22 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling contests, but it’s a number that most 2019 Porsche Cayman GTS 2.5L owners find acceptable. This is a focused, mid-engine sports car built for carving corners and delivering a visceral driving experience. Fuel efficiency, while appreciated, is secondary to performance. This car is for enthusiasts who prioritize thrills over saving gas, and that’s a trade-off they gladly accept.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Cayman GTS 2.5L break down to 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the car’s dual nature. In urban environments, stop-and-go traffic and the temptation to exploit the turbocharged engine’s responsiveness will lower fuel economy. However, on the open road, at a steady cruising speed, the Cayman GTS can achieve respectable MPG, showing its ability to be a competent long-distance tourer, though somewhat stiff. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (AM-S7) transmission helps achieve this highway number, giving the Cayman GTS long legs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that owners of the 2019 Porsche Cayman GTS 2.5L will spend $2,650 on fuel annually. This calculated figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the EPA’s assumed national average fuel price. Of course, individual driving habits and fluctuations in fuel prices will affect the actual amount spent, but $2,650 provides a useful benchmark for prospective buyers. However, most GTS owners will likely exceed this cost due to driving style and the requirement of premium fuel.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs, especially with a high-performance vehicle like the Cayman GTS. Owners who frequently engage in spirited driving, track days, or primarily drive in congested urban areas should expect figures closer to the city rating, or even lower. Conversely, drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency and spend more time on the highway may see numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the 26 MPG highway estimate. Monitoring driving habits and using the car’s efficiency-focused driving modes can help maximize fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the 2019 Cayman GTS 2.5L sits roughly in the middle of the pack in terms of fuel economy. A comparable BMW M2 Competition, with its larger 3.0L inline-six, achieves around 20 MPG combined. The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, a lighter and less powerful option, manages a slightly better 28 MPG combined. Even within the Porsche family, you can find different results. See CAYMAN MPG across all years for a full sense of results. The Audi TTS, with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, gets approximately 26 MPG combined. Buyers in this segment weigh performance very heavily in their decision-making. While fuel economy is a consideration, it rarely trumps the desire for driving dynamics and the prestige of owning a sports car. The availability of all Porsche fuel economy data gives buyers context to inform choices but is unlikely to change shopping lists.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Pay attention to tire pressures. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure is crucial, both for maximizing grip and minimizing rolling resistance. Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption, so check pressures regularly, especially before longer drives.

Use the car’s driving modes. The Cayman GTS comes equipped with various driving modes, including a “Normal” or “Efficiency” mode designed to optimize fuel economy. Selecting this mode softens throttle response, adjusts shift points, and minimizes energy consumption from auxiliary systems. While it might slightly diminish the car’s sporting character, it can improve MPG, especially during everyday driving.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The quickest way to burn fuel is to repeatedly accelerate hard and then brake sharply. Smooth and consistent driving, anticipating traffic flow, and maintaining a steady pace will substantially improve your fuel economy. This is important with a turbocharged engine that consumes fuel when driven hard.

Minimize idling. Letting your car idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, it’s more efficient to turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so the small amount of energy required for starting is offset by the fuel saved during idling.