The 17 MPG combined rating doesn’t fully capture the essence of the 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. This car is more than just a way to get around; it’s a statement. It’s an experience, a nearly $200,000 open-air machine engineered to provide fierce acceleration. The overlap between those concerned about lower fuel costs and those buying a 911 Turbo Cabriolet is minimal. Buyers of this car value performance most, and consider the fuel costs a necessary expense.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 911 Turbo Cabriolet are 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the nature of a high-performance engine teamed with an eight-speed PDK automatic transmission, designed for quick shifts and maximum power. The city MPG will likely be lower if you frequently encounter stop-and-go traffic, where the turbos are constantly engaged. The highway MPG suggests potential for reasonable efficiency when cruising, but resist the urge to use the car’s passing power or fuel economy can quickly drop.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet at $3,400. This assumes 15,000 miles driven per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway. It also assumes premium fuel, which is needed for the turbocharged six-cylinder engine’s best performance. The cost will change based on local fuel prices and driving habits; aggressive driving will significantly increase this estimate.

Real-world expectations

Consider the EPA numbers a best-case scenario. Owners of the 911 Turbo Cabriolet typically will not be trying to hypermile on daily drives. They are enjoying the car and its capabilities and engaging in spirited weekend drives that greatly affect fuel consumption. If you regularly drive the car hard, expect average combined MPG in the low teens. Consistent highway cruising might get you closer to the EPA estimate, but regular city driving will probably result in even lower figures.

How it compares

The 911 Turbo Cabriolet’s fuel economy is similar to other high-performance convertibles with similar power. The Mercedes-AMG SL63, with its hand-built V8, achieves similar fuel efficiency, around 16 MPG combined. An Audi R8 Spyder with its naturally aspirated V10 also gets numbers in the high teens, perhaps slightly better in real-world driving. The BMW M8 Competition Convertible, offering similar performance, also achieves fuel economy around 17 MPG Combined. These comparisons matter less to the target buyer than performance figures. Potential owners will likely focus on 0-60 times and Nürburgring lap times.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel efficiency is likely not a primary goal, a few strategies can help reduce fuel consumption in your 911 Turbo Cabriolet. Avoid hard acceleration and braking, specifically in cities. Bursts of power use fuel quickly.

The car’s driving modes can help. “Normal” provides a smoother throttle response and earlier upshifts, reducing fuel use compared to “Sport” modes. Keeping the car in automatic mode can also yield better economy.

Make sure your tires are at the recommended pressure. This lowers rolling resistance and improves fuel efficiency without affecting handling. Check all Porsche fuel economy data for recommendations.

Regular maintenance is critical. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, so replace air filters and spark plugs as the manufacturer recommends. Refer to 911 MPG across all years to identify trends.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo adds weight and reduces fuel efficiency, so remove any unnecessary items, including heavy items in the front trunk or rear seats.