20 MPG combined isn’t great for the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4. But realistically, if fuel efficiency mattered most to you, you wouldn’t be shopping for a naturally aspirated, high-revving Cayman meant for the track. This machine is built for driving pleasure, and the fuel consumption, while not stellar, is simply what you pay for such a thrilling experience.

City and highway performance

The 718 Cayman GT4’s EPA ratings are 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the engine works constantly and the Cayman’s shape provides little aerodynamic benefit. The highway number is better, suggesting decent efficiency while cruising. However, even on the open road, using the 4.0-liter flat-six’s power drops the MPG. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (AM-S7) helps highway efficiency, offering quick shifts and optimizing engine speed, but your driving style dictates the real-world results.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 at $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a 55/45 split between city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Remember that this is just an estimate. More miles or higher fuel prices in your area will increase your fuel costs. Fewer miles or primarily highway driving might decrease them. For all Porsche fuel economy data, click here.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers offer a benchmark, real-world MPG for the 718 Cayman GT4 often falls below that, especially with enthusiastic driving, as intended. Owners who frequently drive hard, attend track days, or drive canyon roads should expect figures closer to the city rating, or even lower. However, those who primarily use the car for occasional weekend drives and stick to speed limits on the highway might achieve or slightly exceed the EPA highway rating. The only way to know for sure is to track your own fuel consumption.

How it compares

Compared to other sports cars, the 718 Cayman GT4’s fuel economy is average. The BMW M4 Competition, rated at 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, is similar. A Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with the Z51 package manages a slightly better 16 city and 25 highway. Even the less powerful Alpine A110, known for its lightweight design, doesn’t offer a dramatic improvement, achieving around 21 MPG combined. High-performance engines require more fuel to produce significant power, and aerodynamic efficiency is often compromised for downforce and cooling. To see 718 MPG across all years, click here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy might not be a main concern, there are still ways to improve the 718 Cayman GT4’s efficiency without sacrificing too much performance. Minimize aggressive acceleration and braking. The GT4’s throttle response is incredibly sharp, but try to modulate the pedal smoothly to avoid unnecessarily burning fuel during initial acceleration or heavy braking. A smooth driving style reduces energy waste and improves MPG.

Use the car’s automatic start/stop function in city driving. This system shuts off the engine when the car is at a standstill, such as at a traffic light, and restarts it when you release the brake pedal. While it can be slightly intrusive at times, it can make a noticeable difference in fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic.

Ensure tires are properly inflated. Correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly, especially before long drives, and inflate them to the recommended levels specified in the owner’s manual.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight. Every extra pound adds to the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the car, such as sports equipment, tools, or luggage, to lighten the load and improve efficiency. While not a problem for most GT4 buyers, it’s worth mentioning!