2021 Porsche 911 Review

Name: 2021 Porsche 911 Review
Brand: Porsche
Price: 119980 USD

2021 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe Exterior

2021 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe Exterior

+342

The Porsche 911 expertly fills the middle ground between touring and scintillating performance. The new interior will likely divide opinion, but Porsche's push for modernity has been largely successful. Though it may have lost its evocative sound, the 911 hasn't lost its benchmark status.

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2021 Porsche 911 Review

byReese Counts^{Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.}

Pros

Powerful and surprisingly economical engines
Impeccable handling inspires driver confidence
Premium interior and lots of customization potential
Comfortable and practical for daily driving

Cons

Infotainment system is quirky and hard to reach
Elevated tire roar in Turbo S gets irritating on long drives

What's new

New 911 Turbo returns as the flagship for the current-generation 911
Targa body style also returns; available in all-wheel-drive 4 and 4S trim
Part of the eighth 911 generation introduced for 2020

Overview

First impressions are important, right? Well, Porsche apparently wants to make a great one — it's kicked off its 2021 911 range by reintroducing several of its most well-known 911 versions: the Turbo and Turbo S as well as the 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$269/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

The latest 911 Turbo can trace its roots back to the 1974 original. That model, which reached the U.S. in 1976, was one of the first road cars to deploy a turbocharger and was crude by modern standards. This latest model is anything but, boasting an armada of technology to harness the rear-mounted engine's output of 572 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque — slightly less power but more torque than the last-gen Turbo S.

As for the Targa, the new version features a hardtop panel above the passengers that can be lowered and concealed behind the rear seats. Unlike a traditional convertible, a fixed rear portion with wraparound glass remains in place regardless of the hardtop panel position. With all this going on, it's possible to forget about the standard 911 Carrera. But rest assured, it's still here for 2021.

Overall, the 911 is one of our favorite cars on the road today. Its combination of performance excellence, everyday usability and customization just can't be beat. Check out our Expert Rating below for an even more in-depth evaluation.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.2

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

9.5/10

How does the 911 drive? We tested the 911 Carrera S with the PDK eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Acceleration is impressively rapid in any situation. The launch control mode is easy to activate, and with it we observed a 0-60 mph sprint of just 3.2 seconds. This car feels as if it can run at full throttle and high speeds all day.

Similarly impressive are the brakes. Our test vehicle had the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, and they stopped our test car from 60 mph in a scant 97 feet. The brake feel and pedal effort are excellent for both casual and high-performance driving. Around turns, the 911 is so quick and precise that it feels as if it's tapped directly into the driver's mind. Even with all this capability, the 911 is an easy car to drive in everyday conditions thanks to its best-in-the-business PDK automatic transmission. The breadth of the 911's capabilities is nearly unrivaled at this price.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the 911? Overall comfort is impressive considering how much performance the 911 provides. The optional ventilated adaptive sport seats are agreeable even after several hours of driving, for instance. Our test vehicle had the optional sport suspension. With it, you'll feel every flaw in the road, but impacts are never harsh, even when driving in Sport mode.

Road noise is more noticeable than in some rival sports cars, but it's not grating. The engine sounds rough and surprisingly unrefined at cold startup and doesn't really start sounding like a proper 911 flat-six until you get the revs high. Buyers new to the 911 might not mind, but returning customers will pine for the sound of older 911s.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? The 911's cabin layout is delightfully familiar yet pleasingly modern. Compared to the previous-generation 911, there are more touchscreen controls and fewer physical buttons. Unfortunately, the touchscreen requires a bit of a reach to use, and pushing a desired virtual button can be a somewhat elusive task when you're driving over a bumpy road. The driving position is otherwise excellent.

The 911's cabin gives you the traditional snug sports-car experience, yet there's still plenty of space for taller passengers up front. Outward visibility is excellent. As usual, the rear seats are laughably small and better used for cargo than people, but you could argue that having them is better than not having any rear seats at all.

