Kia America achieved record sales in the United States in February, with 66,005 vehicles sold, a 4% increase over February 2025. After a record-breaking 2025, Kia’s momentum continues in 2026, as seven different models posted year-over-year sales increases. The Korean marque also achieved its best-ever February for hybrid sales, while the all-new Telluride (launched as a 2027 model) is off to a strong start—February was the first month of nationwide availability for the second-generation Telluride.
Telluride Nearly Topples Sportage
Kia
The compact Kia Sportage is typically Kia’s top-selling model in the U.S., and it was once more in February 2026 with 13,901 units sold. But the midsize, three-row Telluride wasn’t far behind on 13,198 units—up from 9,599 units in February 2025. The Telluride’s 37% year-on-year sales increase led all other Kia models, and suggests the second-gen model will be another hit. The Telluride Hybrid is yet to hit its stride, with pricing announced days ago and production only recently starting at the Kia Georgia plant in West Point. For this reason, we expect even better Telluride sales in the months ahead.
“Interest in the Kia brand throughout the U.S. is growing by leaps and bounds and the all-new 2027 Telluride is the reason. Just as we launched the second-generation SUV, Telluride achieved its highest-ever monthly sales, underscoring the sustained interest in and ongoing popularity of this segment leading model,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America.
The Carnival (+31%), K5 (+21%), Niro (+20%), Seltos (+14%), Sportage (+6%), and K4 (+3%) all posted year-over-year increases in February 2026. The only Kia models to see year-over-year declines were the EV6, EV9, Sorento, and Soul—the Soul was discontinued and EV sales are cooling off industry-wide, so only the Sorento’s slide is a true disappointment. Sales of the EV6 dropped by 53% to just 600 units in February.
Related: 2025 Kia Telluride Vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Side-by-Side Gallery
Kia Hybrids Excel
Kia
Last month, Kia posted a 53% year-over-year increase in sales of hybrid models, more than making up for the decline in EV demand. Unlike some other brands, Kia does not break down sales between hybrid and non-hybrid models, but it’s likely that electrified versions of the Sportage, Telluride, Carnival, and Sorento contributed.
Kia has seven different hybrids on sale, including three plug-ins: Niro, Sportage, and Sorento. These models are more powerful than the standard hybrids and can be driven on electric power alone. Although Toyota remains well in front in U.S. hybrid sales, Kia’s tremendous growth in this category is telling. The company is clearly capitalizing on hybrids being seen as the sweet spot between less efficient non-hybrids and pricier EVs.
What It Means
Kia
Kia’s major launch of the last few months was undoubtedly the Telluride, and early sales figures suggest that dropping the V6 and introducing a more polarizing design has not scared off customers at all. If the Telluride’s momentum continues, it may become the brand’s top-selling nameplate in 2026.
Overall, Kia’s sales growth can be attributed to it casting its net wide. While some brands have focused exclusively on EVs, certain body styles, or hybrids, Kia has something for everyone. From affordable non-hybrid hatchbacks to hybrid minivans and fully electric three-row SUVs, the diversity of Kia’s lineup has positioned it strongly, even when compared to legacy rivals like Toyota and Honda.
