GCC Car Rankings 2024: Top-Selling Models

The 2024 automotive rankings across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain highlight distinct market dynamics, from Saudi Arabia's enduring preference for sedans to the UAE's rapid adoption of electric vehicles. By exploring these trends, we uncover deeper stories of cultural preferences, economic influences, and dealership strategies. The following breakdown leverages official car registration data from January to December 2024, contextualizing these insights alongside our previous automotive market analyses.

Why dig into yet another rankings list?

Behind raw sales figures lie stories about cultural shifts, economic priorities, and dealership dynamics. By dissecting each country's top-selling vehicles, we pinpoint brand transitions, influential technological features, and infrastructure impacts that drive consumer decisions beyond mere advertising efforts.

Qatar Best Selling Car Model: Embracing Newcomers While Keeping Luxury Close

1. Toyota Land Cruiser (8,685 sold, +25%)
2. Jetour T2 (3,976 sold, new)
3. Toyota Hilux (2,682 sold, +19%)
4. Nissan Patrol (2,545 sold, +71%)
5. Lexus LX (2,427 sold, -25%)
6. Nissan Sunny (1,991 sold, +28%)
7. Toyota Yaris (1,869 sold, +20%)
8. Geely Emgrand (1,530 sold, +302%)
9. Land Rover Defender (1,478 sold, -21%)
10. Toyota Fortuner (1,293 sold, +111%)

In Kuwait’s Automotive Revolution: Analyzing Market Shifts and Brand Dominance (2013–2023), we discussed how SUV culture often aligns with Gulf lifestyles. Qatar is no exception: the Land Cruiser still reigns supreme, reflecting a preference for rugged yet comfortable vehicles.

But what’s intriguing is the Jetour T2 in second place. This Chinese SUV burst onto the scene, winning over Qataris through a combination of eye-catching design, loaded tech features, and a price that undercuts many established rivals. Geely Emgrand at #8 is another sign that Chinese automakers are no longer peripheral players; they’re proving themselves in terms of build quality, styling, and digital connectivity.

On the luxury side, the Lexus LX and Land Rover Defender serve drivers seeking status and performance. Think about it: Do you need an SUV with serious off-road chops? Maybe. Do you want one that also conveys a certain prestige? Absolutely. Luxury and adventure have long been intertwined in Qatar.

Takeaways

• The Land Cruiser still crowns Qatar’s SUV-centric lifestyle, echoing the desert-adventure prestige we unpacked in Kuwait’s Automotive Revolution.
• Chinese makers are no longer sightseeing: Jetour grabs #2, and Geely grows triple-digits by bundling high-spec infotainment at mid-tier prices, a pattern we first flagged in Why Are SUVs Taking Over Kuwait’s Roads?
• Luxury isn’t fading; it’s filtering. Lexus and Defender remain in the game, suggesting that Qatari buyers still pair badge value with weekend off-road credibility.

2025 Watch-point

Will Jetour's attractive pricing combined with enhanced service plans further disrupt luxury brand dominance?

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Saudi Arabia Best Selling Car Model: Sedans Still Make Sense

1. Toyota Camry (46,439 sold, +3%)
2. Toyota Yaris sedan (43,619 sold, +8%)
3. Hyundai Accent (39,910 sold, +27%)
4. Toyota Hilux (27,456 sold, -11%)
5. Hyundai Elantra (27,308 sold, +1%)
6. Suzuki Dzire (20,670 sold, +24%)
7. Isuzu D-Max (19,868 sold, -23%)
8. Toyota Corolla (19,055 sold, -4%)
9. Nissan Sunny (18,191 sold, +40%)
10. Kia Pegas (17,663 sold, +22%)

Unlike other GCC markets that emphasize SUVs, Saudi Arabia remains a stronghold for sedans, and it’s not just habit; there are practical reasons too. With its vast geography and a significant flow of visitors for religious tourism, many people prefer cars that are both cost-effective and fuel-efficient, especially for high-mileage driving. Models like the Toyota Yaris sedan and Hyundai Accent meet this need, while the Camry caters to those who want something a bit more spacious and refined.

Could this change over time? In Mastering the Automotive Customer Journey in Kuwait: Boost Sales and Build Loyalty, we noted that consumer preferences often shift when dealerships introduce new financing options or after-sales packages. With more brands offering compelling SUV deals, it’ll be worth watching if sedans maintain their dominance in the long run.

Why sedans still win

• Religious tourism, combined with sprawling highways, means fuel economy trumps ride height; fleets and families alike opt for dependable, service-centre-rich four-doors.
• Price-sensitive buyers lean on Korean value propositions, yet Toyota’s after-sales service keeps it at the top.
• As we argued in "Mastering the Automotive Customer Journey in Kuwait," financing upgrades or extended-warranty promotions could quickly shift preferences toward compact crossovers.

2025 watch-point

Can compact hybrid SUVs and expanding EV infrastructure reshape Saudi Arabia’s sedan dominance?

