19 MPG combined. The 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo isn’t winning any economy contests. A low number like that raises eyebrows, but it’s crucial to understand what this vehicle is. This isn’t a Prius designed for maximum fuel conservation. The Macan Turbo is a performance-oriented compact SUV, and its power and luxury come at a cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Macan Turbo achieves 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the constant stop-and-go driving, where the Turbo’s potent 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 engine is constantly called upon to accelerate. The highway number is more palatable, but realistically, few Macan Turbo owners will spend all their time cruising at a steady 65 MPH. The exhilarating performance encourages drivers to dip into the throttle, thus decreasing fuel efficiency. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (Porsche Doppelkupplung, or PDK) contributes to both performance and, to some extent, efficiency, choosing the optimal gear for the driving situation.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo is $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices. It’s important to recognize the limitations of this estimate; your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. To get a sense of the range of what’s possible, check all Porsche fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently see 22 MPG in real-world highway driving. The Macan Turbo is an engaging car to drive, so you’re likely to tap into its performance potential. Drivers who regularly engage Sport or Sport Plus modes, or who frequently accelerate hard, will see their MPG closer to the city estimate, or even lower. If you prioritize fuel conservation and drive conservatively, sticking to eco or comfort modes when possible, you might see numbers closer to the EPA estimates. Ultimately, real-world fuel economy will depend heavily on individual driving styles. Those who want better fuel economy from the Macan line should see MACAN MPG across all years.

How it compares

The Macan Turbo’s fuel economy lags behind some of its competitors in the luxury compact SUV segment. For instance, the BMW X3 M40i, while also performance-oriented, achieves a combined 23 MPG. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 manages a combined 21 MPG. Even the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, with its Ferrari-derived engine, posts a combined 19 MPG, matching the Macan Turbo, but with even higher performance. The Acura RDX SH-AWD gets 23 MPG combined. These differences matter to some buyers, but the Macan Turbo’s unique blend of performance, luxury, and Porsche DNA often outweighs fuel economy concerns for its target audience. People who buy the Macan care about performance and luxury feel, and are generally willing to pay a premium for the driving experience.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Macan Turbo’s sport-tuned nature may encourage aggressive driving, but resisting that urge can improve fuel efficiency. Anticipate traffic flow, avoid sudden acceleration and braking, and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. This will reduce the amount of fuel consumed during acceleration and deceleration.

The driving modes offer a way to tune efficiency. The “Normal” or “Comfort” mode softens the throttle response and optimizes the transmission for fuel efficiency. For daily commuting or long highway drives, these modes can help you squeeze out a few extra miles per gallon. Reserve “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes for when you truly want to experience the car’s performance potential.

Proper tire inflation is critical for optimal fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on the sticker located on the driver’s side doorjamb, or in the owner’s manual. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra weight requires the engine to work harder, which negatively impacts fuel efficiency. Remove any items from the trunk or backseat that you don’t need for your daily driving. Every little bit helps.