Kia’s momentum in the United States has carried over to the new year. Throughout 2025, the manufacturer sold 852,155 vehicles across the country, a record result, and January 2026 sales reached another all-time high. Last month, Kia sold 64,502 vehicles, a 13% increase over January 2025. No less than six different Kia models set January sales records, while sales of electrified models and SUVs also set new records. And, while the Kia Soul went out of production last year, this appears to be benefitting sales of the brand’s other affordable crossovers.
From Sedans To Minivans, Kia Is On A Roll
2026 Kia Carnival
Kia saw great sales results for sedans, SUVs, and minivans alike last month. The Carnival (5,879 units sold), Sportage (13,984), K5 (6,276), Telluride (9,424), Seltos (5,278), and K4/Forte (11,642) all posted record January sales. While the K4’s January sales were up by just 2%, the Carnival managed a 60% increase, part of a general trend where minivans are gaining some ground again.
The Sportage was Kia’s top-selling model, followed by the K4/Forte and Telluride. Kia’s EVs didn’t perform as well, but that’s not a surprise as many manufacturers have seen lower EV sales in recent months; the EV6 reached 540 units and the EV9 was on 674. However, electrified Kia models (including both hybrids and EVs) were up by 45%, and SUV sales grew by 14%.
Kristen Brown/Autoblog
The Kia Soul, which was discontinued last year, saw sales dip to 1,731 units, down from 3,554 in January 2025. This is likely due to remaining inventory of the subcompact crossover gradually drying up. However, sales of the Niro (3,170) and Seltos (5,278) were up, so it’s possible that Soul customers turned to one of these affordable Kia crossovers instead.
“Building on three straight annual sales records, January’s record performance shows that Kia is not slowing down as the brand’s strategy of giving customers everything they need and more than they expect across a variety of segments and powertrains attracts more and more new customers,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America.
Two New Models Expected To Be Big Sellers
2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Gabriel Ionica
January’s sales don’t take into account the new K4 Hatchback and Telluride, both of which will reach showrooms imminently. The K4 Hatchback’s starting price of under $25,000 should make it very popular, especially as Kia hasn’t had a small hatchback on sale for a few years. The second-generation Telluride, which will launch as a 2027 model, is a lot pricier, but it’s bound to take over where the old one left off. A new hybrid powertrain option and starting price of under $40k bode well for the three-row crossover.
We expect these new entries to start significantly impacting the sales charts before the end of the first quarter.
Why Are Kias So Popular?
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Kia remains a value-oriented brand, much as it was when the first Kia arrived on our shores in late 1993—that was the Sephia sedan. But everything else has changed since then. Kia has branched out into the SUV, minivan, and EV segments, so it covers all core categories, much like its long-running Japanese rivals, Honda and Toyota.
Kia also sets itself apart in design. Its models are boldly styled (just take a look at the new Telluride next to the old one), and even the brand’s cheapest cars don’t blend into the background. The brand is on a rapid path to hybridization, too, as underlined by its record electrified vehicle sales last month.
It’s the combination of these factors that have catapulted Kia into the mainstream. It’s an established household name at this point, but it’s backing that up with solid, well-rounded, and daring products.
