Hyundai Tiburon
Overview of the Hyundai Tiburon
Learn about the Hyundai TiburonSummary
The Hyundai Tiburon is a classic two-door sport coupe. Manufactured from 1996 to 2008, this coupe has the look of a sports car and excellent fuel efficiency. Achieving 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, the standard Hyundai Tiburon comes with five-speed manual transmission and a 1.8 L engine. Optional variants include a 2.0 L four-cylinder engine with a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual on the GT V-6 trim. All models feature front-wheel drive (FWD). Though discontinued, the youthful look of the Hyundai Tiburon still stands out on the roads today.
Safety
Some of the Hyundai Tiburon’s safety features are standard across base trims, while others are reserved for higher trims. Safety locks and other child safety features are notably absent—a common trait of two-door cars. However, in later model years, you'll find additional features, such as :
- Standard front and side airbags
- Standard traction control for a better grip on slippery roads
- Stability control, for safer ease of manoeuvrability (2007+)
- Fog lamps for low visibility (2008+)
- Optional anti-lock brakes (ABS) to reduce the risk of skidding during emergency braking
Interior
Most interior amenities of the Hyundai Tiburon are optional, such as heated front seats, sunroof and electric windows, which became standard in 2006. Though air conditioning did become standard in 2003.
In 2008, its final year of production, several features were added to the base model, including:
- Power windows, doors and air conditioning
- Heated mirrors
- Keyless entry
Technology
Due to the newest models being produced in 2008, the Hyundai Tiburon doesn't offer many tech amenities. However, classic tech such as a CD and cassette player is included in all base models, and the speaker system works amicably. If you need something a little bit more modern, the 2008 edition does feature an MP3 sound system and XM Satellite Radio. In older models, like the 2001, a power sunroof, AM/FM stereo and CD/cassette player were optional.
Space
For its size, the Hyundai Tiburon's trunk space is exceptionally large and can be expanded even more by folding down the rear seats. Head and legroom in the rear is adequate, though passengers with longer legs will be more comfortable in the front seat.
Comfort
Thanks to its independent suspension, the Hyundai Tiburon is surprisingly comfortable to ride in. It handles well on the highway and in the city, but it is not the best choice for areas where road conditions are sub-par. However, as a commuter car, the Hyundai Tiburon is a comfortable, sporty and relatively fuel-efficient choice.
Pros and cons of the Hyundai Tiburon
- Modern sport coupe design
- 138 hp 2.0L four-cylinder or 172 hp V6
- Manual or automatic transmission
- Ceased production in 2008
- Limited rear visibility
- Limited headroom due to coupe roofline
Specifications of the Hyundai Tiburon
Key specifications available across all trim levels- Seats4
- Doors3
- Fuel typeGas
- TransmissionManual or Automatic
- City consumption10 - 12.9 L/100km
- Highway consumption7 - 8.3 L/100km
- Width1760 mm
- Length4395 mm
- Trunk space418 - 419 L
- Cargo space418 - 419 L
Trims available with the Hyundai Tiburon
What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This variant of the Hyundai Tiburon 2003 - 2008 is available in 8 trims:Basic trim features and specs
Available with the Basic trim:
- Front seats have lumbar support
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
Available with the Basic trim:
- MP3-CD player (optional)
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
GS trim features and specs
Available with the GS trim:
- Leather steering wheel (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the GS trim:
- Sunroof (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
Available with the GS trim:
- Cruise control (optional)
- MP3-CD player
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
SE trim features and specs
Available with the SE trim:
- Front seats have lumbar support
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the SE trim:
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
Available with the SE trim:
- Cruise control
- MP3-CD player (optional)
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
GS-R trim features and specs
Available with the GS-R trim:
- Front seats have lumbar support
- Leather steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the GS-R trim:
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
Available with the GS-R trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic traction control
- Side airbag
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
Available with the GS-R trim:
- Cruise control
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
GT Performance Package trim features and specs
Available with the GT Performance Package trim:
- Front seats have lumbar support
- Heated front seats
- Leather steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the GT Performance Package trim:
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
Available with the GT Performance Package trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic traction control
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
Available with the GT Performance Package trim:
- Cruise control
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
GT trim features and specs
Available with the GT trim:
- Front seats have lumbar support
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the GT trim:
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
Available with the GT trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (optional)
- Side airbag (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
Available with the GT trim:
- Computer (optional)
- Cruise control
- MP3-CD player
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
GTP trim features and specs
Available with the GTP trim:
- Front seats have lumbar support
- Heated front seats
- Leather steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the GTP trim:
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
Available with the GTP trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Side airbag
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
Available with the GTP trim:
- Computer
- Cruise control
- MP3-CD player
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
Tuscani trim features and specs
Available with the Tuscani trim:
- Front seats have lumbar support
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Leather steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Tuscani trim:
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
Available with the Tuscani trim:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic traction control (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Disc brakes
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Front-wheel drive
Available with the Tuscani trim:
- Computer
- Cruise control
- MP3-CD player (optional)
Available across all trims:
- CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
Frequently asked questions about the Hyundai Tiburon
The Hyundai Tiburon was discontinued in 2009 and replaced in 2011 by the Hyundai Veloster, another two-door sports coupe.
Yes, the Hyundai Tiburon is a sports coupe. Its lower price point makes it an accessible option for anyone looking for a sports car.
The Hyundai Tiburon was followed by the Hyundai Veloster. Released in 2011, the Veloster is also a two-door sports coupe, but with updated styling and some performance adjustments.
With the standard 2.0 L engine, the Hyundai Tiburon tops out at 208 km/h. However, with the available 2.7 L engine, it can reach speeds of 220 km/h.
Hyundai Tiburons from 1996 to 1999 have either 1.6 L, 1.8 L or 2.0 L engines. Models from 1999 and onward have either a 2.0 L or 2.7 L V6 engine.