16 combined MPG for the 2025 Porsche 718 GT4 RS makes it one of the least efficient vehicles in Porsche’s lineup when viewed purely by the numbers. This isn’t a family hauler, nor is it a daily commuter engineered for the humdrum of traffic. This is a surgical instrument, a track-focused weapon, meticulously crafted to extract every last ounce of performance from its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six. The GT4 RS buyer isn’t just aware of this fuel economy figure; they embrace it. They understand it’s the inevitable byproduct of a lightweight chassis, uncompromising aerodynamics, and an engine tuned for savage power delivery at punishing RPMs, not for sipping fuel on the freeway. The fuel economy highlights its singular purpose: unadulterated driving engagement, an experience for which compromise simply isn’t an option.

City and highway performance

The EPA figures show a 15 MPG city rating and 19 MPG on the highway for the 718 GT4 RS. The city figure, while low, isn’t particularly surprising for an engine of this displacement and tune, especially when paired with a rapid-fire automatic transmission (Porsche Doppelkupplung, or PDK, in this case). Stop-and-go driving, even with an efficient dual-clutch, places considerable demands on a high-strung engine. For the owner who will likely exercise this car on spirited backroads or track days, city driving is more a necessary evil than a primary use case. The highway figure of 19 MPG offers a glimmer of relative efficiency, but again, perspective is everything. Cruising at sustained speeds is where most vehicles achieve their best numbers. The GT4 RS’s aerodynamic profile, designed for downforce rather than drag reduction, combined with its high-revving nature, still results in a figure well below what one might expect from a less performance-oriented vehicle. The entire powertrain, from the intake noise behind your head to the rapid-fire shifts, constantly reminds you of its track pedigree, making any attempt at hypermiling feel almost sacrilegious.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,600 for the 2025 Porsche 718 GT4 RS. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with about 45% of that mileage in city conditions and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. For the vast majority of drivers, $3,600 is a significant expenditure, certainly at the higher end of the spectrum for new vehicles. However, the typical GT4 RS owner views this cost as a minor consideration within a much larger financial commitment. The car itself represents a substantial investment, and its consumables, track tires, performance brake pads, and premium fuel, are all items budgeted for as part of the overall ownership experience. The $3,600 isn’t a deterrent, it’s simply another line item on the enthusiast’s balance sheet, a fixed cost of admission to what is arguably one of the most rewarding driving experiences money can buy. For more details on other Porsche models, you can find all Porsche fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the 2025 Porsche 718 GT4 RS will fluctuate wildly depending on how it’s driven, and that’s precisely the point. The EPA numbers provide a baseline, but they rarely capture the true essence of a track-bred machine. On the open highway, if one were to show unusual restraint, maintaining consistent speeds and avoiding aggressive throttle inputs, those 19 MPG might be attainable. But that’s not how a GT4 RS is meant to be driven. Push the car with any enthusiasm on a winding road, let alone a racetrack, and watch those numbers plummet. Hard acceleration, aggressive braking, and sustained high RPMs, which are intrinsic to the GT4 RS’s character, are all antithetical to fuel efficiency. Owners purchasing this car understand that spirited driving, the very reason for its existence, will likely yield figures in the low teens, or even single digits during dedicated track sessions. The satisfaction derived from its visceral performance far outweighs any fleeting concern over fuel consumption.

How it compares

Comparing the 718 GT4 RS’s fuel economy is best done against vehicles with a similar performance ethos, rather than direct segment rivals which may prioritize comfort or daily usability. A direct competitor like the Lotus Emira V6 (Manual) offers a slightly better 19 combined MPG (17 city/22 highway) due to its less extreme, though still potent, supercharged V6. Step up to an even more exotic machine like a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica, and its V10 engine delivers a nearly identical 15 combined MPG (13 city/18 highway). Even some high-performance muscle cars approach these figures; a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with the Z07 package, for instance, manages 14 combined MPG (12 city/19 highway), reflecting its own focus on raw power and track capability. What these comparisons highlight is that vehicles engineered for maximum performance and an unadulterated driving experience inevitably sacrifice fuel efficiency. The GT4 RS maintains its competitive edge not by boasting superior MPG, but by delivering a pure, naturally aspirated six-cylinder symphony and telepathic handling that few others can match for the price point. For more information on this specific model, you can review 718 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Driving the 718 GT4 RS efficiently is almost an oxymoron, but for those rare moments when restraint is necessary, a few strategies can help. Maintaining consistent speeds on the highway, using cruise control where appropriate, will help keep the engine in its most efficient band, though this car truly comes alive at higher RPMs.

Smooth throttle inputs and anticipating traffic are crucial. Avoid rapid acceleration and braking unless absolutely necessary, as these actions consume far more fuel than maintaining a steady pace.

Ensure tire pressures are always set correctly according to manufacturer specifications. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel.

Limit unnecessary weight in the car. While the GT4 RS is already a lightweight machine, removing any non-essential items, especially for daily driving, can offer a marginal improvement in efficiency.

Regular maintenance is key. A well-tuned engine, with clean air filters and fresh spark plugs, operates more efficiently than one that is neglected. Adhering to the factory service schedule helps ensure optimal performance and fuel consumption.