22 MPG combined is a reasonable figure for the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T. This isn’t a hybrid, nor is it a large SUV. It’s a precisely engineered sports car focused on driver engagement, and the fuel economy reflects its performance priorities. The Carrera T appeals to enthusiasts who prioritize the visceral experience of a flat-six, the precise steering, and the balanced chassis over fuel savings.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T with the automatic (AM-S7) transmission are 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects urban driving where the engine spends more time at lower RPMs and idling. The highway figure is a more optimistic projection, achievable when cruising at consistent speeds. Remember, this car begs to be driven hard, so these lab figures will likely be tough to match in real-world conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T is $2,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices (premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance), and the type of driving. Track days and canyon runs will inflate that number quickly.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world MPG for the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T will vary. Drivers who frequently exploit the engine’s powerband can expect to see numbers closer to the city estimate, or even lower. Those who primarily use the car for longer highway journeys, driven responsibly, may achieve figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s 26 MPG highway claim. Nobody buys a 911 to drive it like a Prius.

How it compares

Compared to other sports cars, the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T’s fuel economy is acceptable. A similarly equipped Jaguar F-Type R, with its supercharged V8, delivers worse fuel economy, around 16 MPG combined. The BMW M4 achieves similar figures of around 20 MPG combined. Even the smaller Porsche 718 Cayman S, aimed at a similar buyer, only gains a minor edge with around 24 MPG combined. See 911 MPG across all years to see the evolution of efficiency. You can find all Porsche fuel economy data on this site for comparison.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Aggressive acceleration hurts MPG in the 911 Carrera T. The engine is responsive, but smooth acceleration will help conserve fuel, especially from a stop. Resist the urge to use full-throttle often, and you’ll see an improvement in your fuel economy.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels found in the owner’s manual or on the door jamb.

Minimize idling time. Leaving the engine running consumes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern cars are designed to restart quickly and reliably, making this a simple way to reduce fuel consumption.

Use cruise control on long highway drives. Maintaining a consistent speed helps to optimize fuel efficiency. Cruise control minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, leading to a smoother and more economical driving experience. Disengage it in wet conditions.

Consider selecting a higher gear when cruising at lower speeds with the manual transmission. This reduces engine RPMs and fuel consumption. This is irrelevant if using the automatic transmission, as the vehicle will already be in the most efficient gear.