Hyundai Motor Company and Kia achieved a significant milestone in the third quarter of this year, surpassing 500,000 units in U.S. sales for the first time on a quarterly basis. Despite a sharp decline in electric vehicle (EVs) sales, robust growth in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) bolstered overall performance.

According to Hyundai Motor Group, combined U.S. sales for Hyundai and Kia in Q3 reached 506,200 units, a 5.4% increase year-over-year. This marks the first time quarterly sales have exceeded half a million units, setting a new record.

Hyundai, including Genesis, sold 269,541 units, up 3.5% from last year. Kia's sales jumped 7.8% to 236,659 units. Genesis contributed with a 5.5% increase, selling 22,645 units.

All three brands - Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis - set quarterly sales records. Industry analysts predict they may overtake Ford to become the third-largest automaker in U.S. quarterly sales.

Eco-friendly vehicle sales showed remarkable growth. In Q3, Hyundai and Kia's electrified vehicle (xEV) sales hit 160,423 units, an 18.4% year-over-year increase, reaching an all-time high. These vehicles accounted for 31.6% of total sales.

HEV sales surged 53.4% year-over-year to a record 138,112 units. Hyundai's HEV sales rose 36% to 69,776 units, while Kia saw a dramatic 77% increase to 68,336 units.

In contrast, EV sales fell 51% to 22,311 units. Hyundai's EV sales dropped 57.7% to 12,713 units, and Kia's declined 37.7% to 9,598 units.

By model, Hyundai's Tucson led with 64,075 units, followed by the Elantra at 48,764 and Santa Fe at 39,112. Kia's top sellers were the Sportage (50,839 units), K4 (37,633), and Telluride (36,436).

September sales also showed strong double-digit growth. Hyundai and Kia sold 162,511 units in the U.S. last month, a 13.4% increase year-over-year.

Hyundai, including Genesis, sold 85,502 units, up 9.8% from last September. The Tucson saw a 31.8% increase to 23,164 units, while Santa Fe hit 12,227 and Palisade reached 10,327, driving sport utility vehicle (SUV) sales.

Notably, the Tucson nearly matched its record monthly sales of 23,762 units from last November, even before launching its fully redesigned model.

Genesis achieved its best monthly sales this year with 8,063 units, up 17.6% year-over-year. The GV80 sold 2,734 units, a 22.7% increase, while the GV70 moved 3,095 units.

Kia's September sales rose 17.6% to 77,009 units. The refreshed Telluride saw a 41.9% jump to 11,927 units, while Sportage and Sorento increased 10.5% and 37.5% to 16,033 and 8,939 units, respectively. The newly launched EV3 sold 514 units in its U.S. debut.

September HEV sales surged 61.6% year-over-year to 44,328 units. Hyundai sold 21,934 units, up 39%, while Kia's sales nearly doubled, rising 92.1% to 22,394 units. EV sales, however, fell 57% to 7,423 units.

Consequently, total eco-friendly vehicle sales in September hit 51,751 units, a 15.8% year-over-year increase and a new monthly record. EVs accounted for 31.8% of total sales.

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia achieved a significant milestone in the third quarter of thi …

Hyundai and Kia Hit Record Sales in Q3 2026: What This Means for EV and HEV Buyers