2020 Porsche 911 Review

Name: 2020 Porsche 911 Review
Brand: Porsche
Price: 113295 USD

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe Exterior

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe Exterior

+281

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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Porsche 911 model years

Porsche 911 for Sale

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Coupe
Convertible

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2020 Porsche 911 Review

byTravis Langness^{Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

Pros

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

Cons

Infotainment system is quirky and hard to reach
Engine doesn't provide much aural thrill

What's new

Fully redesigned for 2020
Many small changes to the exterior and a completely new interior
Designed to be more comfortable over a wider variety of driving conditions
Kicks off the eighth 911 generation

Overview

Although the 2020 Porsche 911 kicks off a new generation — code-named 992 — it isn't wildly different from its 991 predecessor. If you want that from your next sports car, Chevrolet will be happy to sell you a mid-engine C8 Corvette. But the redesigned 2020 911 is more than up to the challenge of subtly evolving Porsche's rear-engine icon.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $3.98 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$240/mo

$161/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

This new 911 picks up right where the old model left off by pairing supercar-adjacent performance with everyday drivability. For now, Porsche is offering just the Carrera and Carrera S versions, plus the all-wheel-drive 4 and 4S versions. Engine horsepower is up slightly, and the PDK automatic transmission now sports an extra gear. Bored with the idea of just a "regular" Carrera? Just as the sun sets in the west, you can bet that Porsche has its typical buffet of Turbos and GT3s queued up in the pipeline for future model years.

Key infotainment updates and interior improvements make the interior look more modern than before. But, really, it's the driving experience that matters, and here the newest 911 once again delivers. It's relentlessly fast in a straight line, uncannily balanced through tight or long-sweeping corners, and surprisingly comfortable to drive on a daily basis. If you need one performance car that can do it all, the Porsche 911 is still at the top of a very short list.

Notably, we picked the 2020 Porsche 911 as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury Cars for this year.

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 do 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. 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

8/10

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 really doesn't 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.

Technology

6.5/10

How’s the tech? Porsche bills itself as a builder of driver's cars, placing technology and infotainment as 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 are 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

7/10

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.) But if you really need a vehicle for family duty, the Panamera, Cayenne and Macan are obviously better suited.

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Carrera S at 20 mpg combined (18 city/24 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

8/10

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 850i 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

10/10

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?

While we expect plenty of additional variants in the 992's future, there are only a few to pick from right now. As the default choice, we'd recommend the Carrera S. It's got more power, bigger standard brakes and a torque-vectoring differential. From there, you can customize your 911 to your heart's content with all sorts of unique paint, stitching, seat belts and extra options packages.

2020 Porsche 911 models

The 2020 Porsche 911 is currently available as a coupe and convertible. Both come in four variants: Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S (the 4 indicates all-wheel drive). The Carrera and Carrera 4 share a turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine rated at 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. The S models get an upgraded version of that engine good for 443 hp and 390 lb-ft. All four variants come standard with an eight-speed dual-clutch (PDK) automatic, though a seven-speed manual is available for the Carrera S and 4S for no additional charge.

Standard equipment on the Carrera includes 19-inch wheels in front and 20-inch wheels in the back, summer tires, an adaptive suspension (PASM), LED headlights, parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery. Technology features include two USB ports, a 10.9-inch touchscreen interface, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay, onboard Wi-Fi and an eight-speaker sound system.

The Carrera S gets the aforementioned more powerful engine, bigger wheels and brakes, and an electronically controlled torque-vectoring rear differential. Selecting the manual adds the Sport Chrono package (optional on PDK models) and a mechanical differential. The Carrera 4 and the Carrera 4S feature all-wheel drive.

As you'd probably expect if you've got any familiarity with the 911, the options are nearly endless. Depending on whether you go with the standard Carrera or the S, you can add upgrades such as a PASM sport suspension, a sport exhaust system, a rear-wheel-steering feature to tighten the turning radius and improve high-speed stability, and a more advanced torque-vectoring rear differential (PTV Plus). Inside, Porsche offers sport seats with a combination of leather and simulated suede upholstery, a couple of sound system upgrades, and a seemingly endless array of trim and color customization options. Most of the 911's advanced driver safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, are optional as well.

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 2020 Porsche 911.

5 (84%)

4 (5%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (11%)

4.5

19 reviews

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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.

See all 19 reviews of the Porsche 911

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2020 Porsche 911 videos

Drag Race! Porsche 911 vs. Chevy Corvette vs. Shelby GT500 — Which Sports Car Has the Fastest 0-60?

We went into this thinking the GT500 would dominate and the 911 would come in dead last. Boy, did we have some surprises waiting for us!

2020 911 Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Trim:

Carrera

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$97,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$240/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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2020 Porsche 911 Review

2020 Porsche 911 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $3.98 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which 911 does Edmunds recommend?

2020 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

2020 Porsche 911 videos

Drag Race! Porsche 911 vs. Chevy Corvette vs. Shelby GT500 — Which Sports Car Has the Fastest 0-60?

2020 911 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $3.98 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}