The 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, with its 3.0L 6-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, achieves a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG. That figure won’t win any awards for lower fuel costs, but it’s almost beside the point in a car engineered for exhilarating performance and driver engagement above all else. This isn’t a vehicle purchased under the pretense of frugality; it’s a statement, a visceral experience, and a carefully honed instrument of speed. The 911 buyer, particularly one drawn to the GTS trim, prioritizes dynamics and driving pleasure far more than they do fuel sipping. Fuel efficiency is a tertiary concern at best.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 911 Carrera GTS at 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the engine is constantly accelerating and decelerating. The engine’s responsiveness, while thrilling, prevents fuel economy.

On the open road, the 26 MPG highway rating is more achievable, assuming a steady cruising speed. However, the temptation to explore the upper limits of the GTS’s performance envelope will inevitably impact that number. The car practically begs to be driven hard, diminishing mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS at $2,500. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Considering the GTS’s need for premium fuel, that $2,500 figure can easily increase if fuel prices rise or if the driver exceeds the average mileage. And aggressive driving habits will drastically affect real-world fuel consumption, pushing the annual cost considerably higher since this is a very predictable driver pattern among GTS owners.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy in the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS depends heavily on driving style and conditions. An owner who primarily uses the GTS for weekend canyon runs can expect significantly lower fuel economy. Conversely, someone who uses it primarily for longer highway trips, while still enjoying occasional bursts of speed, might see closer to the EPA estimates. It’s critical to acknowledge that the 911 GTS rewards aggressive driving, not fuel conservation.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sports cars, the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS finds itself somewhere in the middle of the pack. The Mercedes-AMG GT, for example, gets around 18 MPG combined despite its larger engine. Other smaller sports cars, like the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS, achieve slightly better fuel economy, around 22 MPG combined, partially due to a lighter curb weight. The 911 GTS also sits higher on the performance echelon than many cars in that category. For buyers cross-shopping vehicles like the Audi R8 (around 16 MPG combined), the 911 offers a slight benefit in fuel economy. The tradeoff is raw horsepower output. You can find 911 MPG across all years, and all Porsche fuel economy data online.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the nature of the 911 Carrera GTS, maximizing fuel efficiency seems almost counterintuitive. However, here are a few strategies to squeeze extra miles from each tank.

Avoid aggressive acceleration. While the urge to unleash the GTS’s power is strong, modulating throttle inputs can significantly improve fuel economy, especially in city driving. Smooth, gradual acceleration will reduce fuel consumption.

Use cruise control. On long highway drives, engage cruise control to maintain a consistent speed. This minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, optimizing fuel consumption.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels.

Lighten the vehicle. Removing unnecessary weight from the car can also improve fuel efficiency. Eliminating heavy items from the trunk or back seats can make a small but noticeable difference.