19 MPG combined. That’s the headline figure for the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS 3.6L 6-cyl. This figure isn’t an indictment; it’s a consequence of engineering a car that delivers astounding performance, all-wheel-drive grip, and an utterly intoxicating driving experience, all while remaining surprisingly livable. The buyer of a GTS isn’t buying a fuel-sipper; they’re investing in one of the most all-around sports cars on the planet, and they accept that the price of admission, both financially and at the pump, funds that unique experience.

City and highway performance

Looking at the EPA ratings, the 2025 Carrera 4 GTS achieves 17 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure, 17 MPG, is what you’d expect from a potent 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six, which, even with its efficient direct injection and advanced thermal management, is designed for immediate power delivery and electrifying acceleration. Stop-and-go traffic naturally impacts any high-performance powertrain. The automatic (AM-S8) transmission, Porsche’s 8-speed PDK, does its best to mitigate this through fast upshifts and intelligent gear selection, but the engine’s inherent power bias means it’s always ready to unleash, which consumes fuel. On the highway, the 23 MPG figure is more than respectable. The PDK, humming along in its highest gears, allows the engine to lope efficiently, and the car’s aerodynamic prowess helps maintain that number. For a car that rockets from 0-60 mph in under 3.0 seconds and boasts incredible top-end performance, maintaining over 20 MPG on the open road shows Porsche’s engineering skill.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,050 for the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS. This figure is derived from a standard calculation of 15,000 miles driven per year, assuming national average fuel prices, and factoring in the car’s 19 MPG combined rating. It’s an important metric for budget-conscious buyers, though for the typical GTS owner, it represents a relatively small fraction of the overall cost of ownership. This isn’t a vehicle chosen for its financial frugality; it’s chosen for the unparalleled driving thrill it offers. The individual who opts for a GTS understands that premium fuel is a requirement and that performance comes with a cost. For more information on other Porsche models, see all Porsche fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving conditions, the 2025 Carrera 4 GTS will likely hover very close to its EPA ratings, sometimes exceeding them on gentle highway cruises and occasionally dipping below in spirited driving. The 911 GTS Go-pedal naturally invites a heavy foot, and when you exploit the full potential of that 3.6-liter engine in Sport or Sport Plus modes, fuel consumption climbs. However, Porsche’s engine management is very effective, and when driven with restraint, the car can surprise you. A long highway journey at a sensible pace might even see you approach the mid-20s, while a track day or an aggressive canyon carve will predictably push the average closer to the low teens. Buyers know this; they are not purchasing the GTS for its efficiency, but for its visceral feedback, astonishing grip, and the intoxicating sound of that flat-six. Ultimately, the real-world fuel economy is a variable dependent entirely on the driver’s intent. For detailed MPG figures on various 911 models and years, explore 911 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS exists in an exclusive segment, and its fuel economy must be viewed in that context. Consider rival performance machines: The Audi R8 V10 Performance, a naturally aspirated gem, returns an even thirstier 15 MPG combined (13 city/20 highway). Mercedes-AMG’s GT Coupe with its 4.0L V8 comes in around 18 MPG combined (16 city/22 highway). Even its internal siblings, like the outgoing 911 Turbo, manage 19 MPG combined, despite a more powerful engine. If we look at something less exotic but still performance-oriented like a Corvette Z06 (6.2L V8), it also hovers around 15 MPG combined. The GTS’s 19 MPG looks quite reasonable when held up against these fire-breathing competitors. It offers a unique blend of engineering, everyday usability, and track-day capability that few can match, making its efficiency figures a balance of extremes.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While outright fuel economy is not the primary motivator for a GTS owner, optimizing efficiency can extend enjoyment between fill-ups. Engage the automatic start/stop function. Porsche’s system is smooth, and while many enthusiasts disable it for sportier driving, it reduces fuel consumption in city traffic by shutting down the engine when stationary.

Use the “Normal” driving mode for daily commutes and longer highway stretches. This mode optimizes throttle response, gear shifts (in PDK models), and engine mapping for maximum efficiency without sacrificing the car’s inherent agility and comfort.

Maintain proper tire pressure. The GTS uses advanced, performance-oriented tires that are specifically calibrated for grip and handling. Ensuring they are inflated to the recommended pressures reduces rolling resistance, improving both safety and efficiency.

Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic conditions. Aggressive acceleration and harsh braking cycles are the quickest ways to deplete the fuel tank in any high-performance vehicle. Gentle throttle inputs and smooth deceleration allow the PDK to select higher gears sooner and potentially enable more coasting.

Avoid unnecessary weight. Every extra pound the car carries requires more energy to move. While a GTS owner isn’t likely storing gardening tools in the frunk, removing unused items like track day tires or equipment will subtly improve efficiency.