Kia Smashes June Sales Records as Hybrids Explode — Best First Half Ever

Kia has just delivered its strongest June sales performance in company history, selling 70,507 vehicles — a 10% jump over June 2025. The surge was powered by electrified models, with hybrid versions of the Sportage, Sorento, and Carnival leading the charge: hybrid Sportage sales skyrocketed 165%, Sorento hybrids rose 114%, and Carnival hybrids climbed 56%. The Telluride (+24%) and Seltos (+56%) also contributed to the record month. Only two models saw declines: the Kia EV6 and Kia K4. Over the first half of 2026, Kia has sold 430,727 vehicles — up 3.4% versus the same period in 2025 — with electrified models driving much of the growth. Hybrid sales surged 115% year-to-date, while overall electrified sales rose 68%. The EV9, Kia’s three-row battery-electric SUV, continued its upward trajectory with 1,299 units sold in June and 7,035 year-to-date — a 42% increase over the first half of 2025. The EV6, however, saw a decline, with 584 units sold in June and 4,043 year-to-date. Despite mixed EV results, Kia’s total EV sales through June reached 11,078 — up 265 units from 2025. Eric Watson, Kia America’s vice president of sales and operations, credited the brand’s success to a well-balanced lineup of internal combustion, hybrid, and electrified powertrains, saying the results show Kia’s ability to adapt to shifting consumer demand by stocking showrooms with the right mix of models.