21 MPG combined isn’t the main reason someone buys a 2019 Porsche 911 Turbo S. It’s a side effect, the price paid for the extreme performance on offer. The Turbo S isn’t for commuters wanting maximum efficiency; it’s for drivers who prioritize rapid acceleration and sharp handling, and who know that supercar performance requires some compromise.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 911 Turbo S gets 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These numbers are more impressive when you consider they come from a car with a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engine producing 580 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The city MPG reflects frequent stop-and-go driving, where the engine always has to overcome inertia, and there’s constant temptation to use its power. The highway MPG demonstrates the efficiency of the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, which keeps the engine at optimal RPMs for cruising but still provides quick access to acceleration. The car’s all-wheel-drive system distributes power for maximum grip and minimal wasted energy, which helps with efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Porsche 911 Turbo S at $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. This number is high compared to economy cars, but it’s a relatively small price for the driving experience the Turbo S offers. Owners who want performance and accept the costs will probably see this as an acceptable expense, given the exclusivity and thrills the Turbo S delivers.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures are a baseline, but your actual fuel economy will change. Driving hard, track days, or extended periods in Sport or Sport Plus mode will lower your MPG. Driving carefully on open highways, using cruise control, and avoiding using all the engine’s power can help you get results closer to the EPA estimates. Tire pressure, air temperature, and the type of fuel also matter.

How it compares

The 911 Turbo S is in a class where direct comparisons are hard. However, looking at the fuel economy of similar cars gives you some perspective. The Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe, another high-performance grand tourer, gets about 16 MPG city / 22 MPG highway, which shows the fuel needs of powerful sports cars. The Acura NSX, with its hybrid powertrain, gets a better 21 MPG city / 22 MPG highway, showing the efficiency of electrification, but it has a different driving experience. Examining 911 MPG across all years reveals the trade-offs between performance and fuel economy. Buyers often compare cars like these, so it’s important to understand the fuel economy trade-offs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keeping the right tire pressure is critical. Check the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for what’s recommended. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and using more fuel, even when driving normally.

Use Porsche’s driving modes wisely. Eco or Normal mode can soften the throttle and change shift points for fuel efficiency during everyday driving. Save Sport and Sport Plus modes for autocross or track days.

Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The Turbo S is fast, but smooth inputs will lower fuel consumption. Watch traffic flow, keep a safe distance, and coast when you can.

Reduce weight. Remove items from the car to reduce its mass, which lowers the engine’s workload and improves fuel economy. This seems small, but it helps in a car engineered like the 911 Turbo S.

Use high-quality premium fuel. The 911 Turbo S needs premium fuel for its best performance and efficiency. Using lower-octane fuel can reduce performance and damage the engine. For more information on Porsches, visit our all Porsche fuel economy data page.