18 MPG combined is not going to win any hypermiling awards, but let’s be honest: nobody shelling out six figures for a 2022 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe is prioritizing fuel economy above all else. This is a statement vehicle, a performance SUV draped in seductive coupe lines, and the twin-turbo V6 under the hood is there to deliver thrilling acceleration, not miserly fuel consumption. The target demographic values driving experience and brand cachet, and they understand that those come at a price, both monetary and in terms of gasoline.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest a split of 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the Cayenne S Coupe’s weight and powerful engine work against it. Out on the open road, however, the 21 MPG highway figure is a bit more palatable. Remember that these numbers are averages, and aggressive driving will significantly impact them. The responsiveness of the 2.9L twin-turbo dictates frequent use of the accelerator pedal, which will easily dip highway mileage into the high teens.

Annual Fuel Cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe is estimated at $3,200. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the EPA’s estimate of average national fuel prices. That’s a significant sum, and potential buyers should factor this into their overall ownership costs. Owning a performance SUV carries costs beyond the initial purchase price and maintenance. As fuel prices fluctuate, this annual cost could easily increase, making it even more crucial to budget accordingly.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary considerably based on driving habits, road conditions, and even weather. Expect to see figures that fluctuate around the EPA estimates, with the potential to dip lower if you frequently engage Sport or Sport Plus modes or find yourself stuck in heavy traffic. Highway runs with a light foot will probably deliver closer to 21 MPG, but spirited driving will quickly negate any attempts at fuel conservation. If you’re consistently seeing significantly lower numbers, check tire pressures and ensure that the vehicle is properly maintained.

How it compares

The Cayenne S Coupe’s fuel economy sits squarely in line with its main competitors. The BMW X6 M50i, with its 4.4L V8, manages a similar 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe posts figures around 18 MPG combined. Even the Audi SQ8, which shares a similar platform with the Cayenne, achieves around 18 MPG combined. For those interested in exploring the broader landscape of Porsche efficiency, all Porsche fuel economy data is available for comparison. Buyers in this segment prioritize performance and styling, accepting the trade-off in fuel efficiency. If maximizing MPG is a key concern, perhaps exploring the E-Hybrid variant or examining CAYENNE MPG across all years would be more appropriate.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to constantly exploit the engine’s power. The twin-turbo V6 is intoxicating, but every hard acceleration run is a hit to your fuel economy. Smooth and deliberate throttle inputs will make a difference, especially in city driving. Use the cruise control judiciously on the highway to maintain a steady speed and reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorframe.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in the vehicle adds to its overall weight, which reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need to lighten the load and improve fuel economy, especially before a long road trip.

Take advantage of the automatic start/stop feature. This system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, such as at a traffic light, and restarts it when you release the brake pedal. While it may seem disruptive at first, it can save a noticeable amount of fuel in city driving. Most find minimizing the use of Sport or Sport Plus driving modes maximizes fuel economy.