CarteaWikiAuto NewsHyundai and Kia are close to achieving a major surprise in the Saudi car market.

Hyundai and Kia are close to achieving a major surprise in the Saudi car market.

Tamara Chalak
Tamara Chalak
2025-08-21
contents

In a remarkable development in the automotive market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Korean brands Hyundai and Kia are witnessing a strong rise that is approaching a shock that could rearrange consumer priorities in the market. Recently, both companies have achieved increasing successes due to their focus on quality, diversity of vehicles, and competitive prices that suit the needs of Saudi consumers.

In this article, we review the factors that contributed to this progress, details about the most popular Hyundai and Kia models, comparisons with current competitors, and a special reading of the future of the two brands in the Saudi market.

Factors Behind Hyundai and Kia’s Success in Saudi Arabia

  • Offering multiple vehicle categories: From small economical cars to luxury sports cars, which strengthens their presence in front of a wider range of consumers.

  • Improvement in quality and technologies: Reliance on modern technologies such as touch screens, advanced safety systems, and hybrid and electric powertrains.

  • Competitive offers and prices: Providing attractive prices with easy financing offers and after-sales incentives.

  • Expansion of dealers and maintenance networks: Increasing the number of service centers and distributors to improve after-sales service and warranty.

Most Popular Hyundai and Kia Models in the Saudi Market

Company

Model

Category

Engine Type

Power (HP)

Approximate Price (SAR)

Key Features

Hyundai

Tucson

Compact SUV

Gasoline/Hybrid

150-180

90,000 - 130,000

Modern design, optional AWD, advanced safety

Hyundai

Elantra

Compact Sedan

Gasoline

147

75,000 - 95,000

Fuel efficiency, advanced sound system

Kia

Sportage

Compact SUV

Gasoline/Hybrid

160-190

85,000 - 125,000

Passenger comfort, large display, sporty suspension

Kia

Cerato

Compact Sedan

Gasoline

147

70,000 - 90,000

Stylish design, smart control features

Comparison Between Hyundai, Kia, and Competitors in the Saudi Market



Category

Brand

Price (Approx.)

Power (HP)

Technical Features

Availability and Maintenance

Compact SUV

Hyundai Tucson

90,000 - 130,000

150-180

Safety tech, AWD, touchscreen

Wide service network

Compact SUV

Kia Sportage

85,000 - 125,000

160-190

Large screen, sporty suspension

Advanced maintenance centers

Compact SUV

Toyota RAV4

110,000 - 140,000

180-200

Brand reputation, hybrid option

Strong availability

Sedan

Hyundai Elantra

75,000 - 95,000

147

Fuel efficiency, advanced tech

Comprehensive support

Sedan

Kia Cerato

70,000 - 90,000

147

Modern design, smart controls

Competitively priced

Sedan

Toyota Corolla

85,000 - 115,000

160

High reliability, large sales

Widely available


How These Gains Affect Competition in the Saudi Market

  • Changing Consumer Preferences: The rise in quality, technology, and financing options makes Hyundai and Kia a preferred choice among youth and families.

  • Pressure on Competitors: Especially Japanese and American brands that previously dominated the market, requiring continuous updates and more attractive offers.

  • Expansion of After-Sales Services: Improved customer experience boosts loyalty and reduces brand switching rates.

  • Shift Towards Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Hyundai and Kia support unprecedented early adoption of environmentally friendly cars.

The Future of Hyundai and Kia in the Saudi Market

  • Expansion Plans: Both companies are working on expanding their production lines to include more electric and hybrid cars suitable for new Saudi regulations and the clean energy trend.

  • Improving User Experience: Through innovations in driving experience and integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and navigation improvements.

  • Collaboration with Government Entities: Supporting the national transformation with sustainable mobility solutions that meet the market’s evolving demands.

Hyundai and Kia are making significant strides in the Saudi market, which could create a major surprise and redraw competitive balances. Their competitive pricing, model diversity, and focus on customer service and quality enhancement make them increasingly preferred choices for Saudi consumers.

While competitors prepare to respond, the real winner is the customer who enjoys more advanced, high-quality, and efficiently priced options.

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Tamara ChalakTamara Chalak
Chief editor information:

Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses. 

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