A combined 24 MPG isn’t the main reason someone buys a 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera 4. Let’s be honest: this all-wheel-drive sports car isn’t usually cross-shopped against a Prius. Buyers in this segment prioritize performance, driving dynamics, and the prestige of the Porsche brand. Fuel economy is a consideration, but it’s secondary to the sound of the flat-six engine and the grip of the all-wheel-drive system.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 gets 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This difference highlights the car’s dual nature. In cities, stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration reduce fuel efficiency. However, on the open road, the 3.0L turbocharged engine cruises efficiently, allowing the MPG to approach 28. The seven-speed automatic transmission (AM-S7) also contributes, shifting quickly in Sport mode while using higher gears at lower RPMs for steady highway driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the EPA’s combined MPG rating and assuming national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium fuel is recommended), and local fuel prices. Expect to spend more with spirited driving or in areas with higher gas prices. Click here for 911 MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a baseline, the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera 4’s real-world fuel economy will likely vary. Drivers who enjoy the car’s performance capabilities will probably see figures below the EPA estimates, especially in city driving. On the other hand, drivers who spend most of their time on the highway and drive more conservatively may achieve numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the 28 MPG highway rating.

The selected driving mode, Normal, Sport, or Sport Plus, directly affects fuel consumption. Sport and Sport Plus modes hold gears longer and provide quicker throttle response, which uses more fuel.

How it compares

The 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera 4’s fuel economy is respectable compared to other performance cars. The BMW M4, for example, is rated at 19 MPG combined with its manual transmission. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe achieves a similar 19 MPG combined. Even the Audi R8 V10, which offers higher performance and a higher price, gets 16 MPG combined. Given the performance and all-wheel-drive capability of the 911 Carrera 4, its 24 MPG combined rating is a reasonable trade-off for those wanting both performance and daily usability. If fuel economy is a key concern, a Tesla Model S Long Range with its MPGe rating of 120 offers a very different, but still interesting option. Explore all Porsche fuel economy data on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Even if fuel efficiency isn’t a primary goal of Porsche ownership, there are ways to get more miles per gallon. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Carrera 4’s turbocharged engine provides plenty of power even at lower RPMs, so you usually don’t need to push the accelerator to the floor except on a track or open road. Anticipate traffic and keep a smooth, consistent speed.

Correct tire inflation is critical for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s specifications. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy and can affect handling and tire wear. See the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the correct pressure.

Don’t carry extra weight in the car. More weight increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. Remove any non-essential items from the trunk or passenger area. A few extra pounds may seem small, but they add up.

Use the car’s coasting function if appropriate. When active, this feature disconnects the engine from the transmission when coasting downhill or approaching a stop, reducing engine braking and saving fuel. It’s most effective on long, gentle slopes. Experiment with this feature to see when it helps most.