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Hyundai, Kia post record February sales in U.S. thanks to SUVs, hybrid cars

Published: 04 Mar. 2026, 13:15

Export-bound cars are lined up at Pyeongtaek Port in Gyeonggi on Feb. 25. [YONHAP]

Hyundai Motor and Kia reported record vehicle sales — driven by robust demand for SUVs and hybrid models — in the United States for the month of February, the automakers said on Wednesday.

The Korean automakers sold a combined 137,412 vehicles in the United States last month, up 5 percent from a year earlier, according to the companies.

Hyundai Motor, including its luxury brand Genesis, sold 71,407 units — a 5.7 percent on-year increase.

Meanwhile, Kia's sales gained 4.3 percent on year to 66,005 units.

This marked both Hyundai and Kia's highest-ever sales for February.

Hyundai Motor's performance was backed by strong demand for midsize and large SUVs, with sales of the Palisade jumping 28.4 percent on year to 10,025 units and those of the Santa Fe rising 18.6 percent to 11,344 units.

Kia's sales boost was supported by sharp gains across key models. Sales of the Telluride SUV surged 68.7 percent to 13,198 units, and those for the K5 sedan jumped 60.6 percent to 13,198 units.

In contrast, combined EV sales fell 21.9 percent on year to 5,576 units, reflecting the continued effects of Washington's auto tariffs and rollback of related subsidies.

Yonhap