Kia America has set a new all-time sales record, delivering its best quarter and highest year-to-date numbers in company history. The automaker sold 65,507 units in September 2025, marking an 11% increase year over year.

That pushed Kia’s third-quarter total to 219,637 units, bringing its year-to-date tally to 583,163, already ahead of 2024’s pace and putting the brand on course for a fourth consecutive annual sales record.

Broad-Based Growth Across Segments

The surge wasn’t isolated to one hot model. Instead, Kia reported strong gains across multiple categories. Electrified vehicles jumped 26%, sedans rose 19%, and SUVs climbed 6% compared to the same period last year. This balance of growth sets Kia apart in a market where many rivals depend heavily on a single category.

Within the lineup, the K5 sedan surged 85%, the Carnival minivan jumped 48%, and SUV mainstays like the Telluride and Sportage gained 13%. Even newer entries such as the K4, which is already facing off against established rivals like the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic Hatchback, are contributing steady volume.

Why Kia Is Winning in 2025

Kia’s success comes as the U.S. auto market wrestles with tariffs, EV demand fluctuations, and shifting consumer priorities. Yet the company has managed to sustain momentum by positioning itself in the sweet spot of affordability and design appeal. Vehicles like the Sportage, which competes directly with the Nissan Rogue, demonstrate Kia’s ability to deliver value without sacrificing technology or style.

Electrified growth has also played a role. While many automakers have struggled with EV inventory or price resistance, Kia has leveraged its hybrid offerings to bridge the gap. That strategy helps explain why sedan sales, often written off as a declining segment, are actually up nearly 20% this year.

Looking Ahead

Kia executives have already hinted that the company is “on perfect trajectory” to achieve the highest U.S. market share in its history by the end of 2025. With eight straight months of year-over-year growth and new models on the horizon, the brand is well-positioned to extend its streak into 2026.

Still, challenges remain. Tariffs continue to put pressure on margins, while competition in both the compact SUV and midsize sedan categories is only heating up. Whether Kia can keep up this record-breaking pace will depend on sustaining product freshness and continuing to balance its mix of hybrids, EVs, and combustion offerings.

For now, the numbers speak clearly. Kia’s diversified lineup and aggressive strategy have made 2025 its strongest year yet.