2025 has turned out to be a landmark year for Kia Corporation. The global automaker has announced its highest-ever annual sales, delivering more than 3.13 million vehicles worldwide and setting a new company record.

The performance comes despite a challenging global environment, underlining Kia’s steady momentum across key markets and its growing focus on SUVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Alongside the record numbers, the company has also shared its global sales targets for 2026, signalling confidence in continued growth.

Breaking Down Kia’s 2025 Global Sales Performance

In 2025, Kia recorded global sales of 3,135,803 units, marking a 2% year-on-year increase and the strongest annual performance in the company’s history.

• Outside Korea: 2,584,238 units sold, up 2%
• Korea: 545,776 units sold, up 1%

This balanced growth highlights Kia’s ability to perform both in its home market and across international regions, even as supply chains and trade conditions remained unpredictable.

SUVs Continue to Lead from the Front

SUVs once again formed the backbone of Kia’s global success. The Kia Sportage emerged as the brand’s best-selling model globally, with nearly 570,000 units sold in 2025.

It was followed by strong performances from the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sorento, reinforcing Kia’s dominance in the SUV space.

The launch of new models such as the Kia EV3, the K4 sedan, and the hybrid Carnival MPV also played a key role in supporting volumes and attracting new customers.

Looking Ahead: Kia’s 2026 Sales Targets

Buoyed by its 2025 performance, Kia has set an ambitious global sales target of 3.35 million units for 2026.

• Outside Korea: 2.775 million units
• Korea: 565,000 units
• Special Purpose Vehicles: 10,000 units

To achieve this, the company plans to expand its hybrid lineup, especially across key SUV models such as the Telluride and Seltos, while also increasing production efficiency and strengthening supply chain sustainability.

Electrification and Hybrid Strategy in Focus

Kia’s strategy going forward is clear: electrification will remain central. While EV volumes continue to grow in markets like Europe, Kia is also doubling down on hybrids in regions such as the U.S., offering customers a practical transition path toward cleaner mobility.

This dual approach EVs and hybrids positions Kia to respond flexibly to varying market demands while maintaining global momentum.