Hyundai, Kia Post Record January U.S. Sales, Closing in on Ford

The Korean automakers saw strong demand for SUVs and hybrids, narrowing the gap with the third-largest U.S. automaker.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Hyundai Motor and Kia posted their highest-ever January sales in the United States, further narrowing the gap with Ford in the race for third place in market share. Hyundai Motor Group said Hyundai Motor, including its luxury brand Genesis, sold 60,794 vehicles in the U.S. market last month, up 2.4% from a year earlier. Kia sold 64,502 units, a 13.1% increase. Combined sales reached a January record of 125,296 vehicles, up 7.7% year-on-year.

Why it matters

Hyundai and Kia's strong performance highlights the growing popularity of their SUV and hybrid models in the U.S. market, posing a challenge to established players like Ford. The narrowing gap with Ford could potentially allow the Korean automakers to overtake the American company and become the third-largest automaker in the U.S. later this year.

The details

Driven by strong demand for sport utility vehicles and hybrid models, Hyundai and Kia sharply reduced their gap with Ford. The two brands held a combined U.S. market share of 11.3% in January, trailing Ford's sales total of 128,302 vehicles by just 0.3 percentage points. Hyundai's Palisade led its lineup, while Kia saw strong sales of the Carnival and Seltos. Hybrid sales surged 65.7% year-on-year to 27,489 units, with Hyundai selling 14,316 hybrid vehicles, up 51.9%, and Kia recording an 83.8% jump to 13,173 units.

  • Hyundai Motor Group reported its January 2026 U.S. sales on February 5, 2026.
  • Kia outsold Hyundai in the U.S. market for the first time in January 2026.

The players

Hyundai Motor Group

The South Korean automotive conglomerate that owns Hyundai Motor and Kia.

Hyundai Motor

The Hyundai Motor Company, a South Korean automobile manufacturer and a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group.

Kia

Kia Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer and a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group.

Ford

An American multinational automaker that is the third-largest automaker in the U.S. market.

Jose Munoz

The president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor Company.

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What they’re saying

“January results built on the company's strong performance last year, when it sold more than 4.1 million vehicles globally and set a fifth consecutive annual sales record in the U.S. market.”

— Jose Munoz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Company (Social media post)

The takeaway

Hyundai and Kia's strategy of limiting price increases, combined with a focus on eco-friendly vehicles, has allowed them to gain ground in the competitive U.S. auto market. Their continued growth in SUVs and hybrids could potentially enable them to overtake Ford and become the third-largest automaker in the U.S. later this year.