Critical Shifts:
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Hybrids are the ultimate lot sweet spot: Kia’s total hybrid sales skyrocketed by 179% year-over-year, driven by triple-digit gains on popular models like the Sportage Hybrid (+171%) and Sorento Hybrid (+101%). This signals a massive, immediate consumer shift toward fuel efficiency that independent dealers can cash in on at auction.
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The Telluride remains a guaranteed turn: Sourcing late-model Tellurides is a safe bet for independent lots. The flagship SUV marked its fifth consecutive month of record-breaking sales (up 18% in May), proving that consumer demand for premium three-row family haulers hasn't slowed down despite broader economic headwinds.
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With 80,502 units sold in May, fast-growing Kia America continues to reach new heights led by sales through Kia retailers, which increased 11% over May 2025 and beating the previous retail record set in August 2025. In addition, Kia achieved a new year-to-date overall sales record of 360,220 total units sold through the first five months of the year, marking a 2% increase over the first five months of 2025.
Three of Kia’s most popular models including Telluride (+18%); Carnival (+16%); and Sportage (+6%); set best-ever May sales records, with the second-generation Telluride also setting a best-ever any-month sales record and achieving five consecutive months of record-breaking sales. Kia’s hybrid models saw significant growth with Sportage Hybrid (+171%); Sorento Hybrid (+101%); and Carnival Hybrid (+32%); each achieving best-ever May sales records and Carnival Hybrid also setting its best-ever any-month sales record.
Overall, Kia’s hybrid models (+179%) and electrified models (+133%) delivered the highest monthly and best-ever May year-to-date sales totals in company history.
“Even as consumer preferences continue to evolve, Kia continues to break retail, monthly and year-to-date sales records thanks to our wide range of ICE, hybrid and electrified models.” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “With five consecutive months of record-breaking sales, the flagship 2027 Telluride continues to shatter all initial expectations. Traffic to showrooms nationwide is growing and we are confident that this momentum will carry us through the first half of the year and beyond in spite of recent economic challenges.”
