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 takes the lead for most buyers in KSA, primarily due to its superior fuel efficiency, especially with the available hybrid powertrain, and a broader range of performance options. However, the Kia Cerato remains a strong contender, offering a more spacious trunk and a conventional automatic transmission that some drivers may prefer.
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Price Comparison
Starting at81,188 – 90,848 SAR78,660 – 109,940 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine1,600 cc · 4 cyl1,500 – 2,000 cc · 3 – 4 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)128 hp119 – 168 hp
Torque (Nm)154 Nm142 – 200 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)11 s9.2 – 11 s
Top Speed (Km/h)190 km/h180 – 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—0.9 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)1,220 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)Adaptive Cruise ControlAirbagsAlloy 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 ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDifferential LockDisc BrakesDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Handles - Other ColorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDVDDVD PlayerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofFire ExtinguisherFog Lamps - Front OnlyFront BrakesFront BumperGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHDMIHID HeadlightsHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationManual ACMoonroofMoving 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 DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsSeatbeltsSpare 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 Efficiency

The Toyota Corolla is the clear winner here, with its hybrid variant achieving an impressive 4.5 L/100km, significantly outperforming the Kia Cerato's 6.7 L/100km.

2

Best for Performance Options

For those seeking more power and quicker acceleration, the Toyota Corolla offers engine options up to 168 hp and can reach 100 km/h in as little as 9.2 seconds, surpassing the Cerato's 128 hp and 11-second sprint.

3

Best for Cargo Space

If trunk capacity is a priority, the Kia Cerato is the better choice, providing a generous 427 liters compared to the Toyota Corolla's 368 liters.

4

Best for Entry-Level Value

The Toyota Corolla has a slightly lower starting price at 78,660 SAR, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking to enter the sedan segment.

Pros & cons

Kia Cerato

Pros

  • Larger trunk capacity (427 L)
  • Lighter kerb weight (1,220 kg)
  • Conventional automatic transmission
  • Larger fuel tank (53 L)

Cons

  • Lower maximum horsepower (128 hp)
  • Slower acceleration (11s)
  • Less fuel efficient (6.7 L/100km)
  • No hybrid option

Toyota Corolla

Pros

  • Superior fuel economy (as low as 4.5 L/100km with hybrid)
  • Higher maximum horsepower (up to 168 hp)
  • Quicker acceleration (as low as 9.2s)
  • Hybrid powertrain available
  • Lower entry-level price point

Cons

  • Smaller trunk capacity (368 L)
  • Heavier kerb weight (1,380 kg)
  • Smaller fuel tank (as low as 43 L)
  • CVT transmission might not appeal to all drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more fuel-efficient, the Kia Cerato or Toyota Corolla in KSA?

The Toyota Corolla is significantly more fuel-efficient, especially with its hybrid variant achieving 4.5 L/100km. The Kia Cerato offers a fuel economy of 6.7 L/100km. For maximum savings on fuel, the hybrid Toyota Corolla is the superior choice for KSA drivers.

Does the Kia Cerato or Toyota Corolla offer more trunk space?

The Kia Cerato provides more trunk space with 427 liters, making it more practical for hauling luggage or groceries. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla offers 368 liters of trunk capacity. If cargo volume is a priority, the Cerato is the better option.

Which car is faster, the Kia Cerato or Toyota Corolla?

The Toyota Corolla offers quicker acceleration, with some variants reaching 100 km/h in as little as 9.2 seconds, and a top speed of 200 km/h. The Kia Cerato accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds with a top speed of 190 km/h. For a more spirited drive, the Corolla holds the advantage.

Is the Kia Cerato or Toyota Corolla better for daily city driving in Saudi Arabia?

The Toyota Corolla is generally better for daily city driving in Saudi Arabia, particularly its hybrid model, due to its excellent fuel economy and smooth CVT transmission. While the Kia Cerato is also a capable city car, the Corolla's efficiency and refined driving experience give it an edge for urban commutes.