Technology

6.5/10

How’s the tech? Porsche bills itself as a builder of driver's cars, making technology and infotainment secondary concerns. While some owners may appreciate that sentiment, we're sure more will be disappointed in both the execution and functionality of many of the 911's advanced features.

For example, many drivers will find the high-definition touchscreen and controller knob placed just out of reach and the on-screen buttons too small. Apple CarPlay is easier to use and has more natural voice controls than Porsche's native system, but Android Auto is not offered. The standard audio system is truly disappointing — it sounds weak and suffers from terrible staging.

Storage

7.0/10

How’s the storage? Because the engine occupies the rear half of the car, cargo space is restricted to a 4.6-cubic-foot bin under the hood. It's large enough for two soft-sided carry-on bags but not much else. You can use the rear seats for additional storage, but getting stuff in and out requires an awkward stoop and a tight squeeze. There's also not a lot of space for your personal items. The cupholders, pockets and bins are all small, so pack accordingly.

Want to take your new baby along for a ride? The car seat anchors are easy to find, but that's about the only good thing we can say. The lack of rear seat room means installing a child safety seat is very difficult. (The same goes for getting a child in or out.) If you really need a vehicle for family duty, the Panamera, Cayenne and Macan are obviously better suited.

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Carrera S at 21 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway), which is good for the class. As with any sports car, achieving those results is an exercise in restraint. On our best behavior, we only managed 16.4 mpg. On a racetrack, our results plummeted to a wastefully rewarding 6.6 mpg.

Value

8.0/10

Is the 911 a good value? The Carrera and Carrera S base pricing is right in there with other sports car rivals, but you won't get nearly as many standard features as you would with the competition. At this price, competitors such as BMW M850i come almost fully loaded. In some cases, you'd have to shell out tens of thousands of dollars to option up a 911 to a similar specification. Of course, the build quality is excellent, and Porsche offers nearly endless opportunities for personalization. In warranty coverage and ownership experience, it's comparable to the rest of the class.

Wildcard

10.0/10

When it comes to pure driving joy, the 911 Carrera S gets it right. It's very entertaining to drive and, even more important, it's easy to drive in a spirited manner. The impeccable steering and predictable handling encourage the driver to push a little harder, yet the 911 remains controllable if you overstep those boundaries.

Just as impressive as its outright performance is the 911's friendly demeanor in everyday situations. The 911 is perhaps a victim of its own success since its prevalence means it doesn't turn heads as much as some other sports cars. But it hasn't lost any of its style or desirability.

Which 911 does Edmunds recommend?

As much as we enjoy the outlandish power available in the 911 Turbo, we suggest going with the midlevel Carrera S. It offers plenty of accessible performance and can be loaded up with options and still not come close to touching the Turbo's price. And which options should you get? That's pretty much up to you, but at the very least we suggest opting for the Sport Chrono package.

2021 Porsche 911 models

The Porsche 911's lineup expands for 2021. Besides the Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, we also get the Targa 4, Targa 4S, Turbo and Turbo S. The Carrera and Turbo models are available as both a coupe and a convertible (the Cabriolet), while the Targa twins use a power-retractable roof panel that splits the difference between a coupe and a convertible.

All 911s are powered by a rear-mounted turbocharged flat-six engine that drives the wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (Porsche's PDK). For those who prefer to row their own gears, a seven-speed manual is available on Carrera S and Targa 4S models.

