Kia Reports Record 2025 Sales, Sets 2026 Target

Kia Corporation reported global vehicle sales of 3,135,803 units for 2025, marking the company's highest annual sales total and representing a 2 percent increase over 2024.

The South Korean automaker sold 2,584,238 vehicles outside Korea, a 2 percent year-over-year increase, while domestic sales reached 545,776 units, up 1 percent from the previous year. Special purpose vehicle sales totaled 5,789 units, down 5 percent.

The Sportage SUV led Kia's model lineup with 569,688 units sold globally, followed by the Seltos SUV at 299,766 units and the Sorento SUV at 264,673 units.

The company attributed the sales growth to the introduction of new models including the EV3 electric vehicle, the K4 sedan, and a hybrid version of the Carnival MPV. Kia also cited stabilized production conditions and increased vehicle supply as contributing factors.

December sales showed mixed results, with global sales of 236,672 units representing a 2 percent decline compared to December 2024. Korean sales fell 3 percent to 44,577 units, while sales outside Korea decreased 1 percent to 191,624 units.

The 2025 results continue a growth trajectory for Kia, which has posted record sales for three consecutive years. In 2024, the company sold 3.1 million units globally, marking its second consecutive record year. In the United States, Kia achieved back-to-back annual sales records with 796,488 units sold in 2024, driven by strong SUV demand and expanding electrified vehicle offerings. The company sold 638,000 EVs in 2024, representing a 10.9 percent increase year-over-year, with electrified models accounting for 21.4 percent of total sales. Kia's electric vehicle lineup, including the flagship EV9 three-row SUV and the EV6, has gained traction in key markets, while hybrid models have seen particularly strong growth.

For 2026, Kia has set a global sales target of 3,350,000 units, which would represent a 7 percent increase over 2025 results. The company projects sales of 2,775,000 units outside Korea, 565,000 units domestically, and 10,000 special purpose vehicles.

Kia indicated it will focus on expanding hybrid options for SUV models, including new versions of the Telluride and Seltos. The company said it pursued market-specific strategies in 2025, expanding hybrid offerings in the United States and increasing electric vehicle sales in Europe.