Comparison: GAC Empow Sport vs Toyota Corolla in Saudi Arabia

The compact sedan segment in the Saudi market offers many choices, yet two clear contenders stand out for daily driving enthusiasts: the GAC EmpowBahrain GAC EMPOWEgypt GAC EMPOWKSA GAC EMPOWKuwait GAC EMPOWOman GAC EMPOWQatar GAC EMPOWUAE GAC EMPOW Sport 2025 with its sporty character and rich technology, and the Toyota CorollaUAE Toyota CorollaKSA Toyota CorollaOman Toyota CorollaQatar Toyota CorollaBahrain Toyota CorollaEgypt Toyota CorollaKuwait Toyota Corolla 2025 with its calm, practical nature and long standing reputation for reliability. This comparison highlights the key differences in exterior design, interior layout, performance, safety, and pricing, helping buyers choose a car that fits their driving style in the city and on highways.

Exterior Design: Sporty Presence vs Calm Elegance

The Empow delivers a bold look that stands out at first glance, while the Corolla maintains modern lines that appeal to a wide range of tastes.

UAE GACBahrain GACEgypt GACKSA GACKuwait GACOman GACQatar GAC Empow Sport 2025

• Features a low front fascia with a large black grille and vertical accents.

• Uses sharp LED headlights that give it an aggressive look.

• Adds sporty orange or blue accents to enhance its youthful character.

• Rides on 18 inch black alloy wheels for a strong road presence.

• Stands out at the rear with LED taillights, a diffuser, and four integrated exhaust outlets.

• Comes with slightly larger dimensions: around 4.7 m in length and 1.85 m in width.

UAE ToyotaKuwait ToyotaQatar ToyotaOman ToyotaBahrain ToyotaEgypt ToyotaKSA Toyota Corolla 2025

• Retains an updated front end with a wide, horizontally stretched grille.

• Lighting varies by trim, with LED units on higher trims and halogen on lower ones.

• Uses clean, simple side lines that emphasize its practical identity.

• Offers multiple wheel sizes: 15, 16, or 17 inches depending on the trim.

• Comes in slightly smaller dimensions: about 4.63 m in length and 1.78 m in width, making it easier to maneuver.

Interior Design and Features: Youthful Luxury or Practical Simplicity?

The Empow targets buyers who appreciate details and advanced technology, while the Corolla focuses on ease of use and low running costs.

GAC Empow Sport 2025

• Offers leather seats on both trims with pneumatic lumbar support.

• Provides ventilated front seats, ideal for the hot Saudi summer.

• Adds interior color accents (orange or blue), extending even to the seatbelts.

• Comes with a panoramic sunroof on the higher trim.

• Displays information through a 7 inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25 inch central touchscreen.

• Supports Apple CarPlay and FunDrive Link, paired with an 8 speaker sound system.

• Includes USB ports for both rows, with a wireless charger on the GL trim.

Toyota Corolla 2025

• Comes standard with fabric seats across all trims, featuring manual adjustment.

• Uses a clear and simple button layout that suits family use.

• Provides multiple storage spaces for cups and daily items.

• Offers an audio system ranging from 4 to 6 speakers depending on the trim.

• Makes a sunroof and wireless charger available only on higher trims.

Screens by trim

• 7 inch central touchscreen on lower trims.

• 9 inch touchscreen on higher trims.

• 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster on the top trim.

Performance and Engines: Engaging Turbo vs Multiple Choices

The difference becomes clear here, as the Empow relies on one strong performance option, while the Corolla delivers multiple personalities depending on the engine.

GAC Empow Sport 2025

• 1.5 liter turbocharged engine producing 170 hp and 270 Nm of torque.

• 7 speed DCT transmission for quick response and sporty shifts.

• Fuel consumption of around 18 km/l with a 47 liter fuel tankUAE TankKSA TankKuwait TankQatar TankOman TankBahrain TankEgypt Tank.

• Multiple driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, with paddle shifters.

• Multi link rear suspension that enhances stability through corners.

Toyota Corolla 2025

• 1.8 liter hybrid with a combined output of 121 hp and an E-CVT transmission: fuel economy up to 27.6 km/l with a 43 liter tank.

• 1.5 liter three cylinder engine producing 119 hp with a CVT: fuel economy around 19.6 km/l.

• 2.0 liter engine delivering 168 hp and 200 Nm of torque with a CVT: fuel economy around 19.8 km/l.

• Focuses more on smoothness and comfort than outright sporty performance.

Safety and Technology: Empow Leads with Features, Corolla Relies on the Essentials

The Empow stands out with a wider range of advanced driver assistance systems, while the Corolla depends on a balanced, traditional safety package with a few additions on higher trims.

GAC Empow Sport 2025

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) available on both trims.

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

• Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Traction Control (TCS), and Hill Hold Control (HHC).

• Six airbags.

• Front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, plus Auto Hold and an electronic parking brake.

• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSD) available on the GL trim.

Toyota Corolla 2025

• ABS, EBD, TRC, and ESP safety systems.

• Four airbags across all trims.

• Conventional cruise control available on all trims.

• 360 degree camera and front/rear parking sensors on the top GLI trim.

Trims and Prices in Saudi Arabia

Prices vary depending on the trim level and equipment, and these are the most common figures for the entrylevel and top trims of each model in the Saudi market.

GAC Empow Sport 2025

• GE 1.5T trim: SAR 76,475 (VAT included).

• GL 1.5T trim: SAR 81,995 (VAT included).

Toyota Corolla 2025

• XLI 1.5 trim: SAR 79,350 (VAT included).

• GLI Hybrid MR trim: SAR 109,940 (VAT included).