Kia America has achieved its strongest U.S. sales performance ever in 2025, posting total sales of 852,155 vehicles, a 7 percent increase year-over-year compared to 2024. This milestone marks the first time Kia has crossed the 800,000-unit threshold in the United States and represents the third consecutive year of record-breaking annual sales for the brand.
In addition to total volume growth, Kia also recorded its highest-ever U.S. market share, underscoring sustained consumer demand across its expanding lineup of SUVs, sedans, and electrified vehicles.
Retail Sales and Market Share Reach New Highs
Kia’s retail momentum remained strong in 2025, with retail sales through Kia dealerships increasing 5 percent year-over-year. This achievement extends Kia’s streak to eight consecutive years of retail sales growth and marks the sixth consecutive year of record-high retail sales.
The performance highlights Kia’s continued success in aligning its product strategy with evolving U.S. market trends, particularly in SUVs and electrified vehicles.
Best-Ever Sales for Multiple Kia Models
Four Kia models posted best-ever annual sales totals in 2025, led by the Sportage SUV, which delivered the highest annual sales volume ever recorded by a Kia model in the U.S.
Kia Models with Record Annual Sales in 2025:
- Kia Carnival: +44 percent
- Kia Sportage: +13 percent (all-time best annual performance by any Kia model)
- Kia Telluride: +7 percent
- Kia K4: +1 percent
Kia’s diversified lineup continues to resonate with buyers, from family-oriented MPVs to compact sedans and midsize SUVs.
Electrified Vehicles and SUVs Drive Growth
Kia’s commitment to electrification paid dividends in 2025:
- Electrified vehicle sales increased 24 percent year-over-year
- SUV sales rose 5 percent, setting a new annual record
- Sedan sales climbed 13 percent, reflecting renewed interest in Kia’s redesigned and newly launched passenger cars
This balanced growth across powertrains and segments illustrates the brand’s broad appeal and competitive positioning.
Leadership Commentary
Sean Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, commented on the achievement:
“Our third consecutive all-time annual sales record, coupled with our highest-ever U.S. market share, are clear indicators of the strength of the Kia brand and the competitiveness of our models. And with the second-generation Telluride and the highly anticipated K4 hatchback arriving in showrooms in the first quarter, and more new products on the way, we expect this positive momentum to continue into the New Year and beyond.”
Industry Recognition and Safety Achievements
Kia America also highlighted several key recognitions in 2025:
2027 Kia Telluride Named Most Anticipated Vehicle
The upcoming 2027 Kia Telluride was named to Newsweek Magazine’s “2026 Most Anticipated New Vehicles” list, recognizing models expected to generate strong consumer interest in the U.S. market.
IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Awards
The 2026 Kia Sorento earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) designation for models built after September 2025. This brings the total number of Kia vehicles receiving a 2025 IIHS TSP+ rating to five, all tested under the organization’s most stringent safety protocols.
Kia Models with 2025 IIHS TSP+ Ratings:
- 2026 Sorento (built after September 2025)
- 2026 Sportage (built after May 2025)
- 2025 K4 (built after January 2025)
- 2025 EV9
- 2025 Telluride
Kia America Sales Performance: December and Full-Year 2025
Full-Year U.S. Sales Comparison
| Model | 2025 Sales | 2024 Sales |
|---|---|---|
| EV9 | 15,051 | 22,017 |
| EV6 | 12,933 | 21,715 |
| K4/Forte | 140,514 | 139,778 |
| K5 | 72,751 | 46,311 |
| Soul | 50,133 | 52,397 |
| Niro | 31,182 | 30,094 |
| Seltos | 56,798 | 59,958 |
| Sportage | 182,823 | 161,917 |
| Sorento | 94,772 | 95,154 |
| Telluride | 123,281 | 115,504 |
| Carnival | 71,917 | 49,726 |
| Total | 852,155 | 796,488 |
Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
With the next-generation Kia Telluride, the new K4 hatchback, the new Seltos Hybrid and additional products scheduled to arrive in early 2026, Kia America is positioned to build on its record-setting momentum. Strong demand, expanding electrification, and continued safety recognition suggest the brand’s upward trajectory in the U.S. market is set to continue.
