Why did Hyundai and Kia post record U.S. sales in September?

Strong demand for sport utility vehicles and hybrid models drove the gains. Hyundai Motor Group affiliates said those segments supported the monthly records for both brands.

How much did Hyundai Motor America and Kia America sell in September?

Hyundai Motor America sold 77,439 vehicles, up 9 percent from a year earlier. Kia America sold 77,009 units, up 18 percent year on year.

Which Hyundai and Kia models helped drive September sales growth in the U.S.?

Hyundai’s Palisade SUV rose 52 percent on-year, while the Sonata, Tucson and Santa Fe also posted double-digit growth. For Kia, the Seltos, Niro, K4, Telluride, Sorento, Carnival, K5 and Sportage were among the models that supported the strong result.

Hyundai, Kia post record US sales in September

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Summary

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. posted record U.S. sales in September, driven by strong demand for SUVs and hybrid models. Hyundai Motor America sold 77,439 vehicles, up 9 percent year on year, while Kia America sold 77,009 units, up 18 percent. Hyundai’s Palisade SUV surged 52 percent, and hybrid electric vehicles made up 28 percent of Hyundai’s U.S. sales.

Key Facts

Hyundai Motor America recorded its highest-ever September sales at 77,439 vehicles, up 9 percent from a year earlier.
Kia America posted its best-ever September sales at 77,009 units, an 18 percent increase year on year.
The Palisade SUV was a standout for Hyundai, with sales rising 52 percent on-year.
Hybrid electric vehicles accounted for 28 percent of Hyundai’s total U.S. sales in September.
The Seltos, Niro, K4, Telluride, Sorento, Carnival, K5 and Sportage contributed to Kia’s monthly performance.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 2, 2026 8:28 am KST

The Palisade SUV / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. posted record U.S. sales for September, driven by strong demand for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and hybrid models, the Hyundai Motor Group affiliates said Friday.

Hyundai Motor America sold 77,439 vehicles last month, up 9 percent from a year earlier, marking its highest-ever September sales.

Sales of the Palisade SUV surged 52 percent on-year, while the Sonata, Tucson and Santa Fe also posted double-digit growth.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) accounted for 28 percent of Hyundai's total U.S. sales during the month.

Kia America also reported its best-ever September sales, with deliveries jumping 18 percent on-year to 77,009 units.

The Seltos, Niro, K4, Telluride, Sorento, Carnival, K5 and Sportage were among the models that contributed to the strong monthly performance.

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