Kia America is on a roll. Every time we turn around, it seems like Kia (or Hyundai) is winning some award or topping some new list of best cars. With that in mind, it’s no surprise the automaker just posted its highest-ever first-half sales total, moving 416,511 vehicles in the first six months of 2025, an 8 percent increase year-over-year. Retail sales jumped even higher, up 12 percent, marking a major milestone for the brand as it continues to expand its reach across segments and new technologies.
Kia Kills With Popular Models
Leading the charge were four familiar nameplates: Carnival, Telluride, Sportage, and K4, which all achieved their best-ever first-half sales. The Carnival minivan soared by 57%, stoked by growing demand from families looking for spacious, tech-forward alternatives to SUVs. The Telluride — still one of the hottest three-row crossovers on the market — rose by 15%, while the Sportage gained 9%, in a very competitive compact SUV segment. Kia’s compact sedan, the K4, also saw a 7% boost.
Though sales of some EVs, like the EV6 and EV9, cooled slightly compared to last year, Kia is banking on new variants and expanding availability to drive future growth.
Beyond those headline-grabbing models, other Kia vehicles also made impressive gains. The K5 midsize sedan surged 170% over the same period last year, as more buyers rediscover sedans as stylish, practical alternatives to crossovers. Meanwhile, the Sorento, Kia’s versatile midsize SUV, posted a 9% increase, rounding out the brand’s popular portfolio.
Kia’s CEO Weighs In On Brand’s Success
“In the face of uncertain market conditions, Kia delivered a record-breaking first-half sales performance,” said SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. “Our core models, including Carnival, Telluride, Sportage, and K4, continue to set sales records. Coupled with the steady sales growth generated by our electrified and hybrid models along with the continued rollout of the 2026 EV9 Nightfall Edition and the newly introduced EV9 GT-Line, we expect this positive sales trajectory to continue.”
Battery Cars Were Major Contributors
Indeed, electrified models played a major role in Kia’s first-half momentum. Hybrid vehicle sales skyrocketed by 70% year-over-year, reflecting increasing consumer interest in fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Overall sedan sales grew 29%, while SUV sales climbed 9%, showing Kia’s strength across the board.
Though sales of some EVs, like the EV6 and EV9, cooled slightly compared to last year, Kia is banking on new variants and expanding availability to drive future growth. Kia’s ongoing presence at Electrify Expo events across the country also signals its long-term commitment to electric mobility and EV education.
Kia Won’t Slow Down
As the brand heads into the second half of 2025, Kia’s plan is to remain “agile in response to changing market conditions” and focused on offering innovative, reliable vehicles that meet the evolving needs of American drivers. With a record-setting first half in the books and fresh models still on the horizon, this momentum proves that Kia knows what Americans will actually buy.
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