Saudi Arabia’s vehicle market totaled 625,767 sales in 2022, the highest level in 6 years and a 7.1% increase over the prior year. Toyota returned to above 30% market share with 197,577 units sold, growing a strong 23.4%, while Hyundai trailed far behind in second with less than half of Toyota’s volume. The standout growth story was Chinese brand Geely, which surged 66.9% to climb 4 spots into 8th place. This article provides a complete statistical breakdown of the 2022 Saudi automotive market including brand rankings, market share, and the trends that set the stage for the years that followed.

Table of Contents

• 2022 market overview: the headline numbers
• Toyota’s return above 30% share
• Brand-by-brand rankings and growth rates
• The Chinese brand surge
• What the 2022 data signals
• How 2022 set the stage for later growth
• How buyers can act on these trends
• FAQ

2022 Market Overview: The Headline Numbers

The Saudi Arabian vehicle market totaled 625,767 sales in 2022, marking the highest level in 6 years and a 7.1% increase from the previous year. December 2022 confirmed the uptrend with 62,556 new registrations, up a remarkable 28.2%, posting the 6th consecutive month of growth.

This performance was significant because it represented a sustained recovery from the pandemic-era lows. The market had fallen to approximately 469,000 units during the 2020 pandemic measures, so the 2022 figure of 625,767 represented a recovery of more than 33% from that trough, with momentum clearly building heading into 2023.

The 7.1% growth in 2022 was the foundation for the even stronger 16.9% growth that followed in 2023, and the additional 7.8% in 2024. In hindsight, 2022 was the year the Saudi market decisively confirmed that its post-pandemic recovery was real and sustainable, setting up the multi-year growth streak that followed.

Toyota’s Return Above 30% Share

Toyota led the Saudi market in 2022 with 197,577 units sold, up a strong 23.4% year-on-year, returning the brand to above 30% market share. This means nearly one in every three new vehicles sold in Saudi Arabia in 2022 was a Toyota.

Toyota’s 23.4% growth was particularly notable because it far outpaced the overall market growth of 7.1%. The brand was not just riding the market recovery, it was actively expanding its dominance. This strength came from Toyota’s structural advantages: unmatched reliability in extreme heat, the most extensive dealer and service network in the Kingdom, and resale values that consistently outperform every competitor.

For buyers, Toyota’s dominance translates directly into resale value. Because demand for used Toyotas remains so consistently high, these vehicles hold their value better than any alternative. On Carly, both new and used Toyota models are among the most sought-after inventory.

Brand-by-Brand Rankings and Growth Rates

Here is how the top 10 brands performed in 2022.

1. Toyota — 197,577 units (+23.4%), above 30% market share. The dominant leader, growing faster than the market.

2. Hyundai — 89,015 units (-5.8%). Hyundai held second place but actually declined, selling less than half of Toyota’s volume. This was a soft year for the Korean brand before its strong rebound in 2023.

3. Nissan — 36,288 units (-5.2%). Nissan also declined slightly, maintaining third place through the popularity of the Sunny, Patrol, and X-Trail.

4. Changan — 35,028 units (+28.6%). The Chinese brand posted strong growth, signaling the early momentum of the Chinese wave in the Saudi budget segment.

5. Kia — 30,294 units (+14.0%). Kia grew solidly, continuing its steady rise as a value-premium brand.

6. MG — 30,026 units (+24.4%). MG’s strong growth reflected the rising appeal of Chinese brands offering feature-rich vehicles at aggressive prices.

7. Mazda — 25,280 units (-8.1%). Mazda declined, competing on design and driving dynamics in a tough year.

8. Geely — 22,084 units (+66.9%), up 4 spots. Geely delivered the most explosive growth of any top-10 brand, the clearest signal of the Chinese surge gaining real traction.

9. Chevrolet — 21,938 units (+12.0%). Chevrolet grew steadily on the strength of its SUV and pickup lineup.

10. Ford — 20,550 units (-33.3%). Ford closed the top 10 but with a steep decline, before its dramatic rebound in 2023.

All of these brands are available on Carly, where every vehicle comes with a 150-point inspection and 12-month warranty.

The Chinese Brand Surge

The most important structural story in the 2022 data was the rise of Chinese brands. Three Chinese manufacturers placed in the top 8: Changan (4th, +28.6%), MG (6th, +24.4%), and Geely (8th, +66.9%). Together they represented a growing share of the market and a clear signal that Chinese brands were no longer a fringe option.

Geely’s 66.9% surge was the headline. Climbing 4 spots in a single year is rare in a mature market, and it foreshadowed the continued expansion of Chinese brands in the years that followed. These brands won market share by offering vehicles with more features per riyal than established Japanese and Korean competitors, particularly in the budget sedan and compact SUV segments.