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Kuwait Best Selling Car Model: Status Still Sells, But Newcomers Are Gaining Ground

1. Toyota Land Cruiser (7101 sold, -5%)
2. Ford Territory (4216 sold, +14%)
3. Nissan Patrol (3944 sold, +30%)
4. Nissan Sunny (3034 sold, -22%)
5. Toyota Prado (3012 sold, -19%)
6. Toyota Camry (2606 sold, -5%)
7. Toyota Corolla (2570 sold, -23%)
8. Jetour T2 (2421 sold, New)
9. Chevrolet Captiva (2340 sold, -31%)
10. Toyota Yaris (2040 sold, 0%)

Kuwait’s top 10 list continues to echo one core theme: size, brand, and badge still matter. The Toyota Land Cruiser retains its crown at #1 despite a modest decline of 5%, proving that status SUVs remain a symbol of both personal achievement and practicality in a country that blends urban life with desert escapism.

The Ford Territory, climbing to #2, is one of the clearest signals yet that Kuwaitis are embracing modern crossovers with value-rich features. And while the Nissan Patrol shows a robust +30% growth, confirming its elite SUV status, models like the Nissan Sunny and Toyota Corolla are seeing notable declines, suggesting a shift away from compact sedans in favor of larger or more tech-equipped alternatives.

An exciting newcomer is the Jetour T2, entering at #8. This confirms a trend we noted in Qatar’s auto market: Why Chinese SUVs Are Surging. Competitive pricing, contemporary design, and well-packaged features are breaking the Japanese-Korean duopoly.

However, some models, such as the Chevrolet Captiva, have suffered steep declines (-31%), possibly due to brand perception or limited after-sales confidence. On the other end, the Toyota Yaris managed to hold its ground with flat growth, a rare feat in a category under pressure.

Taken together, these shifts suggest a Kuwaiti market that still respects legacy models but is more open than ever to change, especially when the offering combines bold styling, practicality, and pricing that doesn’t overreach.

Signals beneath the surface

• Big-ticket SUVs still symbolise achievement, but the Territory’s rise shows buyers will trade down in badge to trade up in tech.
• Sharp declines for Sunny and Corolla hint that Kuwait’s sedan segment is losing relevance outside ride-hailing.
• Chinese newcomers validate the thesis we set in A Decade of Kuwait’s Automotive Evolution (2013–2024): affordable gadgets beat legacy loyalty once after-sales confidence grows.

2025 watch-point
Will reduced EV import duties and new EV models prompt a major market shift, or will range anxiety sustain petrol SUVs?

UAE Best Selling Car Model: Tech-Forward and High-End

1. Nissan Patrol (16,399 sold, +22%)
2. Nissan Sunny (16,238 sold, +10%)
3. Toyota Hilux (14,216 sold, +12%)
4. Toyota Land Cruiser (9,319 sold, -10%)
5. Toyota Camry (9,149 sold, -17%)
6. Tesla Model 3 (7,052 sold, new)
7. Land Rover Defender (5,503 sold, +42%)
8. Jetour T2 (5,373 sold, new)
9. Toyota Fortuner (5,244 sold, +23%)
10. Nissan X-Trail (5,158 sold, +33%)

The UAE’s bustling and cosmopolitan market stands out for its embrace of new technology. We see the Tesla Model 3 at #6 with over 7,000 units, fueled by the country’s advanced EV infrastructure and supportive government policies aimed at sustainability. Could Tesla replicate these numbers in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait if it had the same level of charging stations and incentives? Possibly. In “The Race for Car Connectivity: How Tech Giants are Transforming the Automotive World,” we explored how consumers are increasingly influenced by cutting-edge features and eco-friendly options, especially in forward-thinking cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The Nissan Patrol leads, catering to drivers who want off-road capability without compromising on city comfort. At the same time, the Land Rover Defender sees a 42% increase, illustrating a demand for premium SUVs that can handle both dunes and urban streets. With a wide range of dealership services, easy financing, and an emphasis on after-sales support, the UAE remains a hub for automotive innovation and brand competition.

Reading the mix

• Patrol proves that heritage 4×4 styling can coexist with Dubai’s cosmopolitan streets.
• Tesla’s top-ten debut underscores how charging corridors and incentives drive sales, mirroring the connectivity narrative explored in The Race for Car Connectivity.
• Dual success for Tesla and Jetour indicates that Emirati consumers are willing to swing freely between premium tech and value tech, provided both come with robust warranty terms.

2025 watch-point
Will the federal green-fleet mandate bolster EV adoption among fleets, influencing wider market trends?

Oman Best Selling Car Model: Trusting the Familiar, But Eyes on Value

1. Toyota Hilux: 8,498 units (+46.2%)
2. Toyota Fortuner: 1,967 units (+11.1%)
3. MG 5: 1,743 units (+3.2%)
4. Toyota Corolla: 1,604 units (+37.2%)
5. Toyota RAV4: 1,530 units (+44.7%)
6. Toyota Prado: 1,447 units (-33.9%)
7. Toyota Yaris Sedan: 1,286 units (New)
8. Toyota Camry: 1,242 units (-5.3%)
9. Lexus LX: 1,070 units (+1.0%)
10. Hyundai Tucson: 983 units (New)

Oman’s list is a testament to the brand loyalty and trust Toyota has cultivated across generations. The Hilux sells in volumes far exceeding those of any other model, demonstrating its dominance in both private and business segments. With the Fortuner, Prado, and even the aging Camry still performing strongly, Oman continues to reward consistency and reliability over novelty.

