Kia Corporation has set a new global sales benchmark in 2025, underscoring its growing strength in the global automotive market despite a challenging macroeconomic and regulatory environment. The company announced that it sold 3,135,803 vehicles worldwide in 2025, representing a 2 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase and marking the highest annual sales volume in its history.

This robust performance comes as Kia continues to transition toward electrification, expand its hybrid lineup, and optimize its global production and supply networks. Building on this momentum, the company has set an even more ambitious global sales target of 3,350,000 units for 2026, implying about 7 percent growth over its 2025 result.

Regional performance and segment dynamics

Kia’s sales growth in 2025 was supported by gains both in its home market of Korea and in overseas markets, with particularly strong contributions from its SUV lineup and electrified models.

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• In Korea, total sales reached 545,776 units in 2025, a 1 percent increase compared with 540,010 units in 2024. The domestic performance reflects steady demand for Kia’s latest SUV models, sedans, and newly launched hybrids, as well as improved production stability.

• Outside of Korea, Kia recorded sales of 2,584,238 units in 2025, up 2 percent from 2,543,168 units in 2024 (excluding special-purpose vehicles). This growth was fueled by market-specific strategies tailored to local consumer preferences, regulatory environments, and competitive landscapes.

Special-purpose vehicle (SPV) sales, which include customized commercial and fleet applications, totaled 5,789 units in 2025, down 5 percent from 6,122 units in 2024. While still a relatively small share of total volume, this segment remains strategically important as Kia prepares for longer-term opportunities in purpose-built vehicles and mobility solutions.

Overall, global sales in December 2025 totaled 236,672 units, slightly down 2 percent from 240,455 units in December 2024, reflecting some seasonal and market-specific fluctuations but not detracting from the company’s record full-year performance.

Top-selling models: SUVs lead the charge

Kia’s 2025 results highlight the continued dominance of its global SUV portfolio. The Sportage, Seltos, and Sorento collectively underpinned the company’s sales growth and reinforced its brand positioning in core markets.

• The Sportage SUV emerged as Kia’s best-selling model globally in 2025, with 569,688 units sold. Its combination of design, practicality, and electrified powertrain options continues to resonate with global customers.

• The Seltos SUV followed with 299,766 units sold, reflecting strong demand in key emerging and developed markets, where compact SUVs remain one of the fastest-growing segments.

• The Sorento SUV recorded 264,673 units in global sales, supported by its availability in multiple powertrains, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants in several markets.

Beyond these core SUVs, the launch of new models such as the Kia EV3, the new K4 sedan, and the hybrid variant of the Carnival MPV played a pivotal role in attracting new customers and expanding Kia’s reach across different segments. These launches have strengthened Kia’s presence in both the EV and hybrid markets, enhancing its product mix and positioning it well for future regulatory and consumer shifts.

Strategic drivers: EVs, hybrids, and operational flexibility

Kia’s record 2025 performance was not accidental; it reflects a deliberate strategy centered on electrification, portfolio optimization, and operational resilience.

Key factors that supported the company’s growth include:

• Launch of competitive new models: The introduction of the Kia EV3, a new-generation K4 sedan, and the hybrid Carnival MPV enhanced the brand’s appeal in both mainstream and electrified segments. These models helped attract younger, tech-oriented customers and families looking for efficient and versatile vehicles.

• Hybrid expansion in the U.S.: In the United States, Kia focused heavily on expanding its hybrid lineup, aligning with rising demand for fuel-efficient and lower-emission vehicles. This strategy helped Kia mitigate the impact of fluctuating fuel prices and evolving emissions standards.

• EV growth in Europe: In Europe, where regulatory pressure for reduced emissions remains high, Kia strengthened its market position through increased volume in battery electric vehicles (EVs). The company’s growing EV portfolio, combined with supportive incentives and infrastructure development in key European markets, contributed to sustained momentum.

• Stabilized industrial conditions: Improved supply of semiconductors and components compared with previous years allowed Kia to stabilize production. This, in turn, improved delivery times and reduced bottlenecks, enabling the company to fulfill growing global demand more effectively.

• Flexible business operations: Kia leveraged flexible manufacturing and supply chain strategies to adapt to shifting demand patterns and trade policy changes, including tariffs. This agility helped the company respond quickly to market disruptions and maintain sales momentum across regions.

By combining a diversified product portfolio, expanding electrification, and a disciplined yet flexible operational approach, Kia aims to extend its growth trajectory in 2026 and further solidify its position as one of the leading global automotive brands.

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