What Makes the GAC GS8's 2.0-Turbo Powertrain Ideal for Saudi Highways and Family Trips?

Saudi Arabia: The GAC GS8's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is well-suited for Saudi roads, not just on paper, but in practice. A capable powertrain with plenty of power and a smooth gearbox that serves well across the Riyadh-Dammam motorway and delivers the high-speed composure that long desert highways demand. For a family SUV in this price range, that combination is hard to argue with.​

Capable for Saudi Roads 

Let’s be honest about what most Saudi drivers actually need from an engine. You don’t need a race car but a comfortable SUV that merges onto the ring road in Jeddah with five people on board and a boot full of luggage or cruises at 140 km/h on the Makkah-Madinah expressway with the air conditioning running full blast in summer. The GS8's 248 hp is enough to handle these scenarios comfortably, and the 400 Nm of torque, available across a wide rev range, enables the car to respond well without making you hunt for the right gear. The 8-speed automatic is one of the better gearboxes in this class. It shifts smoothly and predictably, which matters on long trips.

Two Drive Options, One Engine

Variant	Drive Type	Fuel Efficiency	Best For
GL 2WD	Front-Wheel Drive	13.2 km/l	City driving, highways
GT/GX 4WD	All-Wheel Drive	12.5 km/l	Mixed terrain, family trips

The 2WD variant is perfectly capable for city use and highway runs. But if you are regularly heading out towards Taif, the mountain roads around Abha, or packing the family for a weekend on the Empty Quarter's edge, the 4WD system earns its keep. It reads which wheel needs traction and responds quickly, the kind of technology that used to cost significantly more.​

The Mileage 

At 13.2 km/l for the 2WD and 12.5 km/l for the 4WD, the GS8 is reasonable for its size and power output. The 66-liter tank gives a practical range of around 825 km on the 2WD, enough for a Riyadh-to-Jeddah run without stopping. For context, the Toyota Fortuner with its 2.7-liter petrol delivers less power and similar or worse fuel figures. The Kia Sorento's 2.5 engine produces around 191 hp in its non-turbo form. The GS8 sits comfortably ahead in the power conversation.​
With the engine being turbocharged, there is a brief moment of turbo spool before the power arrives. It is not a sports car, but once the boost builds, the GS8 moves with genuine confidence, especially during highway overtaking, where the combination of torque and transmission calibration makes the process feel effortless. Steering is light, which Saudi drivers generally prefer for daily use, and the suspension, a MacPherson setup at the front and multi-link at the rear, absorbs road imperfections without transmitting too much into the cabin.​

• Strong mid-range torque makes motorway merging and overtaking easy
• 8-speed auto shifts smoothly with no hunting or hesitation
• 4WD system responds intelligently without driver input
• Light steering preferred by most Saudi commuters

Good Highway 

The Riyadh summer is brutal, and running the AC at maximum while carrying a full load of passengers is something that punishes weaker engines. The GS8's turbocharged unit manages this well, with no noticeable drop in performance even when the temperature gauge outside reads 45°C. That is not a small detail when you are planning a family trip to the Red Sea coast.​

Conclusion 

Overall, GAC has done a great job equipping this seven-seater SUV with a capable powertrain. The 2.0-turbo is a well-rounded package that fits Saudi driving conditions closely, with enough power for the open road, acceptable efficiency at the pump, and a gearbox that makes the whole experience feel effortless. It is not the most powerful engine in the segment, but it is very likely the most balanced for what Saudi families actually need.​

Also Read: Peugeot Saudi Arabia Lineup Explained: Prices, SUVs, Sedans & Commercial Vehicles Guide