22 MPG combined is the EPA rating for the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman S 2.5L 4-cyl, a figure that for many is surprisingly good given the car’s focus on performance. This isn’t a family hauler or a commuter appliance; it’s a mid-engined, turbocharged sports car designed to deliver an unfiltered driving experience. Those who choose the Cayman S choose it for its precise steering, perfectly balanced chassis, and the rush of its 350 horsepower. Fuel efficiency, while not the primary motivator, becomes a welcome bonus. This machine can still return a sensible number at the pump. This target demographic understands that premium performance comes with a premium fuel requirement, and 22 MPG combined is a more than fair trade-off for the thrills offered.

City and highway performance

Breaking down that combined figure, the 2025 718 Cayman S registers 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city number, at 19 MPG, reflects the reality of stop-and-go traffic and the turbocharged 2.5L engine’s tendency to consume more fuel during repeated accelerations from a standstill. This sports car encourages spirited driving, even in urban environments, which will naturally impact fuel consumption. On the open road, however, the picture brightens considerably. Achieving 25 MPG on the highway with 350 horsepower, delivered through Porsche’s lightning-fast AM-S7 automatic transmission, is impressive. It speaks to the engine’s efficiency at sustained cruising speeds and the aerodynamic slipperiness of the Cayman’s design. Regular long-distance tours can be enjoyed without constant trips to the gas station, an advantage for owners who plan to use their Cayman S as more than just a weekend toy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman S 2.5L 4-cyl to be exactly $2,650. This figure is derived from a standardized calculation that assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, split between city and highway conditions, and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. For the typical Cayman S owner, this number provides a clear benchmark. While sports car ownership inherently involves a higher overall cost of entry and maintenance, an annual fuel spend of $2,650 is a tangible metric that allows potential buyers to factor running costs into their budget. It’s an expense that is generally accepted by the enthusiast market, especially considering the performance on tap. Owners budgeting for this vehicle typically understand that the cost of enjoyment extends beyond the purchase price, and $2,650 for a year’s worth of exhilarating drives is seen as part of that package.

Real-world expectations

In the hands of an owner who appreciates the Cayman S for its dynamic capabilities, real-world fuel economy will likely hover around or slightly below the EPA combined rating of 22 MPG. This is a reflection of the car’s character and the user it attracts. The 2.5L turbocharged flat-four delivers its power with an eager enthusiasm that encourages exploration of its full rev range. Frequent, spirited acceleration and enthusiastic cornering, precisely what the Cayman S is built for, will naturally increase fuel consumption. Highway numbers are more likely to align with the EPA’s 25 MPG, provided the driver exercises some restraint with the throttle pedal. For those committed to maximizing efficiency, exercising a lighter right foot and using the automatic transmission’s efficiency-oriented settings can yield results close to, or even matching, the EPA figures. Conversely, consistent track days or aggressive canyon carving will undoubtedly see fuel economy dip into the mid-teens. The 718 MPG across all years can vary, but this generation’s figures are quite consistent.

How it compares

When placed against its direct competitors, the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman S 2.5L holds its own remarkably well in terms of fuel efficiency, especially considering its performance. Consider the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with its 6.2L V8: it achieves 19 MPG combined (16 city/24 highway). The Cayman S, with 350 hp, delivers a higher combined MPG while offering a distinct, mid-engined driving experience. Another benchmark is the 2024 Toyota Supra 3.0, which boasts 25 MPG combined (23 city/31 highway). While the Supra technically offers better numbers, especially on the highway, it achieves this with a less powerful 3.0L inline-six (382 hp) and a different dynamic character. The Cayman S, with its flat-four engine and mid-engine layout, provides a level of steering feel and chassis balance that is often unparalleled, making its 22 MPG combined a favorable compromise for the purist. Even entry-level sports cars like the 2024 Nissan Z Performance, which achieves 21 MPG combined (19 city/28 highway) with 400 hp, are not significantly more efficient, highlighting Porsche’s effective engine tuning. For those exploring all Porsche fuel economy data, the Cayman S represents a sweet spot of performance and relative efficiency within the sports car segment.

Tips to maximize efficiency

To truly maximize the fuel efficiency of your 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman S, consider adopting smoother accelerator inputs. The turbocharged 2.5L engine responds instantly, but gradual increases in throttle application will keep the boost out of play for longer, conserving fuel.

Employing proper gear selection is also important. Allow the AM-S7 automatic transmission to shift into its higher gears as quickly as possible during normal driving. While the manual override is tempting, letting the car’s computer optimize shifts for efficiency can make a noticeable difference.

Consistent tire pressure is often overlooked but profoundly impacts fuel economy. Ensure your Cayman S tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, as under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and lead to higher fuel consumption.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid hard braking and rapid acceleration. This smooth driving style not only saves fuel but also minimizes wear on brake components, which is particularly relevant for a high-performance vehicle like the Cayman S.