Hyundai and Kia anticipate reaching 30 million U.S. sales milestone by year-end

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia are on the verge of a historic achievement as they approach 30 million cumulative vehicle sales in the U.S. market by the end of 2024. Since their entry into the U.S. automotive sector in 1986, the two brands have seen remarkable growth, solidifying their position among the top-selling automobile manufacturers in the country.

Hyundai and Kia’s Cumulative U.S. Sales Growth

As of February 2024, Hyundai and Kia recorded a total of 29,303,995 units sold in the U.S. Hyundai has contributed 17,116,065 units, while Kia has sold 12,187,930 units. In 2023 alone, Hyundai reported sales of 911,805 units, while Kia sold 796,488 units, marking their highest-ever annual sales. For two consecutive years, the brands have ranked fourth in the U.S. market after General Motors, Toyota, and Ford.

History of Hyundai and Kia in the U.S.

Hyundai made its U.S. debut in January 1986 by exporting the Excel sedan, manufactured at its Ulsan plant. By 2005, the brand established its first U.S. production facility in Alabama, further strengthening its presence. Kia entered the U.S. market in 1992, starting sales with the Sephia in 1994, followed by the Sportage in the same year. Kia’s first U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, became operational in 2010.

Sales Milestones Over the Years

• 1990: Hyundai and Kia surpass 1 million cumulative sales.

• 2004: The brands exceed 5 million sales.

• 2011: Hyundai and Kia achieve 10 million cumulative sales in just seven years.

• 2018: The brands reach 20 million sales, demonstrating rapid growth.

• 2024: Expected to cross the 30 million milestone.

Hyundai and Kia’s ability to cut the time needed to achieve each milestone highlights their increasing market dominance and consumer trust in their vehicles.

Top-Selling Hyundai and Kia Models in the U.S.

Hyundai’s most popular model in the U.S. is the Elantra (Avante), with 3.88 million units sold since its 1991 debut. Other top models include:

• Sonata – 3.42 million units

• Santa Fe – 2.38 million units

• Tucson – 1.87 million units

For Kia, the Sorento leads with 1.83 million units sold since its 2002 launch, followed by:

• Sportage – 1.66 million units

• Soul – 1.52 million units

• K5 (Optima) – 1.5 million units

Expanding SUV and Electric Vehicle (EV) Lineups

Hyundai and Kia have diversified their lineup to include SUVs, luxury Genesis models, and eco-friendly vehicles. Both brands now offer a full range of SUVs to meet the growing demand in the U.S. market:

• Hyundai SUVs: Venue, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade

• Kia SUVs: Seltos, Niro, Sportage, Sorento, Telluride

In 2023, Hyundai and Kia’s SUVs accounted for over 75% of total sales, with 1,284,066 units sold.

Genesis: A Growing Luxury Brand in the U.S.

Genesis, Hyundai’s premium sub-brand, entered the U.S. in 2016 and has steadily gained traction. In 2023, Genesis reported record-breaking U.S. sales of 75,003 units, driven by strong demand for models like the GV70 and GV80.

Hyundai and Kia’s Electric Vehicle Growth in the U.S.

Hyundai and Kia’s transition to electrification has been a success. The brands initially entered the EV market in 2014 with the Kia Soul EV, followed by the Hyundai Ioniq EV in 2017. In recent years, they have ramped up production, achieving significant growth:

• 2021: 19,590 EVs sold

• 2022: 58,028 EVs sold (337.5% increase)

• 2023: 94,340 EVs sold

• 2024: First year exceeding 100,000 EV sales in the U.S.

New models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Genesis GV60, and electrified G80 have contributed to this surge in demand.

Recognition and Awards

Hyundai and Kia’s commitment to quality has earned them multiple prestigious awards in North America. Over the last five years, they have received four North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) awards:

• Telluride (2020) – Best SUV

• Elantra (2021) – Best Sedan

• EV6 (2023) – Best EV

• EV9 (2024) – Best Electric SUV

Additionally, in 2023, J.D. Power recognized the Kona Electric as the top electric SUV and the Telluride as the best three-row midsize SUV at the 2025 Residual Value Awards.

Future Plans and Market Expansion

Looking ahead, Hyundai and Kia plan to expand their product lineup and maintain high value while adapting to evolving market trends. The Hyundai Motor Group Meta Plant America (HMGMA), which began mass production in 2023, will play a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for hybrid and electric vehicles in the U.S.

Conclusion

Hyundai and Kia have demonstrated remarkable growth in the U.S. automotive market, nearing the 30 million cumulative sales milestone. Their success is attributed to a strong lineup of fuel-efficient, high-performance, and electric vehicles, as well as their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With a growing emphasis on electric mobility, the brands are poised for even greater success in the coming years.