IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kia America sold 83,793 units in August, marking a 1 percent year-over-year increase and setting a new all-time monthly sales record. August retail sales totaled 77,984 units, setting a new record for the month of August. For the January – August period, cumulative sales reached 590,377 units, while retail sales through Kia dealers totaled 543,085 units; both figures represent a 3 percent year-over-year increase and all-time highs. Sales of hybrid and total electrified models also drove growth during this period, rising 111 percent and 60 percent year-over-year, respectively.
Six of Kia’s key nameplates set new August sales records, including Seltos (+53 percent); Carnival (+13 percent); K4 (+7 percent); Telluride (+4 percent); Sportage (+4 percent) and K5 (+4 percent). Kia’s hybrid models also posted record August performances, led by Sportage Hybrid (+40 percent); Sorento Hybrid (+22 percent); and Carnival Hybrid (+15 percent); and. In addition, sales of Kia’s hybrid lineup increased 99 percent, and the broader electrified lineup increased 36 percent over August 2025, further contributing to the brand’s record-breaking performance.
“The broad appeal of our products and the breadth of our powertrain offerings directly contributed to the high demand for our models and Kia’s record-breaking sales performance,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “The all-new 2027 Seltos is quickly gaining traction with consumers and Telluride continues to exceed expectations. When the recently launched EV3, an affordable all-electric SUV option for customers entering the EV market, is added to the mix Kia is well positioned to maintain the record-breaking sales momentum through the end of the year and ultimately achieve our fourth consecutive annual sales record.”
In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America also made additional announcements, including:
- Kia announced pricing for the all-new 2027 EV3. Starting at $29,8901 MSRP (plus $1,495 destination), EV3 is the most affordable EV in Kia’s lineup and is designed to expand electric vehicle adoption by delivering EV9-inspired design, advanced technology, and everyday practicality in a small SUV package. Offering up to EPA-estimated2 321 miles of all-electric range (Wind FWD and Land FWD trims), DC fast-charging capability, and a straightforward progression from well-packaged Light trim to the spirited GT. An available dual-motor AWD setup, a 288-horsepower GT model, and optional premium features further broaden the EV3’s appeal across a range of customer needs.
- The gas-powered version of the 2027 Sportage will start at $28,9903. Although most of the internal combustion engine (ICE) model range remains carryover, the X-Line trim will now be equipped with standard Panoramic Sunroof and Smart Power Liftgate, as found in the 2026 X-Line Premium Package. These changes align Sportage X-Line ICE with Sportage Hybrid (HEV) and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models in terms of their standard offerings, allowing customers to choose with greater ease between powertrains based on their driving needs. The enhancements further strengthen the appeal of the Sportage family.
- Pricing for the refreshed 2027 Niro, which sharpens its hybrid crossover formula with a bolder design, expanded technology and newly available driver assistance features will start at $29,8904 Offered exclusively as a hybrid, the 2027 Niro lineup also welcomes a new S trim alongside the LX, EX, and SX models. Highlights for the new model year include redesigned front and rear fascias with Kia’s signature Star Map lighting elements, new exterior colors and an updated cabin. Available Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) brings over-the-air update5 capability, while newly available driver assistance technologies6 include Highway Driving Assist 27, 360-degree Surround View Monitor8 and Blind-Spot View Monitor9.
| MONTH OF AUGUST | AUGUST YEAR-TO-DATE | |||
| Model | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 |
| EV9 | 1,789 | 2,679 | 10,474 | 9,354 |
| EV6 | 712 | 1,796 | 5,429 | 8,961 |
| EV3 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| K4/Forte | 12,881 | 12,091 | 98,554 | 98,814 |
| K5 | 7,523 | 6,847 | 52,611 | 47,291 |
| Soul | 0 | 5,548 | 3,480 | 36,339 |
| Niro | 2,983 | 3,124 | 18,472 | 17,663 |
| Seltos | 9,214 | 5,574 | 50,525 | 35,430 |
| Sportage | 18,723 | 18,023 | 129,713 | 119,587 |
| Sorento | 9,880 | 8,626 | 68,266 | 67,510 |
| Telluride | 12,693 | 12,177 | 98,111 | 84,090 |
| Carnival | 7,389 | 6,522 | 54,736 | 45,602 |
| Total | 83,793 | 83,007 | 590,377 | 570,641 |
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2026. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/
* The 2026 and 2027 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excluding PHEV model), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
