SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 19, 2026 – Kia America closed out the first half of 2026 with its best-ever June sales total, moving 70,507 units for a 10 percent year-over-year gain, and setting an all-time first-half record of 430,727 units sold — up 3 percent over the same period in 2025. The results mark the brand's third consecutive year on pace for all-time annual sales, with hybrids and electrified models leading the charge by a wide margin. Full-scale nationwide sales of the all-new 2027 Seltos are set to begin in July, giving Kia a fresh catalyst heading into the second half.
Hybrids Doing the Heavy Lifting
The numbers behind Kia's hybrid surge are hard to overlook. In June alone, hybrid models collectively jumped 187 percent year-over-year, while the broader electrified lineup rose 118 percent. Individual model performance reinforced the trend: Sportage Hybrid was up 165 percent in June and 136 percent for the first half; Sorento Hybrid climbed 114 percent in the month and 34 percent year-to-date; Carnival Hybrid rose 54 percent in June.
For the full first half, HEV models overall were up 115 percent and electrified models 68 percent — category-level growth that goes well beyond a single model or a favorable comparison period. Retail sales also rose 17 percent year-over-year in June, suggesting the demand is coming from actual buyers rather than fleet volume.
Telluride, Seltos, and Carnival Keep Setting Records
Beyond the hybrid story, Kia's core lineup continued to perform. The Telluride posted a 24 percent June gain and is up 20 percent for the first half — itself a best-ever first-half record for the model. Seltos was up 56 percent in June and 30 percent year-to-date, a notable result given that full-scale availability of the redesigned 2027 model only begins in July. The Carnival, counting all powertrains, rose 34 percent in June and 21 percent for the first half.
Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America, pointed to the brand's ability to balance its lineup as the driver of that breadth: "The results illustrate our ability to react to shifting market demands by resetting our showrooms with the right mix of ICE, hybrid and electrified models."
What's Coming in the Second Half
Kia enters July with several tailwinds. The all-new 2027 Seltos — fully redesigned with best-in-class passenger space, a standard 12.3-inch display, and a starting price of $24,990 — goes on nationwide sale this month after a limited early rollout. The 2027 Telluride continues its record-breaking momentum, and Kia has also flagged the upcoming launch of the all-new EV3 as another growth driver before year-end.
On the manufacturing side, the Kia Sportage Hybrid recently began production at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America facility in Georgia — marking the first Kia model and first hybrid to roll off that plant's lines. That US assembly expansion could improve supply responsiveness for one of the brand's fastest-growing models.
Awards Adding to the Momentum
Two Kia models picked up recognition from the Midwest Automotive Media Association during its 2026 Spring Rally: the 2027 Telluride X-Pro was named MAMA's Favorite Family Vehicle, while the 2026 K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo took the award for MAMA's Favorite Affordable Vehicle — a pairing that underlines the range of Kia's current lineup appeal from value entry points to premium family haulers.
Mini FAQ
Q: How many vehicles did Kia America sell in the first half of 2026? A: 430,727 units, a 3 percent increase over the first half of 2025 and an all-time first-half record.
Q: Which model posted the biggest June percentage gain? A: The Sportage Hybrid led individual model growth at 165 percent year-over-year for June.
Q: When does the all-new 2027 Seltos go on sale nationwide? A: Full-scale sales begin in July 2026.
Q: What new Kia model is expected to launch later in 2026? A: Kia has announced the all-new EV3 as an upcoming addition to its electrified lineup before year-end.