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Kia America Achieves Unprecedented Sales Success in September and Q3

Kia America has set remarkable new sales records for the month of September and the third quarter of 2026. The company reported 77,009 units sold in September, reflecting an impressive 18% increase from the previous year. In addition, total sales for the third quarter reached 236,659 units, marking an 8% year-over-year growth. This trajectory of success indicates that Kia is well on its way to achieving a fourth consecutive year of record sales.

Amidst these achievements, retail sales proved especially strong, with September figures hitting 70,429 units, which is a 19% increase compared to September 2025. Furthermore, third-quarter retail sales also rose to 221,664 units, which is a 9% improvement over the prior record for that quarter.

The growth isn't limited to traditional gasoline vehicles. Kia's hybrid and electrified models have also experienced a tremendous sales surge, with total electrified vehicle sales up by 152% in September and by 60% for the third quarter when compared to the same period last year. This performance is indicative of Kia's commitment to expanding its electrified vehicle lineup, mirroring the electric vehicle industry's rapid evolution.

Key models contributing to these groundbreaking sales figures include the Telluride, Seltos, Sportage, Carnival, Sorento, Niro, K5, and K4. All these models recorded double-digit sales growth year-over-year, leading the way for Kia’s overall sales success.

The Telluride HEV has emerged as a star model, receiving notable praise from customers and significantly boosting Kia’s hybrid vehicle sales. Other impressive sales figures include the Sorento HEV (+112%), Sportage HEV (+53%), and Carnival HEV (+47%), all of which have contributed to the brand's record-breaking performance.

Eric Watson, Kia America’s Vice President of Sales Operations, stated, "With record-breaking September and best-ever quarterly sales, Kia continues to demonstrate the strength of its brand and product portfolio. Our diverse range of models and powertrains allows us to cater to drivers at every stage of life, reinforcing Kia's position as a brand to watch in the automotive industry."

Kia America’s success in the marketplace was only magnified as two of their models garnered accolades from the Green Car Journal’s annual Green Car Awards™. The new all-electric 2027 Kia EV3 was awarded Green Car of the Year®, while the 2026 Carnival Hybrid secured the title of Green Minivan of the Year®. Furthermore, the recently launched 2027 Telluride received the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), showcasing Kia’s commitment to both safety and sustainability.

In September, the company launched a creative marketing campaign titled “Hybrids That Move to a New Beat”, promoting the impressive efficiency and appeal of its line of hybrid SUVs and utility vehicles. With the second largest hybrid vehicle lineup in the industry, Kia aims to engage consumers looking for environmentally friendly alternatives in a family-friendly package.

As Kia continues to break sales records, their focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability will undoubtedly shape the future of the company and the automotive industry at large. The momentum achieved in the first three quarters of 2026 positions Kia strongly for higher sales expectations in 2027 and beyond.

Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies for 2026 and is proud to support and serve the community as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and WNBA. With nearly 800 U.S. dealers, Kia offers a wide array of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles, reflecting its commitment to innovation and quality in the automotive sector.