Carrera and Carrera 4
The base Carrera and Carrera 4 use a rear-mounted 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (379 hp, 331 lb-ft). The standard Carrera has rear-wheel drive, while the Carrera 4 (and other 4-badged models) comes with all-wheel drive. Standard feature highlights include:

Adaptive suspension
LED headlights
Keyless entry and ignition
Heated sport seats with power-adjustable backrest
Partial leather upholstery
Two-zone automatic climate control
10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Navigation
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

From there, you can select from a long list of options, covering driver aids to upgraded interior trims. Notable picks include:

Custom paint colors
Larger wheels
Upgraded leather upholstery
Upgraded seats
Heated steering wheel
Sunroof
Sport exhaust system
Larger fuel tank
Front-axle lift
Carbon-ceramic brakes
Lane keeping assist (steers the 911 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Porsche and the car in front)
Sport Chrono package

Dash-mounted analog and digital chronograph
Steering wheel-mounted drive mode dial
Launch control
Active suspension mounts
Tire temperature display
Porsche Track Precision App

Premium package

Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Bose audio system
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the 911 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Ventilated front seats
Power-folding mirrors
Ambient interior lighting

Carrera S and Carrera 4S
Standard features generally mirror those on the standard Carrera. But both the Carrera S and 4S get a significant bump in power, pushing output up to 443 hp and 390 lb-ft. Other standard performance upgrades include:

Larger brakes
Larger wheels and tires
Electronically controlled torque-vectoring differential for improved traction
Sport Chrono package (standard with manual transmission, optional on automatics)
Optional rear-axle steering (improves high-speed stability and makes parking easier)

Targa 4 and Targa 4S
The Targa 4 and 4S generally mirror the Carrera 4 and 4S, respectively, when it comes to performance, features and options. As with other 4-badged models, the Targa 4 and 4S come standard with all-wheel drive. There's also a limited-run Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition that comes with exclusive paint colors, retro racing livery graphics, special Porsche badges and an exclusive two-tone interior.

Turbo
The 911 Turbo comes with a 3.8-liter six-cylinder that spools out 572 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and the only available transmission is the eight-speed dual-clutch. Additional standard features on the Turbo include:

Rear-axle steering
14-way adjustable sport seats
Sport Chrono package
Bose audio system

Otherwise, options on the 911 Turbo generally mirror those on the Carrera S.

Turbo S
Consider the Turbo S the king of the hill. Output rises to 640 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the extra grunt, standard features on the Turbo S include:

Carbon-ceramic brakes
Upgraded suspension
Upgraded aerodynamics
18-way adjustable seats

The Turbo S is available with:

Lightweight package

66-pound weight reduction
Lighter front bucket seats (standard seats are available)
Rear seats removed
Thinner glass
Reduced sound deadening

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#44 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Porsche 911 from 2008-2022.}

$733/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.86x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

18%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Porsche 911.

5 (80%)

4 (12%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (8%)

4.6

25 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 25 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

911 Thrill machine 8K update

Chic 911, 01/16/2020

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8AM)

