Kia America's Record Sales in January 2026
Kia America is starting the year on a high note, maintaining its record-breaking sales trajectory by registering an impressive
64,502 units sold in January 2026. This figure marks a
13% increase compared to January 2025, showcasing the brand's remarkable growth momentum. Notably, this achievement follows Kia's best annual sales the previous year, indicating that the company is not slowing down.
Several of Kia's popular models contributed to this success, with the
Kia Carnival seeing a substantial increase in sales of
60%, and the
Kia Sportage following closely with a
23% rise. The
K5 and
Telluride also performed strongly, showing increases of
8% and
7% respectively. Furthermore, the total sales for all electrified models surged by
45%, while SUV sales rose by
14%, underscoring the growing customer demand for electrification and versatility.
Eric Watson, the Vice President of Sales Operations at Kia America, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s performance, stating, “After three consecutive years of record sales, January's outstanding performance indicates that Kia continues to maintain its momentum. The brand’s strategy of providing customers with everything they need, and even more than they expect across various segments, is attracting an increasing number of new customers.”
In addition to celebrating successful sales figures, Kia America introduced several new vehicles that are expected to fortify its market position in 2026. The flagship
2027 Telluride, now available in a hybrid version, and the highly anticipated
K4 hatchback, set to arrive shortly at dealerships, are key elements in Kia’s arsenal for sustained success.
Performance Highlights from January 2026
Here’s a snapshot of the sales performance of various models:
- - EV9: 674 units sold, compared to 1,232 units in January 2025.
- - EV6: 540 units, down from 1,542 units last year.
- - K4/Forte: Approximately 11,642 units sold, slightly up from 11,616.
- - Soul: 1,731 units, down from 3,554.
- - Niro: 3,170 units, a significant leap from 1,202 units.
- - Seltos: Increased to 5,278 units from 2,840.
- - Sportage: 13,984 units sold, showing growth from 11,357.
- - Sorento: 5,904 units, slightly lower than 6,871 last year.
- - Telluride: 9,424 units sold, compared to 8,771.
- - Carnival: 5,879 units, significantly up from 3,665.
Total sales for the month reached
64,502 units, a notable improvement from the previous year's
57,007 units. This surge across various models illustrates Kia's effective strategies and the growing appeal of their vehicles.
Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, continues to be a leader in automotive quality surveys. It was recognized by TIME as one of the most sustainable companies globally in 2024, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. Additionally, Kia serves as the
Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and WNBA, reinforcing its presence in the sports arena.
As Kia gears up for the rest of 2026, it seems positioned for continued growth, buoyed by strong consumer demand and an expanding lineup of vehicles tailored to meet diverse customer needs. As the
K4 hatchback and the new hybrid
Telluride roll out, Kia America is poised to break more records in the months to come.