Hyundai and Kia Surge Ahead in the US with EVs Driving Record Sales

Hyundai and Kia’s Eco-Friendly Journey in the US

Hyundai and Kia vehicles are appearing on US roads more than ever, and much of that growth is thanks to EVs and hybrids. The South Korean automakers first entered the eco-friendly space in the US with the Sonata Hybrid and K5 Hybrid back in 2011.

Since then, both brands have made tremendous progress. As of August 2025, Hyundai and Kia have sold a combined 1.5 million eco-friendly vehicles in the US, spanning EVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs).

Record-Breaking Sales Growth

Although it took the automakers 11 years to reach 500,000 sales by 2022, growth has accelerated dramatically since then.

• 2021: Surpassed 100,000 annual sales for the first time

• 2022: Sold 182,627 units

• 2023: Sold 278,122 units

• 2024: Sold 364,441 units

• 2025 (H1): Already sold 221,500+ units, up 20% year-over-year

Of the 1.5 million total eco-friendly vehicles sold, hybrids account for over 1.1 million, while EVs contribute nearly 375,000. FCEVs remain niche, with just 1,850 units delivered.

Top-Selling Eco-Friendly Models

Hyundai and Kia’s best-sellers highlight the popularity of hybrids, with EVs quickly catching up:

• Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – #1

• Kia Niro Hybrid – #2

• Kia Sportage Hybrid – #3

  • Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – #4

• Kia Sorento Hybrid – #5

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 – Top-selling EV in lineup

Currently, the two automakers offer 19 eco-friendly models in the US: 8 hybrids/PHEVs, 10 EVs, and 1 FCEV.

EV Expansion in Georgia and Beyond

Both automakers are ramping up EV production in the US to meet growing demand.

• Hyundai’s Georgia EV plant is now building the 2025 IONIQ 5 and will add the 2026 IONIQ 9.

• Kia’s Georgia facility produces the EV6 and EV9, with the upcoming EV4 electric sedan launching in early 2026.

Built on the advanced E-GMP platform, Hyundai and Kia EVs deliver long driving ranges, ultra-fast charging, and competitive pricing.

Affordable EV Lease Deals

Hyundai and Kia are also winning US buyers with aggressive lease pricing:

• 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5: leases from $159/month

• 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (3-row SUV): leases from $299/month, despite a nearly $60,000 MSRP

These deals position the brands as leaders in making EVs more accessible to US families.

Balancing Hybrids and EVs Under US Policy Shifts

With new US policies under the Trump Administration, Hyundai will continue producing hybrids alongside EVs. The automaker has confirmed plans to add hybrid production at its Georgia plant starting in 2026, ensuring flexibility for shifting market and policy conditions.

Recommend Reading: Hyundai Unlocks Key to Solid-State EV Batteries