The 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0L, with its 21 MPG combined, is a choice made with a specific purpose. This isn’t a vehicle purchased to save gas. This is for people who value pure driving fun, the excitement of a naturally aspirated flat-six engine, and top-down motoring. The GTS 4.0 offers unmatched steering feel, a balanced chassis, and an exhaust note that sounds like music. Fuel economy, while still a factor, is the tradeoff for this desired experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 equipped with the PDK automatic transmission. These numbers reflect the engine’s characteristics. When driving in the city, the instant throttle response and strong low-end torque lead to more aggressive driving, which uses more gas. On the highway, the engine cruises comfortably, because the PDK selects the ideal gear for performance and efficiency. But, the temptation to downshift and enjoy the engine’s mid-range will always be there, and fuel economy will go down.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $2,750 for the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the EPA’s projected national average fuel prices. Of course, actual fuel costs change based on driving style, local fuel prices, and the mix of city and highway driving. Drivers who often drive hard or sit in traffic should expect to spend more than $2,750 per year on gas. These owners gladly accept the extra cost when they experience the car’s performance.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates serve as a guide, but the real-world fuel economy for the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is usually a little lower. Owners often see combined MPG numbers in the high teens, especially if they value performance over saving gas. Hard acceleration, using Sport or Sport Plus modes often, and revving the engine to redline all decrease fuel economy. However, it’s possible to get close to the EPA estimates if you drive carefully, mostly on long highway drives where you can keep a steady speed. But then again, the mission of the 718 GTS 4.0 is not to save gas.

How it compares

The 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0’s fuel economy is similar to other high-performance sports cars. The BMW Z4 M40i, with its turbocharged inline-six, gets about 25 MPG combined. If you’re interested in seeing all Porsche fuel economy data, you will see some trims do better. A Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet, with its turbo V6, usually gets around 22 MPG combined, while the higher-performance AMG C63 S Cabriolet gets less. These differences matter to some buyers, but the Porsche’s mid-engine balance and naturally aspirated engine note often make up for any MPG differences. See more about 718 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive in “Normal” mode when you can. Sport and Sport Plus modes improve throttle response and handling, but they also increase fuel consumption. “Normal” mode offers a relaxed driving experience and optimizes the engine and transmission for efficiency.

Try not to speed up and slow down all the time. Smooth, consistent driving will improve fuel economy. Watch the traffic flow and keep a steady speed. Save the car’s performance for the right situations.

Make sure the tires are properly inflated. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, which decreases fuel economy. Check tire pressures often and inflate them to the manufacturer’s levels. This is important for a performance car.

Avoid idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel. You didn’t buy this car to sit idling.

Use the air conditioning less. Air conditioning makes the engine work harder, which reduces fuel economy. Drive with the top down or use the climate control system rarely.