Record-Breaking Sales as Hybrid Models Lead the Way
Hyundai Motor Group’s Hyundai and Kia brands both set new monthly sales records in the United States in July 2026. Hyundai sold 82,480 vehicles in the U.S. that month, marking a 3% year-over-year increase, while Kia sold 75,857 units, up 7% from the same period last year. Both brands have now recorded growth for three consecutive months, primarily fueled by strong demand for hybrid models.
Hyundai’s hybrid lineup delivered an outstanding performance, with the Sonata Hybrid, Elantra Hybrid, and Tucson Hybrid all achieving record July sales. The Tucson emerged as Hyundai’s best-selling model in July, with 19,714 units sold, followed by the Elantra at 17,115 units and the Santa Fe at 13,373 units. For Kia, the Sportage was the top-selling model, with 16,083 units sold—a 76% year-over-year surge—while the Carnival Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid also saw sales increases of 16%.
Hyundai’s hybrid sales reached an all-time high in July, while Kia’s hybrid sales surged by 108% compared to the same period last year. Industry analysts attribute the growth to recent average U.S. gas prices exceeding $4 per gallon, coupled with heightened consumer focus on fuel efficiency. Hyundai stated that hybrid vehicles have become a mainstream choice in the U.S. market and pledged to continue expanding its hybrid lineup.
EV Sales Decline as Hyundai Ioniq 6 Plummets 82%
In contrast to the strong performance of hybrid models, Hyundai and Kia’s electric vehicle sales saw a significant decline. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 sold just 76 units in July, an 82% year-over-year drop, making it the brand’s worst-performing model for the month. The decline is largely due to Hyundai’s decision to discontinue standard Ioniq 6 trims in the U.S., retaining only the performance-oriented Ioniq 6 N. The Ioniq 5 sold 3,636 units in July, a 38% year-over-year decrease, while the Ioniq 9 sold 700 units, down 35%.
Kia’s electric vehicle sales also struggled, with the EV6 selling only 674 units in July, a 47% year-over-year decline. The EV9 sold 1,650 units, down 5% from the previous year. However, cumulative sales from January through July 2026 tell a different story: the EV9 sold 8,685 units, a 30% year-over-year increase, making it Kia’s best-selling electric vehicle so far this year. During the same period, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 sold 24,366 units, a slight 2% decline, while the Ioniq 9 surged by 166%, reaching 5,558 units.
Hyundai attributed the Ioniq 6’s sales decline to product adjustments and stated it will continue to assess market demand. Kia emphasized the long-term potential of the EV9 and its commitment to advancing the electric vehicle market. Industry observers suggest that as automakers introduce more affordable electric models, the EV market may gradually recover, though hybrid vehicles are expected to dominate consumer demand in the near term.
