Against 253 other 4-cyl cars rated 2006–2008, the Tiburon trails their 24.3 mpg average by 2.8 mpg, about $206 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1997, the 2L 4-cyl (1998–2008), does 23.2 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.7L 6-cyl (2002–2008), 20: $265 a year apart.
Every Hyundai Tiburon engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 20.5 / 28 | 1998–2008 | $1,655 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 20 / 29 | 1997–1997 | $1,670 | |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 17 / 24 | 2002–2008 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Sentra gets 28.3 mpg, the Mitsubishi Eclipse 21.3 mpg and the Mazda RX-8 19 mpg, next to 21.5 mpg for the 2008 Tiburon.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2008) | $0.149 |
| Fuel per year | $1,786 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,930 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2006–2008 | +$206 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,837 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon gives up 7.5 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 18.5 in the city, $599 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2008) | 18.5 mpg | $2,076 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7.5 mpg (41%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Tiburon changed over the years
The Tiburon peaked in 2001 at 24 mpg (21 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2008 at 21.5 — 2.5 mpg apart, or $186 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2008 car does 21.5.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 18.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2007 | 18.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2006 | 19 / 26 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2005 | 19 / 26 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2004 | 19 / 26 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2003 | 18.5 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2002 | 18.5 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2001 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2000 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1999 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1998 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1997 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 19 EPA ratings of the Hyundai Tiburon — 3 engines across 1997–2008. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,837. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon get?
21.5 mpg combined, 18.5 city and 26 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 20 to 23. Across every year since 1997 the Tiburon has averaged 22 mpg.
Is the 2008 Tiburon more efficient than the 2007?
About the same: 21.5 against 21.5 mpg combined.
Which Tiburon year has the best gas mileage?
The 2001, at 24 mpg combined (21 city, 29 highway).
Does the Tiburon get better gas mileage than the Nissan Sentra?
No: 21.5 mpg for the 2008 Tiburon against 28.3 for the 2009 Nissan Sentra, about $429 a year more to run.
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