FYI: Hyundai and Kia Achieve Record Hybrid Sales Amidst EV Decline in U.S. Market
Hyundai and Kia Hit Sales Milestones
Hyundai and Kia have announced exceptional first-half sales results in the United States, surpassing previous records. Their combined sales approached half a million vehicles, largely driven by the popularity of hybrid models, even as electric vehicle (EV) sales experienced a downturn due to model year transitions.
Record-Setting Hybrid Sales
Hyundai saw its half-year sales rise to 439,280 units, powered by the strong performance of the Tucson and Elantra. This represents a 10% increase compared to last year. Similarly, Kia’s sales were bolstered by the Telluride and K4, reaching 416,511 units, marking an 8% growth.
Hyundai’s hybrids, such as the Tucson and Santa Fe, played a pivotal role in this success. These models set new sales records, with the company’s total electrified sales—including hybrids and plug-in hybrids—up by 20% in the first half of 2025.
Shift in the Electric Vehicle Market
Despite the rise in hybrid sales, Hyundai’s EV numbers saw a slight decline. The Ioniq 5 remained the best-selling EV but experienced a marginal drop of 2% with 19,092 units sold. The Ioniq 6 fell by 9%, and both models recorded a decline of 12% and 8% in the second quarter, respectively. The newly launched Ioniq 9 logged 1,013 deliveries.
Kia faced a more significant challenge, with the EV6 sales dropping by 46% and the EV9 by 49%. This decline is attributed to model year changes and the integration of the Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug, enabling easier access to Tesla Superchargers.
Regulatory and Market Trends Influencing Buyers
Hybrid vehicles have gained popularity as EV sales have not met initial expectations, partly due to policy shifts and potential changes in tax credits. Buyers are increasingly drawn to hybrids for their excellent fuel economy and ability to operate in electric mode at low speeds.
Conclusion
Hyundai and Kia’s robust hybrid sales underscore the evolving dynamics of the U.S. automotive market, where hybrids currently enjoy a preference due to economic and practical considerations. As regulatory agendas shift and technology evolves, both automakers are well-positioned to adapt to the changing landscape of vehicle electrification.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or follow us on Twitter @automotivefyi.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
