22 MPG combined won’t win any awards for less gas, but that isn’t the point of the 2019 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. This isn’t a car for hypermilers; it’s for people who want the thrill of a high-performance sports car with open-air driving, while holding onto the 911 design. Targa buyers understand the trade-off between performance and efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS gets 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows the stop-and-go of city driving, where the 3.0L turbocharged flat-six engine constantly changes power. The highway figure, from consistent speeds, shows some improvement, but the GTS’s performance tuning means efficiency is second to responsiveness. The seven-speed automatic transmission (AM-S7) is a factor, but it’s programmed for quick shifts and acceleration, not fuel savings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway. It assumes national average fuel prices. This is a lot of money, showing the car’s fuel use and its need for premium gasoline. Buyers need to consider this in the overall cost, especially if they drive a lot. This data can be compared with other models using all Porsche fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures are a starting point, but real-world MPG changes with driving style and conditions. If you often use the GTS’s power, expect lower numbers. But if you drive carefully and spend time on the highway at consistent speeds, you might get close to the EPA figures, or even a bit better. Most Targa 4 GTS owners don’t worry about fuel efficiency, so the real-world MPG averages will probably be lower than the EPA suggests. Plan your road trips.

How it compares

The Targa 4 GTS is interestingly placed compared to other performance cars. A BMW M4 Convertible gets around 19 MPG combined, making the Porsche a bit more efficient. A Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible can get slightly higher numbers around 24 MPG combined, but its style is different. Within the 911 range, checking 911 MPG across all years, certain base models with rear-wheel drive and manual transmissions can offer better fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Getting the most fuel economy might not be the goal of a 911 Targa 4 GTS owner, but some habits can help get more miles per tank. Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The GTS responds to throttle inputs, so controlling your foot will affect fuel use.

Use the car’s driving modes, especially “Normal” mode. This softens the throttle and sets gears for efficiency, not performance. It makes the experience less exciting, but it can help on long highway drives.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often, especially before long drives.

Reduce weight. Extra weight in your car strains the engine, reducing fuel efficiency. Remove items from the trunk or cabin that you don’t need.

Avoid idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern cars restart quickly, so there’s no need to idle.