Most Popular Chinese Car Brands Among Young Saudis

Saudi Arabia: One of the monumental changes taking place in the Saudi automotive market is the growing presence of Chinese car brands. Over the last five years, the trend has accelerated massively, and this is visible across our cities and towns. Traditionally dominated by Japanese, Korean and American cars, KSA roads are now increasingly seeing SUVs and sedans from China. 

While the new brands are embraced by car buyers across profiles, the younger ones are more open to new shiny cars. The percentage of car buyers who prefer them is higher among youngsters as they are more willing to take a chance with new brands,  explore them, and also attracted by modern features that have become part of their life. This is starting to show the sales and growing footfalls of young buyers in Chinese car brands' showrooms. 

Why Young Saudis Are Choosing Chinese

If you closely observe the trend, it won’t surprise you that many new Chinese cars are most often driven by Saudis under 30. This isn't random, simply because young Saudis male deliberate choices. After weighing their options carefully, they choose Chinese cars. The reasons are specific, well-thought-out, not sentimental, but rather financial and practical. These young buyers understand value more than anyone, and they are exposed to the internet with access to a lot of information about cars around the world. They grew up with technology and spot gimmicks instantly. Chinese brands deliver what matters to them, a lot of affordable, sleek cars, packed with enticing tech and great to drive. This is what makes them win over this demographic. Which brands are the most preferred? We take a look. 

What young Saudis actually value in cars

Priority	Description
Price	Young Saudis face budget constraints, favoring affordable entry points.
Latest features	For them smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and touchscreens is a must.
Appealing look	They choose cars reflecting their generation, not older designs; Chinese brands target this demographic.
Social media role	Look for cars with modern, photogenic designs suitable for platforms like Instagram.
Ease of Service	Desire convenient service and expanded dealership networks; loyalty is low.
Warranty	Value comprehensive warranties to avoid unexpected repair costs.
Mileage	Commute-focused buyers want practical fuel economy, 14-16 km/l common in Chinese models.

MG

MG sold 10,200 units in Saudi Arabia in H1 2025, ranking second among Chinese brands. However, the real story is the buyers' profiles of these cars. It is not unusual to walk into an MG showroom and discover the ages of buyers; most are under 35. This isn't marketing genius, but just the right product and market fit.

Among other things, price is one big factor. The MG 5, a compact sedan, starts at SAR 47,955, one of the popular models of the brand. Young professionals buy this, and first-time buyers choose to? Why, well, apart from the price, it has style, great tech and is fun to drive. What can one expect at this price point?

The MG ZS compact SUV starts at SAR 68,500, and this is where MG really wins with young Saudis. One of the most affordable SUVs in the market, with compact proportions that fit right into tight parking. The design is appealing, doesn’t look cheap, and the interior feels premium with tech that matches a car at double the price. The MG RX5 is another such model that the brand finds many takers, which starts at SAR 84,790. A bigger option for SUV buyers, it is still way more affordable, and yet it gets many fascinating features that younger buyers just can’t resist.  Such as  14.1-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, and Apple CarPlay.

Young Saudis buy MG because they can afford quality, not because they're compromising.

Jetour

Another newer entrant, the emerging brand Jetour, belongs to Chery. And within a short period, it's capturing young Saudis rapidly. Why? Among many things, modern design language, practical features, and competitive pricing.

The JETOUR Dashing is a compact SUV that starts at SAR 86,570. It comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 194 hp, which is excellent. The interior features a large infotainment screen, integrated navigation, and a wireless charger that appeals to young buyers; not just that, but the design feels contemporary.

The JETOUR X70 Plus three-row SUV that starts at SAR 95,770. It attracts young families looking for space for growing families, packed with great tech for young parents like dual-zone climate control, 10.25-inch display, etc. The design direction appeals to younger buyers. Bold proportions. Modern curves. Not conservative. Not aggressive. Just contemporary.

Geely

Geely is another prominent brand that is making a huge mark in the Saudi market, especially among the younger lot, with its attractive and distinctive design.

The Geely Emgrand sedan is a popular sedan in the market, starting at SAR 61,295. Young professionals buy this because it looks modern. And all the cool features comprising the 12.3-inch infotainment display feel premium, and the cabin is elegant, and doesn’t feel cheap.

The Geely Tugella compact SUV appeals to younger buyers wanting something visually different, with its bold styling and Coupe-SUV proportions.

What also plays a key role in Geely’s popularity is its heritage. This giant automaker also owns brands like Volvo, and Zeekr, which enhance its credibility with young Saudis as they know Volvo well. They understand what European engineering means, and Geely carries that reputation. The Geometry C electric vehicle is Geely's electric play, starting at SAR 118,750. Young urban Saudis interested in the EV transition seem to be liking it.

Design is why young Saudis pick Geely and not the lowest price, rather value through design excellence and overall value package. 

Haval

Haval is a brand that is gaining ground despite fierce competition in the SUV segment. The H6 specifically appeals to young families and professionals. Starting at SAR 89,900, the H6 comes with higher power, smooth to drive and quite capable for Saudi roads. It has a modern interior with a 14.6-inch display, panoramic sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Young Saudis buying their first serious vehicle often choose the Haval H6 as it offers sufficient power and a spacious cabin with the latest tech at a reasonable price.

The Haval Jolion is a compact SUV suitable for younger buyers, with modern design and the latest tech at around SAR 71,415. More approachable for recent graduates or young professionals. Haval isn’t for performance enthusiasts but is perfect for practical young Saudis; it delivers what matters.

Changan

Changan maintained its lead among Chinese brands in the market with high sales volume. This brand captured young Saudis seeking maximum value, and seems to offer everything young buyers want.

The Changan Eado Plus is a practical sedan starting at SAR 67,275. Young professionals on tight budgets find this quite suitable with everything they want, the newest technology, not the fanciest design, but a focus on reliability and value. The Changan CS75 Plus SUV appeals to young families, and it is one more affordable car which promises reliable performance and a spacious cabin.

Changan wins on value, and young Saudis stretching car budgets really like the fact that they can get a great package without really missing out on something they love.

The market overview 

Over H1 2025, Chinese brands captured 47,652 units in Saudi Arabia, certainly not all young, but a significant portion. Young Saudis aren't buying Chinese because Japanese cars are unavailable. They're buying Chinese because it makes a lot of practical sense. This is vital for automakers as young Saudis shape the market for the next 20 years. Their choices today determine brand strength tomorrow. By choosing Chinese, they're signalling a shift. Value over prestige, design over heritage and innovation, and technologies over tradition.

This doesn’t mean Chinese brands are displacing established competitors. Definitely not yet, but they are emerging as a serious threat by capturing new buyers. Young buyers. First-time buyers, budget-conscious young families who are gravitating towards these brands.

Conclusion 

Young Saudis choosing Chinese cars seem to like the fact that they are not missing out on anything. Rather they are getting a great value out of their money as they spend a lot of time researching brands before actually making a decision. 

Owning a car is not just a dream but a huge financial commitment, and it also reflects their personality. And, they are going to spend most of their time in the car apart from home, and so they are making smart choices. Getting a quality car with modern technology, stylish design, at prices that look like a great bargain. That's why Chinese brands are winning this demographic.