Kia continues to solidify its dominance in the domestic automotive market, securing three out of the top five best-selling vehicles in South Korea. According to the latest sales figures from February 2025, Kia’s Sorento, Carnival, and Sportage have showcased exceptional performance, reaffirming the brand’s stronghold in the industry.
Kia Leads the Sales Charts
In February 2025, the Kia Sorento emerged as the best-selling vehicle, with an impressive 9,670 units sold. Following closely behind, the Kia Carnival recorded 7,734 units, ranking second, while the Kia Sportage secured third place with 6,568 units sold. Hyundai’s Avante and Grandeur followed in fourth and fifth place with 6,296 and 5,481 units sold, respectively.
This performance underscores Kia’s remarkable market dominance, as it is rare for a single brand to monopolize the top three positions in the South Korean automotive market. Furthermore, cumulative sales figures for January and February 2024 reflect this trend, with Sorento leading at 16,521 units, followed by Sportage at 13,115 units and Carnival at 8,021 units. Hyundai’s Avante (11,759 units) and Grandeur (11,192 units) rounded out the top five.
Kia’s Historic Achievement
Sorento’s continued success is particularly notable, as it became Kia’s first-ever annual best-selling model in South Korea last year. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the brand, which was acquired by Hyundai Motor Group in 1999. Historically, Hyundai’s Sonata, Avante, and Grandeur had dominated the rankings until Kia’s breakthrough.
The shift in consumer preferences toward Kia’s lineup is attributed to the growing popularity of recreational vehicles (RVs) and hybrid models. With an increasing number of consumers engaging in outdoor activities such as camping and car parks, Kia’s RVs have successfully captured the evolving market demand.
What Sets Kia’s Models Apart?
The Kia Sorento has gained widespread appeal due to its innovative features, spacious interior, and powerful turbo-hybrid powertrain. Its advanced safety features and cutting-edge convenience technology have made it a top choice for consumers. The growing preference for hybrid vehicles has also fueled Sorento’s rising sales.
Similarly, the large Carnival has established itself as the ultimate family vehicle, offering a premium driving experience with spacious interiors and stable performance. Meanwhile, the Kia Sportage has solidified its position as the No. 1 semi-medium SUV, standing out with its sleek design and economic efficiency, making it a dominant force in the urban SUV market.
Kia’s Success in the Electric Vehicle Market
In addition to excelling in traditional vehicle sales, Kia is making significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The Kia EV3 ranked first in domestic passenger EV sales, with 2,686 units sold in the first two months of 2024. With the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles, Kia is expected to maintain its upward trajectory.
The Road Ahead for Kia
Looking ahead, Kia anticipates continued success, driven by its strong hybrid and EV lineup. A Kia spokesperson stated, “We will continue our sales momentum with competitive new models such as the EV4, PBV, and Tasman this year.”
