Despite U.S. trade tariffs, Kia’s U.S. arm hit record sales in the states last year, the automaker reported.

The more than 852,000 units delivered represents a 7% jump and the first time the South Korean manufacturer surpassed 800,000 in sales here.

Kia said 2025 was the third straight year it broke U.S. sales records, and it said its dealers’ sales have risen for eight years running, last year by 5%.

“This marks the brand’s highest-ever U.S. market share,” the company said.

Tariff Trends

The Trump administration, which initially targeted a 25% tariff on South Korean imports, ultimately lowered the duty to 15%, including for autos. Kia, of course, manufactures vehicles in the U.S. Its parent company, Hyundai, announced plans in August to “substantially” expand U.S. production, “enhancing agility in response to American market demand.” Both brands produce vehicles at a Georgia plant.

Smaller models than the behemoths dominating American roads led Kia’s 2025 U.S. sales. Sedan deliveries, in fact, were up 13% for the year. 

The gains were led by the Carnival minivan, whose deliveries jumped 44%, the Sportage compact SUV, up 13%, the Telluride midsize crossover, up 7%, and the K4 compact car, up 1%. All four models had their best annual sales on record and the Sportage Kia’s all-time best annual showing for a single model.

Sales of the automaker’s electrified vehicles rose 24% in a year when many consumers rushed to buy electric to lock in the U.S. electric-vehicle tax credit that ended on Oct. 1.

“… with the second-generation Telluride and the highly anticipated K4 hatchback arriving in showrooms in the first quarter, and more new products on the way, we expect this positive momentum to continue into the New Year and beyond,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia’s U.S. and North American arms.

He pointed out that Newsweek magazine listed the 2027 Telluride as one of the most anticipated new vehicles in the U.S. market this year.