Hyundai Vs. Kia 2025 Sales: Which Brand Does America Love Most?

Hyundai and Kia have been on a roll this year, with both Korean automakers breaking several model-specific and/or monthly sales records in the United States. Now that November sales are in, we have a clearer idea of where each brand is at and how the year will finish.

With 822,756 models sold through November, Hyundai leads Kia, which sold 777,152 vehicles over the same period. These are increases of 8% and 7% respectively, so the two brands have grown at a similar pace in 2025. It’s when we break down sales by model that clear differences emerge.

Related: The Dominance of Hyundai and Kia in Korea is Overwhelming, and This is What I Saw

Sedans Close, But Hyundai Leads in EVs

Kia is marginally behind in sedan sales, with a total of 193,561 sedans sold, split between the K4/Forte (126,919) and K5 (66,642). Hyundai, meanwhile, has sold 201,081 sedans, split between the Elantra (136,824), Sonata (54,238), and Ioniq 6 (10,019). Hyundai doesn’t sell a smaller sedan to compete with the K4, which is where most of Kia’s sedan sales stem from. Despite this, Hyundai still sold more sedans.

In terms of EV sales, it’s nowhere close—Hyundai is far ahead, as reflected in the table below:

The Ioniq 5 is comparable to the EV6, but has sold almost four times as many units in 2025 so far. Kia doesn’t have an electric sedan like the Ioniq 6 and Hyundai lacks a small electric crossover like the Niro EV. However, Niro EV sales are reported in combination with the gas/hybrid models, so we don’t know how many units Kia has sold.

Overall, though, Hyundai sold far more EVs than Kia.

Related: Hyundai and Kia Beat Toyota and Honda in Toughest Safety Tests Yet

SUV Sales: Kia Sells More Subcompacts, But Hyundai Leads Overall

Both automakers’ lineups are dominated by crossovers. Here’s a look at how their sales compared. We have excluded the electric crossovers, as these were mentioned under the EV section.

In total, Kia sold 492,199 crossovers so far this year, while Hyundai managed 548,211. Despite Kia having one extra crossover, Hyundai still leads. The Palisade and Telluride three-row crossovers are neck-and-neck, and the only area where Kia leads is in subcompact crossovers. That could change soon, as the Kia Soul has been discontinued.

Both companies have a few brand-specific models. Hyundai also sold 23,889 Santa Cruz pickups and five hydrogen-powered Nexos; Kia doesn’t sell equivalents of these. Finally, Kia sold 65,172 Carnival minivans (and achieved record sales in November), for which Hyundai has no equivalent.

Final Thoughts

Kia and Hyundai are ticking a lot of boxes right now, and it shows in their 2025 sales so far. Their models are strikingly styled, feature high-tech interiors, and offer multiple hybrids and family-friendly options. Both brands have seen increases in electrified models this year.

But, for now at least, Hyundai is still America’s favorite Korean brand. It easily sells more EVs, sedans, and crossovers than Kia, and has increased its lead over Kia since the middle of the year. Kia leads in sales of subcompact crossovers and the Carnival minivan has been popular, too, but that’s not enough to overcome Hyundai.

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