911 C2 Carrera S is everything and more than I could have wanted, The car is so enjoyable to drive that I often find myself smiling or laughing at how incredible and usable the performance is. It makes you feel like a better driver than you are. All specifications are on line so I won't mention them however I will discuss how those number translate in the real world. O-60 and 60-0 are … easily achieved without drama. The brakes are so strong that I find myself occasionally looking in the rear view mirror hoping the car behind me left enough braking room. 4 wheel steering is a must purchase option. Lane changes at highway speeds and above are telepathic, no body lean, no upset to the chassis, just rock solid performance. Interior is pleasant but not luxurious considering the price. Sound levels are rather high at around town speeds but fade away on the highway. Storage is adequate thanks to the small back seat which can never be used for a human over 4 ft tall. I have noticed when the temp drops below 45 degrees the tires have a hard time keeping contact during rapid acceleration from stand still. This is typical of summer tires however makes me think maybe I should have opted for the 4S. Update...Car now has 4K miles . Still agree with my original review. Had the car on the track finally and it was superb. Few stock vehicles can keep up with it. Steering feedback is excellent, you can feel when your approaching the limits of adhesion. Brakes are powerful. I could late brake into a turn well after other vehicles were on their binders. Rained in the afternoon which gave me the opportunity to test wet mode on the track. Once again the car amazes. All but 2 cars pitted during the storm but my Porsche felt planted. You can't imagine the performance capability of this vehicle until you bring it to the track. 8K update...All the above still apply. Car has experiences many service bulletins and engine mounts needed to be replaced on a recall. Not surprised as this was a very early build. Now for some negatives 1) Why no AM radio band? Ludicrous on a car of this cost they couldn't include AM radio, 2) Programming the garage door opener is a nightmare. Why cant they follow the other divisions (Volkswagen,Audi) software which is easily programed. 3) Customer support from Porsche USA online or via telephone is pathetic, as is their vehicles owners manual. Phone customer service representatives just repeat whats in the owners manual which is weak at best. 11K update. Car is telepathic on the track, throttle oversteer is easy to dial in. 27 mpg on the highway. Still impressed by its capability. If you purchase this vehicle and never track it, you’ll be missing 80% of its capability . One negative track occurrence is with windows down as required at the track wind turbulence and harmonic sound is unacceptable. Can’t believe Porsche never ran this vehicle at 100 mph with the windows down Small air deflectors placed by the outside mirrors is the answer. Shame on Porsche for not realizing this short coming. The fix cost me $120 plus installation. 15K update....Still reliable, Maintenance is EXPENSIVE. Rotors were 5k. Front tires were'nt wearing well, had some camber and caster adjustments done, problem solved. 20K update. More of the same great performance and owner satisfaction. PCA track instructors constantly marvel at the capability of a stock 991 S C2. No service issues causing down time as of yet. 23K, All good, sticking with all prior comments, Never mentioned car is easy to get in and out of unlike other sports cars, same goes for visibility which is excellent as opposed to my C8 Corvette

2018 Grd Sport Corvette For 2020 Porsche Carrera S

Tom, 04/02/2020

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8AM)

Traded in a Corvette for the new 2020 Porsche Carrera S. In short, I have never looked backed. The performance and handling are true German outstanding engineering. It feels similar in straight line speed but handling is tighter with the Porsche. The car just feels better built to me and renewed my excitement about driving a sports car. The interior is very comfortable and instrument …

New Porsche 992 S

Pete Strombeck, 04/27/2020

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8AM)

This car is insane. I've owned 6 Porsche cars even a 911 Turbo. This new 992 S is insane from the new body lines to the interior, Porsche got this one right.

Love at first ride

JP, 01/15/2020

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8AM)

Was looking at the new c8, but the lack of sports car feel and handling made me go out and test drive a 911. After the test drive I was sold. 1200 miles in and it’s been a love affair with the road that I haven’t had since owning my 2001 YZF-R6.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Porsche 911, so we've included reviews for other years of the 911 since its last redesign.

See all 25 reviews of the Porsche 911

Write a vehicle review

2021 Porsche 911 videos

New Porsche 911 Targa 4S Review - 2021 Porsche 911 Targa Price, Interior, Design, Release Date

After introducing the next-generation 911 last year, Porsche has brought back the Targa version of its most popular sports car for 2021. In this video, Elana Scherr explains why the Porsche 911 remains one of our favorite sports cars.

New Porsche 911 Targa 4S Review - 2021 Porsche 911 Targa Pri...

2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S First Impressions: Price, 0-60, Spe...

2021 911 Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Trim:

Carrera

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$99,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$269/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	4.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the 911 models:

Porsche Active Safe: Alerts the driver about an imminent front collision and applies the brakes if necessary. It's included with adaptive cruise control.
Front and Rear Park Assist: Sounds an audible warning when the front or rear bumpers of the car are approaching an obstacle.
Porsche Car Connect: Automatically alerts emergency services in the event of an accident. Remote door locking also included.

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2021 Porsche 911 Review

2021 Porsche 911 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which 911 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Porsche 911 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

911 Thrill machine 8K update

2018 Grd Sport Corvette For 2020 Porsche Carrera S

New Porsche 992 S

Love at first ride

2021 Porsche 911 videos

New Porsche 911 Targa 4S Review - 2021 Porsche 911 Targa Price, Interior, Design, Release Date

2021 911 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}