22 MPG combined won’t win any awards, but it’s what you pay for the exhilarating driving experience of the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster S. This isn’t a car for sensible commutes to maximize fuel savings; it’s a surgically precise sports car designed to thrill, and fuel economy is a secondary concern for those who value performance above all else. The Boxster S buyer isn’t cross-shopping hybrids; they’re seeking an immersive, visceral connection with the road, and they’re willing to pay for it at the dealership and at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster S will achieve 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the realities of a high-performance engine and the enthusiastic driving style it encourages. The city number highlights the fuel consumption penalty of stop-and-go traffic, where the engine spends significant time idling or accelerating from a standstill. The 25 MPG highway figure is more palatable, suggesting decent efficiency during relaxed cruising, but even then, the temptation to unleash the 2.5L turbocharged flat-four will invariably lead to lower real-world numbers.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster S is $2,650. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Remember that this figure is just an estimate; your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific conditions in which you operate the vehicle.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the 718 Boxster S is highly driver-dependent. Those who frequently engage the sport exhaust, push the engine to its redline, and generally drive with exuberance will likely see figures closer to the city estimate, or even lower. However, drivers who adopt a more conservative approach, using the automatic transmission’s higher gears and avoiding aggressive acceleration, might approach the highway estimate or possibly exceed it. However, it’s realistic to expect an average around the combined 22 MPG figure for most owners. Review 718 MPG across all years to see how others have fared.

How it compares

Compared to other sports cars, the 718 Boxster S’s fuel economy sits in a predictable range. A comparable BMW Z4 M40i, with its inline-six engine, manages around 25 MPG combined. A slightly less powerful, but focused sports car such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata achieves approximately 30 MPG combined, but it offers a vastly different driving experience. Even within the Porsche family, checking all Porsche fuel economy data reveals that the larger 911 Carrera S, with its more potent engine, comes surprisingly close, achieving an EPA combined rating of 21 MPG. The trade-off, of course, is the Boxster S’s mid-engine balance and unique roadster experience, factors that weigh heavily on the potential buyer’s decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 718 Boxster S isn’t designed for hypermiling, there are a few strategies to potentially improve fuel economy. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Smooth, consistent driving is key to minimizing fuel consumption in any vehicle, especially one with a reliable turbocharged engine eager to deliver instant power.

Use the automatic transmission’s higher gears whenever possible, even in manual mode. Short-shifting helps keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. This limits the boost threshold somewhat, but it can help you find that sweet spot between reasonable driving and less gas.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which requires the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Minimize idling. Allowing the engine to idle for extended periods, such as when waiting in line, wastes fuel. If you anticipate a significant delay, turn off the engine. Modern engines start quickly and reliably, so restarting is typically more efficient than prolonged idling. Also, the auto start/stop system can help.

Consider using a fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors. Clean injectors ensure proper fuel atomization, which optimizes combustion and can improve fuel economy slightly. However, be sure to use a reputable brand and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.