#USA #Irvine #Kia America #Telluride #EV9

Kia America Begins 2026 with Record Sales

Kia America has kicked off 2026 on a high note, continuing its impressive sales momentum from the previous year. January sales figures have surged to an outstanding 64,502 units, reflecting a 13% increase compared to the same month last year. This remarkable performance underscores the growing popularity of the Kia brand in the U.S. automotive market as it navigates an evolving landscape of consumer preferences and competitive pressures.

This surge in sales is attributed to several key models achieving record sales. Units such as the Carnival, Sportage, K5, Telluride, Seltos, and the recently launched K4 have all set new benchmarks within their respective categories. The Carnival experienced a significant 60% increase in sales, while the Sportage and K5 recorded increases of 23% and 8% respectively. Notably, all versions of Kia's electrified models marked a staggering 45% increase in sales, highlighting the brand's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the electric vehicle sector.

Eric Watson, Kia America's Vice President of Sales Operations, emphasized the brand's strategy focused on fulfilling customer needs across various segments and powertrains. He stated, "Building on three straight annual sales records, January's record performance shows that Kia is not slowing down. Our offerings cater to a wide customer base and continually exceed expectations."

As Kia looks ahead to the remainder of the year, it has also announced the introduction of its much-anticipated 2027 Telluride SUV, now available in a hybrid variant. This launch, alongside the K4 hatchback's arrival into showrooms, is expected to further bolster the brand's sales trajectory throughout 2026.

Furthermore, Kia's ongoing success in January is complemented by several recognitions. The company celebrated the achievement of having seven models awarded top honors in the 2026 U.S. News Best Cars for the Money Awards. Among the winners was the Kia EV9, designated as the best midsize electric SUV, along with accolades for the Kia Sorento and Kia Sportage in various hybrid categories. The K4 also garnered recognition as the best compact car for the money.

With strong performance across both traditional gasoline vehicles and electrified models, Kia America is set to sustain its upward momentum. As evidenced by January’s sales figures, consumers are increasingly turning to Kia for its commitment to quality, value, and innovation.

Summary of January Sales

Here’s a breakdown of the sales figures for key models in January 2026 compared to January 2025:

• - EV9: 674 units (1,232 in 2025)
• - EV6: 540 units (1,542 in 2025)
• - K4/Forte: 11,642 units (11,616 in 2025)
• - K5: 6,276 units (4,357 in 2025)
• - Soul: 1,731 units (3,554 in 2025)
• - Niro: 3,170 units (1,202 in 2025)
• - Seltos: 5,278 units (2,840 in 2025)
• - Sportage: 13,984 units (11,357 in 2025)
• - Sorento: 5,904 units (6,871 in 2025)
• - Telluride: 9,424 units (8,771 in 2025)
• - Carnival: 5,879 units (3,665 in 2025)

Total sales for the month also showcase Kia’s impressive strength with 64,502 units compared to 57,007 last year.

In conclusion, Kia America’s record-breaking sales serve as a testament to the brand's strategic vision, dedication to customer satisfaction, and commitment to expanding its electrified vehicle offerings. As the automotive industry evolves, Kia appears to be well-positioned for continued growth and innovation going forward.