2022 Porsche 911 Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

With transcendent driving traits and terrific twin-turbo flat-six engines, the 2022 Porsche 911 is a nearly flawless sports car, and it's an obvious Editors' Choice winner. Apart from being too expensive for most enthusiasts, Porsche's iconic two-plus-two-seater is as immersive as it is versatile. Along with the aforementioned flat-six which produces a distinctive snarl and makes between 379 and 473 horsepower­­–we review the higher-powered GT3 and Turbo variants separately­–the lineup offers a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic or a manual transmission and rear- or all-wheel drive. The latter ensures its incredible performance can be enjoyed in all four seasons. The 911 comes in coupe, cabriolet (read: convertible), or quasi-convertible Targa body styles. The beauty of the 911 is that its athleticism doesn't diminish its livability. Its ride is surprisingly civil considering its cornering limits and race car-like steering feel. Its interior is roomy up front and can be lavishly appointed. And its driver is treated to a satisfyingly low seating position but also excellent outward visibility.

What's New for 2022?

For 2022, the GTS trim level joins the 911 family. Along with a 473-hp version of the lineup's ubiquitous twin-turbo flat-six, it's available with an eight-speed automatic or seven-speed manual transmission and rear- or all-wheel drive. The GTS is offered in all three body styles, too. Its most notable features include a specially tuned suspension as well as 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels with black center locks as seen on the 911 Turbo. Likewise, the GTS inherits larger iron brake rotors from the top-tier Turbo. There's also a lightweight package that removes the rear seats and adds carbon-fiber front buckets, lighter glass, and a rear-wheel-steering system. The 2022 911 receives Porsche's latest infotainment software, including new features such as Android Auto. To celebrate 50 years of Porsche Design, a limited number (750) of special-edition 911 Targas will be offered.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Based on our experience with myriad 911 models, we can confidently recommend the Carrera S. It boasts 64 horses more than the standard Carrera, and we'd be happy with either the engaging manual transmission or the snappier dual-clutch automatic. Those who want to enjoy their 911 year-round but have to deal with slippery winter conditions can add all-wheel drive for $7300 if you feel four winter tires aren't enough. We're content with the coupe body style, especially since the cabriolet costs almost $13,000 more. We'd also opt for the Sport Chrono package that adds launch control, additional drive modes, and more. The Sport Seats Plus provide more supportive front buckets, and the Sport package adds a lowered suspension and a louder exhaust system. Our selection of upgrades would conclude with ventilated front-seat cushions, passive entry, a heated multifunction GT steering wheel, and Porsche's Dynamic Light System Plus that features automatic high-beams and headlights that swivel in the direction the front tires are pointed. We'd also recommend taking advantage of the Porsche Experience Center. For $395 (plus a $50 damage waiver fee), you will be receive coaching and track time in your new Porsche at either the Atlanta or Los Angeles location. If you don't live in those areas, you can travel and book time in one of Porsche's vehicles instead. Prices for those experiences range from as low as $400 to as high as $900 depending on location and model.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Mounted in the rear of the 911 is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six-cylinder engine. The base Carrera has 379 horsepower, the S pumps out 443 ponies, and the GTS generates 473 horses. While every model comes standard with a ridiculously quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, a sweet seven-speed manual is offered on the S and GTS. The coupe and cabriolet have standard rear-wheel drive, but they can be fitted with all-wheel drive for four-season, high-performance driving. The Targa is all-wheel-drive only. We've tested the base Carrera as well as several variations of the more powerful Carrera S, which proved its prowess at the racetrack and its incredible traction in adverse weather conditions. No matter the application, every 911 has astonishing acceleration, especially when the gleefully good launch control is utilized. At our test track, the GTS model bolted to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds when equipped with the eight-speed automatic; with the seven-speed manual, the 911 GTS delivered a slightly slower 3.2-second result in the same test. Porsche's optional sport exhaust system also helps enhance the experience by providing a fuller engine note. Best of all, the 911 is as comfortable as ever and also better to drive. Its steering is communicative and brilliantly direct, and the coupe and convertible have increased cornering grip and stability. The ride quality is surprisingly supple, too, despite the 911's amazing body control, which allow drivers to seamlessly switch between relaxed and spirited romps.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With EPA ratings of 18 mpg city and 25 highway, the Carrera S with the manual transmission is the most fuel-efficient 911. However, other 911 models' fuel-economy estimates don't drop much farther from those figures. On our 75-mph highway route, a Carrera and Carrera S (both equipped with automatics) earned impressive results of 33 and 30 mpg, respectively. For more information about the 911's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 911's interior continues to look sophisticated rather than complicated, with a mix of buttons, knobs and touch-screen controls and—for the first time ever—a large center cupholder. The gauge cluster also deviates from history, ditching the mainly analog instruments for mostly digital ones. While these screens have some user-experience issues and can be blocked by the steering wheel, the central tachometer still uses a physical needle that follows the engine's revs towards its heavenly 7400-rpm redline. The 911's low-slung driving position and supportive front seats are fantastic, and the steering wheel has a wide range of adjustment. We only wish Porsche used less piano-black trim on the center console, provided more interior cubby storage, and gave this icon of a car a grander shifter than the stubby flipper that comes on automatic-equipped models. Although the 911 continues to offer seating for up to four in theory, the tiny back seats remain as hostile to adults as they were when 911s first hit the road in the mid-1960s.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 911 is outfitted with a 10.9-inch touchscreen integrated into the middle of the dashboard. In addition to voice commands and buttons on the steering wheel, the center screen also features rotary push-button controls on the console. The infotainment system supports a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. Porsche does provide two high-end surround-sound systems that include a 12-speaker Bose unit and a 13-speaker Burmester stereo.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 911 is available with myriad driver-assistance technologies, including desirable options such as automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and even night vision. For more information about the 911's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Porsche's warranty coverage is standard for the segment, with the first maintenance visit covered free of charge. However, rivals such as the Jaguar F-type offer more value by covering maintenance for up to five years.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles

More Features and Specs