the EPA estimates during conservative driving. Spirited driving, track days, and weekend canyon runs drastically reduce fuel mileage. Expect anything from the high teens to low twenties in mixed driving conditions, even lower when pushing the car hard. This isn’t a commuter car, it’s a sports car, and fuel consumption will reflect that. If you’re interested in seeing the 911 MPG across all years, that may give a sense of the MPG range.

How it compares

The 2017 911 Carrera GTS occupies a specific niche. The BMW M4, for example, achieves around 20 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe, with its hand-built V8, comes in lower, around 19 MPG combined. Even Porsche’s own Cayman GTS achieves only slightly better fuel economy. The slightly better 24 MPG found in the Audi R8 V10 is hardly worth noting, given vastly different purposes. Buyers in this segment value performance, styling, and brand heritage more than outright fuel efficiency. People choose the 911 Carrera GTS because it delivers a unique blend of excitement and everyday usability. For all Porsche fuel economy data, explore FuelEconomyHub.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 911 GTS is built primarily for performance, but you can improve fuel economy without sacrificing too much driving pleasure. Use ‘Normal’ driving mode as much as possible in everyday commuting. This mode offers a less aggressive throttle response and optimizes transmission shift points for efficiency.

Avoid unnecessary idling. The quicker your engine is turned off, the less fuel you’re wasting. The start/stop system is standard on the 911 GTS, so let it work. The start/stop system is more efficient than idling. The computer controlling it has designed this system to give maximum performance within the specified parameters.

Maintain proper tire inflation as specified on the door jamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance which reduces fuel economy. Regularly check and adjust tire pressures, particularly before long drives, to ensure optimal efficiency and handling.

Anticipate traffic flow and use gradual acceleration and deceleration. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and hard braking. Smooth driving minimizes wasted energy and maximizes fuel mileage. Reading the road is the best way to reduce fuel consumption over time.

Remove any unnecessary weight from the car. Extra cargo adds load to the engine and reduces fuel efficiency. Lighten the load by removing anything you don’t need, such as golf clubs, tools, or other items that weigh the car down.