The global sales figures for May 2025 have been released, and they show that both Kia and Hyundai are seeing strong growth. Further, it looks like Kia is slowly closing the sales gap between the two brands. Hyundai has long outsold Kia globally, but there are signs that the gap might be shrinking.
Kia and Hyundai Nearly Tied in America
Hyundai’s global sales went down about 1.7% last month, while Kia posted a 1.7% increase compared to the same month a year ago. The global sales race is now a lot closer. However, in America, both brands are nearly tied. Hyundai sold 84,521 units in May, which is an increase of 8% compared to last May.
Meanwhile, Kia sold 79,007 units, an increase of 5% compared to last year. Both brands are growing faster in America compared to globally. In the first five months of the year, Kia has moved 352,656 units, while Hyundai sits at 369,578 for the same period. Hyundai still maintains a lead, but the gap is narrowing.
Hyundai has been successful in staying ahead of Kia in America thanks to its focus on affordable hybrid cars like the Elantra and Sonata. Kia has a decent amount of hybrid crossovers, but it doesn’t have any hybrid sedans. Hyundai also offers the compact Santa Cruz pickup, which Kia currently doesn’t have an answer for.
Several New Models Help Kia’s Sales
Kia has been busy with key product launches in the first five months of the year. Many of these new models are not available in America yet, and some aren’t coming at all. For example, the EV3 SUV, EV4 sedan, and the Tasman pickup. Along with the new models, Kia’s core models have been thriving. The Sportage, Seltos, and Sorrento are the brand’s top sellers.
Currently, Hyundai doesn’t have an alternative to the EV4 sedan. However, the Hyundai Elexio will share the EV4’s platform, but it’s being designed exclusively for China and is currently not yet in production. The Kia EV4 sedan is expected to hit your local Kia dealer sometime in 2026.
Bright Future Ahead
Both Korean brands appear to have a bright future ahead. They share multiple powertrains and platforms, but both have also grown into distinct automakers and not just copies of each other. Hyundai has maintained its edge in performance with the N performance division, but Kia has gained fans with many affordable models and bolder styling.
Both brands also have an extensive lineup of EV models, especially in America. They’ve quickly eclipsed both the Big 3 domestic brands and Japanese automakers in this area. Kia has occasionally managed to outsell Hyundai in some smaller markets, but Hyundai remains the clear leader globally and in America.
Kia was over a million units short of Hyundai’s global sales last year, but several exciting new launches should cause the gap to shrink in the next six months or so. Kia recently won the 2025 World Car of the Year award for the Kia EV3, which should also bolster its sales.
