Hyundai and Kia Achieve Record Sales in February Driven by SUV and Hybrid Demand
Synopsis
Hyundai Motor and Kia have reached record vehicle sales in the U.S. for February, with strong demand for SUVs and hybrids fueling growth. Discover the significant figures behind their success and the challenges faced in the electric vehicle market.
Key Takeaways
Record sales achieved by Hyundai and Kia in February.
137,412 vehicles sold, marking a 5% increase from last year.
Hyundai's sales rose 5.7% to 71,407 units .
Kia's sales increased 4.3% to 66,005 units .
Strong demand for SUVs like the Palisade and Telluride fueled growth.
Seoul, March 4 (NationPress) Hyundai Motor and Kia have achieved unprecedented vehicle sales in the United States during February, fueled by a strong appetite for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and hybrid cars, as announced by the automakers on Wednesday.
The South Korean manufacturers reported a total of 137,412 vehicles sold in the U.S. last month, reflecting a 5 percent increase from the previous year, according to Yonhap news agency.
Hyundai Motor, which includes its luxury division Genesis, recorded sales of 71,407 units, marking a 5.7 percent rise year-on-year, while Kia's sales increased 4.3 percent to reach 66,005 units. Both companies achieved their best sales figures for February.
The success of Hyundai was significantly driven by the demand for midsize and large SUVs, particularly with the Palisade seeing a remarkable 28.4 percent surge in sales to 10,025 units and the Santa Fe experiencing an 18.6 percent increase, totaling 11,344 units.
Kia’s sales growth was bolstered by impressive performances of key models. The Telluride SUV saw sales increase by 68.7 percent to 13,198 units, while the K5 sedan also rose 60.6 percent to match 13,198 units.
On the other hand, the combined sales of electric vehicles (EVs) dropped by 21.9 percent year-on-year to 5,576 units, a decline attributed to the impact of auto tariffs from Washington and the reduction of related subsidies.
Additionally, Hyundai Motor and Kia had also reported record sales for January in the U.S., driven by the same strong demand for SUVs and hybrids.
In January, the pair sold a total of 125,296 vehicles, which was a 7.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Hyundai's sales were significantly boosted by strong SUV demand, as Palisade sales rose 28.7 percent to 8,604 units, and the Kona compact SUV saw a 21.9 percent increase, totaling 5,321 units.
Kia also enjoyed significant growth in key models, with Seltos compact SUV sales skyrocketing 85.8 percent to 5,278 units, and the Carnival minivan soaring 60.4 percent to 5,879 units.
Point of View
I recognize the impressive sales figures reported by Hyundai and Kia. Their ability to meet consumer demand for SUVs and hybrids reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry. However, the decline in electric vehicle sales raises questions about future market dynamics.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contributed to Hyundai and Kia's record sales?
Strong demand for SUVs and hybrid models significantly contributed to the record sales figures.
How did Hyundai and Kia perform compared to last year?
Both automakers saw increases in sales, with Hyundai reporting a 5.7% rise and Kia a 4.3% increase year-on-year.
What challenges are Hyundai and Kia facing in the electric vehicle market?
They experienced a decline in EV sales due to the impact of tariffs and the rollback of subsidies.
Which specific models are driving sales for these automakers?
Models like the Hyundai Palisade, Santa Fe, Kia Telluride, and K5 sedan have shown significant sales growth.
What is the outlook for Hyundai and Kia in the coming months?
With strong demand for SUVs and hybrids, both automakers are expected to continue performing well, despite challenges in the EV sector.
