22 MPG combined is not why anyone buys a 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS. Let’s be clear: the person signing on the dotted line for this all-wheel-drive, near-500-horsepower sports car isn’t prioritizing trips to the gas station. They’re after visceral driving pleasure, neck-snapping acceleration, and the envy of everyone else stuck in traffic. Fuel efficiency is, at best, a minor concern. However, understanding its consumption is still a worthwhile exercise for current and potential owners. It’s useful to temper expectations relative to other performance cars in its class, and offers hints to driving style and maintenance that can help slightly improve the figures.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 911 Carrera 4 GTS at 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the stop-and-go reality of urban driving, where the car’s strong power is mostly untapped and the engine spends considerable time idling. The highway figure, while better, is still relatively modest. Its aerodynamic profile is optimized for stability at high speeds, not necessarily for cutting through the air with minimal resistance. And, even on the open road, the temptation to exploit the GTS’s capabilities is ever-present; constant bursts of acceleration to legally-questionable speeds will certainly erode potential fuel savings. The 7-speed automatic transmission (AM-S7) contributes to highway efficiency, keeping the engine at lower RPMs when cruising.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is $2,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. It’s a benchmark to consider, but individual costs will vary significantly based on driving habits, location, and prevailing fuel prices. Someone who primarily uses the car for weekend canyon runs or track days will almost certainly exceed this estimate, while someone who uses it sparingly for occasional commutes might come in slightly below.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the 2018 911 Carrera 4 GTS will likely hover around the EPA’s combined estimate. Aggressive driving will easily drop that number into the high teens, while a concerted effort to drive conservatively could potentially nudge it a mile or two higher. Ultimately, drivers who prioritize fuel economy would be best served by exploring 911 MPG across all years to find a model that aligns with their needs. The GTS is, first and foremost, a performance machine, and its fuel consumption reflects that reality. Owners should budget accordingly and not be surprised if their actual fuel costs exceed the EPA’s estimate.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sports cars, the 2018 911 Carrera 4 GTS’s fuel economy is within the expected range. A Mercedes-AMG GT, for example, achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The Audi R8 V10 lands near 13 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. These vehicles, like the Porsche, prioritize performance over efficiency. Even within the Porsche lineup, the GTS sits below more efficient models like the base 911 Carrera, which can achieve up to 28 MPG on the highway. However, those models lack the GTS’s heightened performance and bespoke features. For the Carrera 4 GTS buyer, the marginal difference of a few MPG isn’t a deciding factor, emphasizing the singular appeal of the GTS’s performance and driving experience. For more on the Porsche lineup, explore all Porsche fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Understand that the Carrera 4 GTS is sensitive to throttle input. Smooth, gradual acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and hard braking whenever possible. A lighter foot on the accelerator will make a noticeable difference, especially in city driving.

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is critical for both performance and fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the recommended specifications listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy.

Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, can positively impact your car’s MPG. A clean air filter ensures the engine breathes easily, while fresh oil reduces friction. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.

Use the car’s driving mode selector intelligently. When maximum performance isn’t required, select a more efficient driving mode, if available. These modes often remap the throttle response and shift points to prioritize fuel economy.