Hyundai and Kia have announced their best-ever first-half sales results in the U.S., marking a significant milestone for the South Korean automakers. Together, they sold nearly half a million vehicles in the first six months of the year. This achievement was primarily fueled by the strong performance of their hybrid models, which offset a slight dip in fully electric vehicle sales. The robust sales figures underscore the growing consumer demand for hybrid technology as a bridge between traditional combustion engines and full electrification.
Hyundai’s sales were propelled by the Tucson and Elantra, reaching a total of 439,280 units, a 10% increase year-over-year. Kia also experienced substantial growth, with the Telluride and K4 contributing to 416,511 sales, an 8% rise compared to the same period last year. These figures highlight the sustained popularity and competitiveness of Hyundai and Kia in the U.S. automotive market.
Hyundai’s hybrid lineup has played a crucial role in driving the company’s sales success. Models like the Tucson hybrid and plug-in hybrid, along with the Santa Fe hybrid, have achieved record sales in the first half of the year. These vehicles appeal to consumers seeking fuel efficiency and reduced emissions without fully committing to electric vehicles. The overall electrified sales, encompassing hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs, saw a 20% increase in the first half of 2025, demonstrating the growing demand for electrified options.
While Hyundai and Kia typically report combined sales figures for their hybrid models alongside their gas-powered counterparts, Hyundai provided specific sales data for its individual hybrid models. The second quarter sales figures for the Tucson HEV, Tucson PHEV, and Santa Fe HEV showcase the increasing popularity of these models:
| Model | Total Q2 Sales | Year-over-year % |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson HEV | 15,991 | +19% |
| Tucson PHEV | 1,424 | +24% |
| Santa Fe HEV | 13,601 | +56% |
The Santa Fe HEV saw a remarkable 56% increase in sales compared to the previous year, indicating a strong market reception and growing consumer preference for hybrid SUVs. The Tucson HEV and PHEV also experienced significant growth, further solidifying Hyundai’s position in the hybrid vehicle segment.
While Hyundai and Kia celebrated overall sales growth, their electric vehicle sales experienced a slight decline in the first half of the year. Hyundai sold 19,092 units of the Ioniq 5, a decrease of approximately 2% compared to the previous year. The Ioniq 6 saw a more significant drop of 9%, with sales falling from 6,912 units to 6,322 units. In the second quarter alone, Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 sales were down by 12% and 8%, respectively. However, the Ioniq 9, a new three-row electric SUV, recorded 1,013 deliveries, indicating potential for future growth in the EV segment.
Kia’s EV models also faced sales challenges. The EV6 experienced a substantial decline of around 46%, dropping from 10,941 units to 5,875 units. Similarly, the EV9 saw a decrease of approximately 49%, with sales falling from 9,671 units to 4,938 units. These declines have been attributed to model year changes and the transition to the North American Charging Standard (NACS).
Kia has cited model year changes as a primary reason for the EV sales decline. Both the EV6 and EV9 are transitioning to include the Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug directly from the factory. This move will provide seamless access to thousands of Tesla Superchargers across the country, enhancing the convenience and appeal of these EVs. Hyundai’s EVs, with the exception of the Kona Electric, are also adopting the NACS plug at the factory. The Kona and Kia Niro EV can utilize NACS adapters for charging at Tesla Superchargers.
The shift towards hybrids reflects a broader trend in the U.S. automotive market, where EV sales growth has been uneven and slower than initially anticipated. Factors such as regulatory pressures on pro-EV policies and potential changes to tax credits under the Trump administration may be influencing consumer preferences. Hybrids offer a compelling alternative, providing excellent fuel economy and the ability to operate in electric-only mode at lower speeds, making them an attractive option for environmentally conscious buyers.
