20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but that’s not the point of the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 either. It’s a technologically advanced, all-wheel-drive sports car capable of near-supercar performance, and the fuel economy reflects this. This isn’t just basic transportation; it’s a carefully engineered experience designed to quicken the pulse and reward driver involvement. For those who understand the trade-offs between visceral thrills and ultimate efficiency, the 911 Carrera 4 offers an interesting, if not entirely frugal, option.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 gets 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the nature of a turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (AM-S8). The city number highlights the engine’s responsiveness and the transmission’s eagerness to downshift for immediate power, while the highway figure suggests respectable efficiency during steady-state cruising. Expect those highway numbers to drop considerably if you’re frequently exploiting the Carrera 4’s ample passing power.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 at $2,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and how often you unleash the 911’s performance potential. Also, this car demands premium fuel, so the cost per gallon will be higher than that of many other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 911 Carrera 4 is highly driver-dependent. Someone primarily using the car for short city trips and aggressively using its acceleration will likely see figures closer to the city estimate, or even lower.

Conversely, a driver who primarily uses the car for longer highway trips and adopts a smooth, anticipatory driving style might approach or even slightly exceed the EPA’s highway estimate. Expect an average somewhere in the high teens to low twenties for most owners. Find 911 MPG across all years here on FuelEconomyHub.com.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sports cars with all-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4’s fuel economy is roughly in the middle of the pack. An Audi R8 V10 quattro, manages a combined 15 MPG. A BMW M4 Competition xDrive achieves an EPA-rated 18 MPG combined, while a Jaguar F-Type R AWD comes in at 18 MPG combined. For those buyers prioritizing lower fuel costs, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, with its focus on lightness and a naturally aspirated engine, achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined. These differences, while seemingly small, can add up at the pump. The Carrera 4 buyer accepts this level of fuel consumption as the cost of exhilarating performance and iconic design. See all Porsche fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Porsche’s driving modes. Selecting “Normal” mode will dampen throttle response and encourage earlier upshifts, promoting better fuel economy in everyday driving. Save “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes for spirited driving sessions when fuel consumption is less of a concern.

Maintain a smooth and consistent driving style. Avoid abrupt acceleration and braking, as these actions consume more fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible to minimize unnecessary energy use.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels specified on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Consider removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Extra weight increases fuel consumption, so removing items you don’t need can help improve efficiency, especially if you’re carrying extra items in the trunk.

Plan your routes efficiently. Avoid congested areas and routes with frequent stops and starts. Using a GPS navigation system to find the most direct and efficient route can save you both time and fuel.