Anyone considering the 2021 Porsche Cayenne S should know it gets 20 MPG combined. This isn’t a vehicle you buy for its fuel efficiency, but for its exhilarating performance, meticulously crafted interior, and Porsche DNA, and owners often accept the fuel consumption as a tradeoff.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Porsche Cayenne S with the 2.9L twin-turbo V6 are 18 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect driving a performance-oriented SUV with a potent engine. City driving, with its stop-and-go traffic and acceleration, impacts fuel economy. The highway figure, while better, is still moderate, reflecting the Cayenne S’s ability to cruise at higher speeds with responsiveness. This engine, with the eight-speed automatic transmission, delivers performance, which impacts fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Porsche Cayenne S is $2,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. This is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. The Cayenne S typically requires premium fuel, which increases running costs.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy can vary from the EPA estimates. Aggressive driving, frequent use of Sport mode, and carrying heavy loads will decrease fuel efficiency. Gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you achieve figures closer to the EPA estimates. But the Cayenne S driving experience is about unleashing its power, so expect to see numbers a bit lower than the official figures if you regularly enjoy what this SUV offers.

How it compares

Competitors in the luxury performance SUV segment offer a mixed bag regarding fuel economy. The BMW X5 xDrive40i, with its inline-six engine, achieves around 23 MPG combined. The Audi SQ5, similarly powered by a turbocharged V6, manages around 21 MPG. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupe posts figures similar to the Cayenne S. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport, especially with its supercharged V6 or V8 options, typically exhibits lower fuel economy numbers.

Buyers often cross-shop these options as they pursue the best blend of performance, luxury, and practicality, and while MPG is a consideration, it often falls lower on the list than power output and driving dynamics. See CAYENNE MPG across all years for a wider data set.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to constantly tap into the Cayenne S’s power. Smooth, gradual acceleration will minimize fuel consumption compared to aggressive bursts of speed. Enjoy the performance when the moment calls, but practice moderate driving in everyday situations. Consider the all Porsche fuel economy data before your purchase.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and keep them at the recommended levels, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Tire pressure monitoring is a feature to stay proactive about inflation.

Minimize idling. When stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. Although the Cayenne S may have an automatic start-stop feature, be mindful of unnecessary idling in situations where the system may not engage.

Reduce unnecessary weight by removing any unnecessary items from the vehicle. Extra weight increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel efficiency. While the Cayenne S is built to handle a load, minimizing unnecessary cargo will help MPG.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel consumption and helps the drivetrain select the optimal gear and operate at peak efficiency.