Kia America Sets Record-Breaking Sales for August
Kia America has announced record-breaking sales figures for August, marking the automaker's best performance in a single month. The company sold 83,793 vehicles, a 1 percent increase from the same period last year, and set a new monthly sales record. Retail sales for the month reached 77,984 units, also a new high.
For the first eight months of 2026, Kia America achieved cumulative sales of 590,377 units and retail sales of 543,085 units, both up 3 percent year-over-year. This marks the first time the company has achieved such high sales figures for the January to August period.
The success is particularly notable in the hybrid and electrified vehicle segments. Sales of hybrid models surged 99 percent, and the broader electrified lineup rose 36 percent, leading to record-high August results in these categories.
Six key models—Telluride, Seltos, Sportage, Carnival, K5, and K4—also achieved their best-ever August sales figures. Specifically, the Seltos saw a 53 percent increase, the Carnival a 13 percent increase, and the K4 a 7 percent increase. The Telluride and Sportage both experienced a 4 percent increase, while the K5 also showed a 4 percent rise.
Kia's hybrid models, particularly the Sportage Hybrid, Sorento Hybrid, and Carnival Hybrid, performed exceptionally well, with the Sportage Hybrid posting a 40 percent increase in sales. The Sorento Hybrid increased by 22 percent, and the Carnival Hybrid saw a 15 percent rise.
According to Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America, "The broad appeal of our products and the breadth of our powertrain offerings have directly contributed to the high demand for our models and Kia's record-breaking sales performance."
Watson added, "The all-new 2027 Seltos is quickly gaining traction with consumers, and Telluride continues to exceed expectations. The addition of the recently launched EV3, an affordable all-electric SUV, further strengthens our position to maintain this record-breaking sales momentum through the end of the year."
Kia America also revealed pricing for its upcoming models. The all-new 2027 EV3, the most affordable EV in Kia's lineup, starts at $29,890 (plus $1,495 destination). The EV3 is designed to expand electric vehicle adoption, offering up to 321 miles of all-electric range and DC fast-charging capabilities. Additionally, the gas-powered version of the 2027 Sportage starts at $28,990, with the X-Line trim now equipped with a standard Panoramic Sunroof and Smart Power Liftgate.
The refreshed 2027 Niro, which sharpens its hybrid crossover formula with a bolder design and expanded technology, starts at $29,890. The new model year includes redesigned front and rear fascias with Kia's signature Star Map lighting elements, new exterior colors, and an updated cabin. The Niro lineup now includes a new S trim alongside the LX, EX, and SX models.
Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, continues to excel in automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies. The company is the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles through its network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S.