That said, MG’s entry at #3 with the MG 5 is significant. It’s not just a fluke. As discussed in "Can Chinese Automakers Win the Gulf?", value-driven sedans and crossovers from China are filling the gap for first-time car buyers, especially younger Omanis seeking affordability without compromising on technology and design.

Luxury, too, has its place. The Lexus LX cracked the top 10—a reminder that Oman’s wealthier customers prefer understated prestige backed by dealership trust. The question is: will this list look the same in 2025? If Chinese manufacturers continue to improve their service networks and hybrid adoption grows, Oman’s top 10 could become significantly more competitive.

What stands out

• Toyota’s multi-model sweep shows decades of reliability marketing still resonate with both SMEs and households.
• MG’s foothold is significant: the brand plugs a “first-car” gap for young Omanis chasing style on a budget.
• Hybrid curiosity is rising, but until servicing networks broaden, buyers cling to proven petrol platforms.

2025 watch-point
Can enhanced Chinese-brand after-sales support significantly disrupt established brand loyalty?

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Bahrain Best Selling Car Model: A Balanced Market with Big Upside for Chinese Brands

1. Toyota Land Cruiser (1926 sold, +20%)
2. Toyota Hilux (1606 sold, +39%)
3. Nissan Sunny (1520 sold, +4%)
4. Toyota Yaris (1486 sold, +32%)
5. Isuzu D-Max (1193 sold, +6%)
6. Toyota Corolla (901 sold, +14%)
7. Toyota RAV4 (883 sold, +62%)
8. Lexus ES (833 sold, +25%)
9. Ford Territory (747 sold, +98%)
10. Toyota Camry (726 sold, -19%)

In Bahrain, the mix of top-selling vehicles reflects a market that’s neither purely luxury-focused nor entirely price-sensitive—it’s a blend. Toyota models dominate the top 10, from the rugged Land Cruiser to the entry-level Yaris. This speaks to Toyota’s strength in delivering vehicles that satisfy customers in terms of reliability, resale value, and availability at dealerships.

Yet, there is also room for disruption. The Ford Territory nearly doubled its sales (+98%) and entered the top 10—proof that Bahrainis are becoming more receptive to well-packaged alternatives. Also, the Lexus ES’s strong showing confirms that Bahrain’s middle- to upper-income drivers still value luxury, especially when it’s tied to long-term value rather than just badge prestige.

In Loyalty Programs, we argued that markets like Bahrain could benefit from tighter dealership-brand alignment. These results show that buyers are indeed loyal, but they’re not locked in. There is clear space for innovation, particularly with Chinese and hybrid-electric offerings, if they can crack the code on after-sales support and access to financing.

Market pulse

• Toyota’s full-spectrum presence, from the Yaris to the Land Cruiser, mirrors the brand’s extensive showroom depth and attractive financing options.
• The territory’s near-doubling of sales proves its open-mindedness when spec sheets outshine logo cachet.
• Mid-tier luxury (Lexus ES) holds steady, indicating Bahrain’s affluent buyers value long-term residuals over flash-in-the-pan novelty.

2025 watch-point
Will new financing schemes accelerate market penetration for emerging brands?

Five Cross-Market Insights

1. Toyota’s Regional Dominance: From sedans (Yaris, Corolla, Camry) to SUVs (Land Cruiser, Fortuner) and pickups (Hilux), Toyota captures multiple slots in nearly every GCC market. Its blend of reliability, resale value, and dealership reach is tough to beat.
2. Chinese Brands on the Rise: Jetour, Geely, and others are steadily gaining market share, often through attractive prices and tech-savvy designs. Their performance in Qatar and the UAE points to a broader acceptance of new automakers.
3. Sedan vs. SUV Split: Saudi Arabia stands out for its robust sedan market, likely due to the prevalence of cost-conscious families and extensive commutes. Meanwhile, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE tilt heavily toward SUVs and crossovers.
4. The EV Movement: Tesla in the UAE’s top 10 underscores the importance of infrastructure and government incentives. Will we see a similar boost for EVs in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait if those countries follow suit with more charging stations and encouraging policies?
5. Role of Dealership Networks: Brand popularity often hinges on how well local dealerships handle everything from test drives to maintenance packages. If a brand invests in training, parts availability, and compelling service deals, it can significantly shape sales figures.

Ready to turn rankings into revenue?

Ali Bahbahani & Partners specializes in translating automotive market insights into strategic growth initiatives. Leveraging deep regional expertise and consumer understanding, we help automotive brands and dealerships maximize their GCC market potential.

Contact us today to drive your brand's success.

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