The Saudi car market has turned into a real battleground, with global automakers fighting tooth and nail for dominance in one of the Middle East’s biggest and fastest-growing markets. From big family cars and budget-friendly commuters to tech-packed modern rides, buyers in the Kingdom have endless choices. Yet, only a few models manage to steal the spotlight — the ones that win people’s hearts and dominate the sales charts.
The year 2024 was nothing short of historic. More than 827,000 light vehicles were sold in Saudi Arabia — the highest figure in nine years. That number doesn’t just reflect a market rebound; it shows how eager Saudi consumers are to embrace the latest models and enjoy the thrill of new cars. Leading the charge were the Toyota Camry, the ever-reliable favorite; the Kia Pegas, quickly becoming a household name for budget-conscious drivers; and the Hyundai Accent, which has proven it’s far more than just a compact car — it’s a success story in motion.
But as 2025 rolled in, the big question was: could these stars keep shining? And which car would claim the top spot in the Kingdom?
International reports gave us the answer: in the first half of 2025, the Hyundai Accent and Kia Pegas took the crown as the two best-selling models in Saudi Arabia. That’s a huge deal in a market that, for decades, was ruled by Japanese giants like Toyota and Nissan. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect — Hyundai and Kia have just kicked off a joint production project inside the Kingdom, proving they’re here for the long game.
The sales numbers back it up. The Accent sold 19,081 units, putting it at number one. Right behind it was the Pegas with 15,528 units, while Hyundai’s Elantra also made waves in fourth place with 13,066 units.
This didn’t happen overnight. The Accent has been building momentum for years — 31,349 units in 2023 and 39,910 units in 2024 — holding strong in second place before finally climbing to number one in 2025.
On the brand front, Hyundai kept its grip on second place overall in 2024 with 130,017 sales, marking its second year in that position. Kia, meanwhile, jumped from fourth in 2023 to third in 2024, thanks to 63,637 units sold.
The takeaway? Saudi Arabia is no longer just a Japanese stronghold. It’s a vibrant, fast-changing market where Korean brands are rewriting the playbook. If the Accent and Pegas keep this momentum, the Kingdom might just be witnessing the start of a whole new era in car culture.
