19 MPG combined. Let’s be honest, if you’re fixated on fuel sippage, you’re shopping the wrong segment. The 2023 Porsche Macan S, with its 2.9L twin-turbo V6, exists to deliver a specific brand of visceral driving pleasure, and that dictates priorities. Fuel economy is a lower priority. The Macan S buyer wants the snarl of a finely-tuned engine, the precision of Porsche steering, and a badge that announces a certain level of success. They accept the penalty at the pump as the cost of entry into that exclusive club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Macan S at 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect typical driving patterns, but city MPG will decrease with a heavy foot and highway MPG will suffer at higher speeds. Seven gears in Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission (PDK) help to optimize both acceleration and fuel consumption, but enjoying the Macan S often involves using the throttle. The car practically begs you to exploit its power, and resisting that urge proves challenging. The aerodynamics of the Macan, while assisting in performance, aren’t designed for maximum fuel efficiency. It is shaped for style and downforce more so than outright drag reduction.

Annual fuel cost

Based on the EPA’s estimates of 15,000 miles driven annually and national average fuel prices, the 2023 Porsche Macan S will cost you approximately $3,050 per year to keep fueled. This is calculated using the EPA’s combined MPG rating. It’s a significant expense, placing the Macan S firmly in the higher end of the fuel cost spectrum for crossovers. Potential buyers need to factor this cost into their overall budget. Performance comes at a price.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect to see numbers slightly below the EPA estimates if your driving is primarily city-based or aggressive. You might achieve numbers slightly above the highway estimate on long, steady road trips. Weather conditions, tire pressure, and the use of accessories like air conditioning also play a role. The Macan S rewards a smooth and conservative driving style with marginally improved fuel economy, but few owners will consistently prioritize fuel conservation over performance.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the Macan S’s fuel economy is in the middle of the pack. The BMW X3 M40i, another performance-oriented compact SUV, achieves a combined 23 MPG. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 manages around 21 MPG. The Acura MDX Type S delivers around 19 MPG. These subtle differences matter less to the enthusiast buyer than the overall driving experience. A driver seeking the ultimate blend of performance and prestige will accept the Porsche’s fuel consumption instead of compromising on its driving dynamics. For those seeking increased fuel economy, all Porsche fuel economy data, including E-Hybrid models, can give insight to other vehicles from the manufacturer. Also, you can see the full MACAN MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Macan S isn’t designed for hypermiling, there are steps you can take to reduce fuel consumption. Regular maintenance, including air filter replacements and spark plug checks, ensures the engine operates efficiently. Maintaining the correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy. This is especially important on a performance vehicle where even slightly under-inflated tires can dramatically impact fuel consumption.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Modern engines consume fuel even when stationary, so turning off the engine during prolonged stops saves fuel. In city driving, anticipate traffic flow and avoid sudden acceleration and braking. The PDK transmission works best when allowed to shift smoothly through the gears. Resist the urge to constantly engage Sport mode, which holds gears longer and consumes more fuel. Use it when the situation demands enhanced performance, but otherwise, allow the transmission to optimize for fuel economy.

Lighten the load. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight and improve fuel economy. Every extra pound adds to the engine’s workload, especially during acceleration. Consider using cruise control on long highway journeys to maintain a consistent speed and minimize throttle inputs. This stabilizes fuel consumption and helps you achieve the best possible highway MPG. Be mindful of prolonged high-speed driving, fuel consumption increases exponentially at higher speeds, staying within reasonable limits improves your fuel economy.