South Korean automaker Kia continues to surge forward in the U.S. market, setting a new record by selling 69,000 vehicles in October, marking its best performance for the month in the brand’s history. While the year-over-year growth is modest, with just 94 additional units sold compared to October last year, this achievement underscores the brand’s resilience amidst a volatile global market landscape.
Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
The ongoing success of the Sportage crossover plays a significant role in Kia’s impressive sales figures, with October sales growing by 17.4% to a total of 16,057 units. As consumer preferences increasingly favor SUVs and crossovers, Sportage remains the company’s bestseller.
Despite its success, the Kia K4 (Forte) sedan slightly outpaced the flagship three-row Telluride. Both models have seen declines in sales, dropping by 22.6% and 11.6% respectively, hinting at shifting consumer dynamics in favor of more compact and versatile vehicle options.
Shifts and Growth in Other Models
Sales declines in some flagship models were offset by substantial growth in others. The Kia Carnival minivan posted a 34.5% increase, while the Kia K5, Seltos, and Niro models experienced growth rates of 31.2%, 31.8%, and nearly 100% respectively. Since the beginning of 2025, Kia has sold 705,105 vehicles in the U.S.-an 8% increase over the same period last year.
Challenges Facing Electric Vehicle Sales
In contrast to the overall growth, Kia’s electric vehicles (EVs) have faced substantial setbacks. The sales of the Kia EV6 and EV9 plummeted in October, with units sold dropping by 70.7% and 65.7% respectively. This sharp decline follows the expiration of U.S. federal tax incentives for electric vehicles, which had previously bolstered EV sales. In comparison, September figures for both models were significantly stronger, with sales at 3,094 for EV9 and 2,116 for EV6.
Looking Ahead: Industry Perspectives
Industry experts suggest that the cessation of federal tax credits significantly impacted consumer interest in EVs. As automakers, including Kia, strive to adjust to the changing regulatory landscape and consumer demands, the coming months will be telling in how they can sustain and potentially grow their presence in the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market.
Kia’s outstanding performance this October positions it well to navigate the challenges of the current market and capitalize on the evolving preferences of consumers, particularly as they lean towards more versatile and fuel-efficient options.