17 MPG combined. To the owner of a 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, that number is about as relevant as the Dow Jones average is to a desert nomad. This isn’t a car bought for its frugality; it’s a celebration of engineering and performance. Its buyers prioritize a sub-three-second 0-60 mph sprint and the wind in their (likely thinning) hair over fuel efficiency.

City and highway performance

The official EPA estimates peg the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. These figures are achievable, theoretically. However, the instant gratification from even a slight touch of the accelerator means most drivers will likely see lower numbers. The temptation to unleash the 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque is too great. Considering the all-wheel-drive system works to put the power down and the twin turbos add boost, those numbers are understandable, if not impressive.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet at $3,400. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Remember that this relies on premium fuel, which adds to the expense. If you spend a lot of time driving hard, expect to increase that figure. Frequent track days or spirited driving could conceivably double it.

Real-world expectations

No one considering a 911 Turbo S Cabriolet should expect to match the EPA estimates. Real-world fuel economy will depend heavily on driving style, traffic, and how often you drive it hard. While some owners might see numbers close to the EPA’s highway figure on long, relaxed cruises, most will likely average around 12-16 MPG in mixed driving. Driving it gently is against the core mission of this vehicle.

How it compares

The Ferrari Roma Spider, another high-performance convertible, gets around 17 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG SL63 manages a similar 16 MPG combined. These rivals offer comparable luxury and performance, and their MPG figures highlight the tradeoff in owning a car like this. For buyers cross-shopping these machines, fuel economy is likely a minor concern. The 911 MPG across all years shows a history of similar numbers within the same class.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration makes a difference, even in a car designed for speed. Avoid stomping the accelerator unless you have to. A gradual approach will conserve fuel, though it negates the purpose of owning a Turbo S.

Use the car’s driving modes. The “Normal” mode optimizes the engine and transmission for efficiency, even if it isn’t exciting. Keep the car in this mode during commutes or highway cruising to minimize fuel consumption. Save Sport and Sport Plus for more engaging drives.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the levels on the doorjamb sticker. Correct inflation also contributes to better handling and tire wear.

Service the car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the engine runs efficiently. Neglecting maintenance can decrease performance and increase fuel consumption. Check all Porsche fuel economy data for more hints.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight in the car reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment to lighten the load. Every pound counts, especially in a performance car where weight matters to handling and fuel consumption.