23 MPG combined is the fuel economy you can expect from the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster T equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and the PDK automatic transmission. Is it stellar? No. Is it unexpected? Absolutely not. This car isn’t about saving fuel; it’s about delivering a pure driving experience. The Boxster T appeals to a specific buyer: someone who wants to connect with the road, experience mid-engine balance, and enjoy open-air thrills over saving every last mile from a gallon of premium. They accept the fuel economy as a trade-off for the performance and excitement this car offers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 718 Boxster T break down to 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the engine spends more time idling and accelerating. The highway number, while better, still acknowledges the car’s relative lack of focus on aerodynamics. The Boxster isn’t shaped to cheat the wind; it’s shaped to slice through corners. Expect the highway MPG to drop noticeably if you’re consistently driving at higher speeds, especially with the top down. Spirited driving, which this car practically begs for, will negatively impact both city and highway figures.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster T at $2,500. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. That figure provides important insight. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, or if you live in an area with higher fuel prices, your actual fuel costs will be higher. If you drive fewer miles and fuel prices are lower, you’ll spend less. This is just an estimate, a benchmark for comparison, but the $2,500 figure provides a useful starting point for budgeting.

Real-world expectations

Don’t be surprised if your real-world fuel economy differs from the official EPA numbers. Driving style plays a big role. A heavy foot will drastically reduce your MPG, while a more relaxed approach can yield results closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA estimates. Weather conditions, traffic congestion, and the routes you drive also influence fuel consumption. This is a sports car, and many owners use it for shorter, more spirited drives on weekends, which tends to penalize fuel economy. Consider the EPA rating a guideline, not a guarantee.

How it compares

When looking at other sports cars, the 718 Boxster T’s fuel economy is in the middle. The BMW Z4 M40i, with its more powerful inline-six engine, manages around 25 MPG combined. The Toyota Supra 3.0, another inline-six, also achieves around 25 MPG. On the other hand, a Mazda MX-5 Miata, known for its lightweight design, can achieve closer to 30 MPG combined. Even within the Porsche family, you’ll find variations; see all Porsche fuel economy data for more on that. The key is that the Boxster T isn’t the most fuel-efficient sports car available, but it also isn’t the worst. It’s in a middle ground where performance and driving pleasure take precedence over maximizing MPG. If lower fuel costs are your top priority, the Boxster T likely isn’t the right choice. If you want to see 718 MPG across all years, we have plenty of information.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 718 Boxster T isn’t focused on fuel efficiency, you can still improve your MPG without sacrificing too much driving enjoyment. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The turbocharged engine responds readily to throttle inputs, but gentle acceleration will significantly reduce fuel consumption. Look ahead, anticipate traffic flow, and maintain a smooth pace.

Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and ensure they are inflated to the recommended levels, which can be found on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. This is important in a sports car like the 718, where precise handling is important.

Use the car’s drive modes, “Normal” mode prioritizes fuel economy by optimizing engine and transmission settings, “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes enhance performance, and they also increase fuel consumption. Use the more aggressive modes for spirited driving and switch back to “Normal” for everyday commuting.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel. This is even more important in city driving, where prolonged idling is common.