Hyundai and Kia’s record US sales run is showing no signs of slowing down

Hyundai and Kia posted record US sales in July, and hybrids and electric vehicles drove most of the growth. Hyundai sold 82,480 vehicles, up 4% from last year, while Kia sold 75,867, both the best July totals ever for the brands. Hybrid sales jumped sharply for both companies: Hyundai's rose 35%, with the Sonata, Elantra, and Tucson hybrids all hitting new July highs, while Kia's hybrid sales more than doubled, up 108%, led by record months for the Sportage hybrid, Carnival hybrid, and Sorento.

Fully electric models had a mixed month. Hyundai's IONIQ 5, its top-selling EV, dropped 38% in July, though year-to-date sales are down only slightly. The larger three-row IONIQ 9 fell 35% for the month but is up 166% for the year so far. Kia saw a similar pattern: EV6 sales are down about a third this year, while its own three-row IONIQ 9 is up roughly 30% year-to-date.

For homeowners weighing an electric or hybrid vehicle alongside home upgrades like a heat pump or EV charger, this signals that hybrid options from these brands are in high demand right now, which could affect availability or wait times. Kia also plans to launch a smaller, more affordable electric SUV, the EV3, later this year, expected to start around $35,000, though pricing isn't finalized. That could be worth watching if you're shopping for a lower-cost EV to pair with home charging.