Hyundai Motor sells 87,458 units; Kia moves 80,502

Hyundai hybrid sales jump 90% year-on-year

Kia sets all-time retail record; electrification up triple digits

Hyundai Motor Co's Tucson Hybrid compact SUV [Hyundai Motor Co]
Hyundai Motor Co's Tucson Hybrid compact SUV [Hyundai Motor Co]

Hyundai Motor Co and Kia extended their US sales growth in May, with Hyundai Motor setting an all-time monthly hybrid record as demand for electrified vehicles surged.

Hyundai Motor's US unit said Monday it sold 87,468 vehicles in May, up 3 percent from a year earlier. Cumulative sales for January through May reached 373,013 units, a 1 percent increase over the same period last year.

Hybrid vehicle sales drove much of the gain, jumping 90 percent year-on-year to set the company's best-ever monthly hybrid total. The Tucson Hybrid, Santa Fe Hybrid, Elantra Hybrid and Sonata Hybrid each posted their highest May sales figures on record. Electric vehicle sales also rose 10 percent to a May record.

The Ioniq 9 surged 279 percent to 1,145 units from 302 a year earlier, while the Ioniq 5 achieved its best-ever May sales figure.

Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, said the company saw growth across nearly every segment in May — from sedans to SUVs, including hybrid and electric models. He added that the brand's FIFA World Cup sponsorship this year is expected to sustain momentum through the summer by building awareness across North America.

Kia's Sportage compact SUV [Kia]
Kia's Sportage compact SUV [Kia]

Kia's US unit sold 80,502 vehicles in May, up roughly 2 percent from a year earlier. Retail sales climbed 11 percent to surpass the record set in August 2025 and establish a new all-time high. Cumulative sales for January through May reached 360,220 units, also a company record.

Electrified models powered Kia's results as well. Hybrid sales rose 179 percent year-on-year, while overall electrification sales jumped 133 percent — both the best monthly and year-to-date May figures in the company's history.

By model, the Telluride posted an 18 percent gain for its best-ever May total, while the Carnival and Sportage rose 16 percent and 6 percent, respectively, each setting May records of their own. Among hybrids, the Sportage Hybrid surged 171 percent, the Sorento Hybrid climbed 101 percent and the Carnival Hybrid rose 32 percent — all May bests.

Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America, said the brand has set consecutive records in retail, monthly and year-to-date sales by offering a broad lineup spanning internal combustion, hybrid and electrified models, even as consumer preferences continue to shift.

He added that showroom traffic is rising across the United States and that he is confident the upward trend will continue beyond the first half of this year, despite recent economic headwinds.


eyre@heraldcorp.com