This pattern, value-focused Chinese brands growing fastest, became a defining theme of the Saudi market in subsequent years. Buyers responded to the combination of modern features, competitive pricing, and improving build quality.

What the 2022 Data Signals

Several clear signals emerge from the 2022 statistics.

The recovery was confirmed. A 7.1% increase to a 6-year high, with December up 28.2%, confirmed that the market had decisively moved past the pandemic-era lows and was building sustainable momentum.

Toyota was strengthening, not just holding. Toyota’s 23.4% growth far outpaced the market, showing the brand was actively expanding its dominance rather than simply maintaining position.

Korean brands had a soft year. Both Hyundai (-5.8%) and the relatively flat performance of others showed that 2022 was a transitional year for the Korean brands before their strong 2023 rebound.

The Chinese surge was accelerating. With Changan, MG, and Geely all in the top 8 and Geely up 66.9%, the data confirmed that Chinese brands were winning real market share, not just appearing as cheap alternatives.

Some traditional brands struggled. Ford (-33.3%) and Mazda (-8.1%) had difficult years, showing that the recovery was not evenly distributed across all brands.

How 2022 Set the Stage for Later Growth

Looking at the multi-year arc, 2022 was a pivotal year. The market hit 625,767 units, recovering strongly from the pandemic trough. This momentum carried directly into 2023, when sales surged 16.9% to 729,466 units, and continued into 2024 with an additional 7.8% growth to the highest level in 8 years.

The brands that grew fastest in 2022 often continued their trajectories. Geely’s Chinese-brand surge was part of a broader wave that reshaped the budget segment. Toyota’s strengthening dominance continued through 2023 and 2024. The Korean brands that had a soft 2022 came roaring back in 2023, with Hyundai up 25.1% and Kia up 47.9%.

For anyone tracking the Saudi market, 2022 was the year the recovery became undeniable and the structural shifts, particularly the Chinese surge, became clearly visible in the data.

How Buyers Can Act on These Trends

The 2022 data, viewed alongside the years that followed, offers practical guidance for car buyers.

Toyota remains the resale value leader. With consistent dominance above 30% market share, Toyota vehicles hold their value better than any alternative. If you may sell within a few years, this matters.

Chinese brands offer the strongest value. The sustained growth of Geely, MG, and Changan reflects genuine consumer recognition that Chinese cars deliver competitive features at accessible prices.

Korean brands are a strong middle ground. Despite a soft 2022, Hyundai and Kia rebounded strongly, offering quality and value that sits between Japanese reliability and Chinese affordability.

On Carly, buyers can access all of these brands in one place with 150-point inspection, 12-month warranty, Tamara zero-interest installments on cars under 50K, and financing from 12+ institutions for any budget.

FAQ

How much did the Saudi car market grow in 2022?

The Saudi vehicle market grew 7.1% in 2022, with total sales reaching 625,767 units, the highest level in 6 years. December 2022 was up 28.2%, the 6th consecutive month of growth.

How many cars were sold in Saudi Arabia in 2022?

A total of 625,767 new light vehicles were sold in Saudi Arabia in 2022, a 7.1% increase over the previous year and the highest in 6 years.

What was Toyota’s market share in Saudi Arabia in 2022?

Toyota returned to above 30% market share in 2022, selling 197,577 units with a strong 23.4% year-on-year increase. Nearly one in three new vehicles sold was a Toyota.

Which brand grew the fastest in Saudi Arabia in 2022?

Geely recorded the highest growth among top-10 brands at 66.9%, climbing 4 spots to 8th place. Changan (+28.6%) and MG (+24.4%) also posted strong gains.

What are the top 10 car brands in Saudi Arabia for 2022?

In order: Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Changan, Kia, MG, Mazda, Geely, Chevrolet, and Ford.

Were Chinese car brands growing in Saudi Arabia in 2022?

Yes. Three Chinese brands placed in the top 8: Changan (4th, +28.6%), MG (6th, +24.4%), and Geely (8th, +66.9%). This confirmed the Chinese surge was gaining real traction in the Saudi market.

How did the 2022 market compare to later years?

2022’s 625,767 units grew to 729,466 in 2023 (+16.9%) and continued higher in 2024 (+7.8%), the highest level in 8 years. 2022 was a pivotal year confirming the post-pandemic recovery.

Where can I buy cars from these top brands?

Carly (HalaCarly.com) offers new and used cars from Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Changan, Kia, MG, Geely, and 20+ other brands. Every vehicle is inspected across 150 checkpoints and comes with a 12-month warranty.