Kia Cerato vs Toyota Corolla: Which Should You Buy in KSA?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Kia Cerato⁩ VS ⁦Toyota Corolla⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across KSA.

⁦Kia Cerato⁩ VS ⁦Toyota Corolla⁩: the verdict

The Toyota Corolla edges out the Kia Cerato as the overall winner, primarily for its superior fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid option, and slightly better performance. However, the Kia Cerato remains a strong contender, offering a more generous trunk capacity and a competitive price point for those prioritizing cargo space.
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Price Comparison
Starting at80,500 – 106,490 SAR77,970 – 105,455 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine1,600 – 2,000 cc · 4 cyl1,500 – 2,000 cc · 3 – 4 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)128 – 152 hp119 – 168 hp
Torque (Nm)154 – 192 Nm142 – 200 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)10.5 – 11 s9.2 – 11 s
Top Speed (Km/h)190 – 210 km/h190 – 200 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)6.7 L/100km4.5 – 6.9 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity53 L43 – 50 L
Gears610
TransmissionAutomaticCVT
Drive TypeFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolHybrid / Petrol
Battery Size—1.3 kWh
Measurements
L×W×H4.6 m × 1.8 m × 1.4 m4.6 m × 1.8 m × 1.4 / 1.5 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.7 m2.7 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,250 – 1,633 kg1,380 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)427 L368 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBonnet LightBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCollision DetectionCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesGas Shock AbsorberHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsMap Reading LampsMP3Multi-Information DisplayOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRadioRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWireless Headphones
360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAUXBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesClimate ControlCollision DetectionCruise ControlDifferential LockDisc BrakesDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Handles - Other ColorEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofFire ExtinguisherFog Lamps - Front OnlyFront BumperGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHDMIHID HeadlightsHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationManual ACMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)Off-Road DampersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear LampsRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRemote Windows DownSeatbeltsSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterUSB PortVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Wheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - SteelWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Fuel Economy

The Toyota Corolla is the clear winner here, with its available hybrid powertrain achieving an impressive 4.5 L/100km, significantly more efficient than the Kia Cerato's 6.7 L/100km.

2

Best for Performance

For a more spirited drive, the Toyota Corolla takes the lead, offering up to 168 hp and a quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration of 9.2 seconds compared to the Cerato's 152 hp and 10.5 seconds.

3

Best for Cargo Space

Families or individuals needing more storage will appreciate the Kia Cerato's larger trunk, providing 427 liters of space, which is considerably more than the Toyota Corolla's 368 liters.

4

Best for Initial Value

The Toyota Corolla offers a slightly lower entry price point, starting at 77,970 SAR, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers compared to the Kia Cerato's 80,500 SAR starting price.

Pros & cons

Kia Cerato

Pros

  • Larger trunk capacity (427 L)
  • Larger fuel tank (53 L)
  • Traditional 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Competitive top-end pricing

Cons

  • Less fuel-efficient than Corolla hybrid
  • Slower acceleration performance
  • Lower maximum power output

Toyota Corolla

Pros

  • Excellent fuel economy (as low as 4.5 L/100km with hybrid)
  • Higher maximum horsepower (168 hp)
  • Quicker acceleration (as fast as 9.2 seconds)
  • Lower starting price (77,970 SAR)
  • Available hybrid powertrain

Cons

  • Smaller trunk capacity (368 L)
  • Smaller fuel tank (43-50 L)
  • CVT transmission may not appeal to all drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kia Cerato or Toyota Corolla more fuel-efficient in KSA?

The Toyota Corolla is significantly more fuel-efficient, especially its hybrid variant which boasts consumption as low as 4.5 L/100km. The Kia Cerato offers 6.7 L/100km. For maximum savings on fuel, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the superior choice.

Which car offers better performance, the Kia Cerato or Toyota Corolla?

The Toyota Corolla generally offers better performance. It provides a higher maximum horsepower of 168 hp and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as little as 9.2 seconds. The Kia Cerato offers up to 152 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 10.5 seconds. If performance is a priority, the Corolla is the better option.

Which has more cargo space: Kia Cerato or Toyota Corolla?

The Kia Cerato clearly offers more cargo space with a trunk capacity of 427 liters. The Toyota Corolla provides a smaller 368-liter trunk. For shoppers who frequently carry luggage or need more practicality for family trips, the Cerato is the better choice for its larger boot.

Which is cheaper to buy, the Kia Cerato or Toyota Corolla in Saudi Arabia?

The Toyota Corolla has a slightly lower starting price in KSA, beginning at 77,970 SAR, while the Kia Cerato starts at 80,500 SAR. Although both models offer competitive pricing across their trims, the Corolla provides a more affordable entry point.

What are the main differences between the Kia Cerato and Toyota Corolla transmissions?

The Kia Cerato comes with a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission, which many drivers find familiar and engaging. The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, utilizes a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with 10 simulated gears, designed for smoother power delivery and often better fuel efficiency. Your preference depends on whether you prefer a conventional automatic feel or a seamless, efficient CVT.