Kia America Sets New Sales Record: 416,511 Vehicles Sold in First Half of 2025

Kia America has posted its highest-ever first-half sales. The automaker moved 416,511 vehicles from January through June 2025. That’s an 8% increase year-over-year. More critically, retail sales jumped 12%, signaling stronger consumer demand across showrooms.

This isn't a fluke. It's a calculated outcome driven by strong model performance, rising hybrid demand, and a reshaped product mix.

Core Models Push Volume, Lead Growth

Four models—Carnival, Telluride, Sportage, and K4—achieved their best-ever first-half sales. Here’s a look at the year-over-year gains:

• Carnival: +57%
• Telluride: +15%
• Sportage: +9%
• K4 (replacing the Forte): +7%

The K5 midsize sedan stood out with a 170% increase compared to the same period last year. That’s the sharpest percentage growth among all Kia models. Meanwhile, the Sorento SUV added 9% in volume.

Sedans Are Gaining Again

Against industry trends, Kia’s sedan lineup is growing. First-half sedan sales are up 29% year-over-year, a figure that contradicts the declining trend seen across most automakers.

K5 went from 12,807 units sold in H1 2024 to 34,565 in H1 2025. That’s nearly triple the volume.

Electrified Momentum: Hybrids Surge 70%

Kia’s electrified sales are shifting from pure EVs to hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Hybrid volume rose 70% year-over-year, a sharp contrast to falling EV numbers.

Kia EV9 and Kia EV6 sales are both down:

• EV9: 4,938 units sold (down 49%)
• EV6: 5,875 units sold (down 46%)

Consumers remain cautious with EVs due to charging limitations and pricing. Kia is reacting by leaning into hybrid growth while stabilizing EV9 production.

SUV Lineup Maintains Market Share

The SUV segment delivered 9% growth year-over-year. Kia’s broad SUV range—from the compact Seltos to the full-size Telluride—continues to gain traction.

Declining sales from the Seltos, Soul, and Niro show pressure in entry-level SUV pricing and demand.