2026 is still only a few months in, and South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia already have plenty of reasons to celebrate as the two brands released their February sales reports. Both companies set records in 2025, and are looking to do the same this year with new model launches and strong vehicle lineups. With only two months of sales logged so far, Hyundai and Kia are already setting records.Hyundai achieved record February sales in the United States with 65,677 units. That is a 6% increase over the company's 2025 numbers, and represents the third consecutive month of record sales. Not to be outdone, Kia also shined with 66,005 units, also breaking its record for the month of February. This is a 4% increase from 2025 with hybrid sales increasing by a whopping 53% over that time. Palisade, Hybrids, And EVs Hang On Hyundai The Tucson remains Hyundai's bestseller with 17,277 units in February, a 6% increase over 2025. Hyundai's compact crossover has sold 31,705 units so far this year, a 1% year-to-date increase. The massive growth was mostly driven by electrified products, which surged by an outrageous amount compared to 2025."Hyundai's third straight month of record total sales reflects the remarkable strength of our lineup and the growing confidence customers place in our brand," said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "Our electrified products continue to shine, with pure EV sales up 6% year over year, HEV total sales surging 79%, and total sales gains from the all-new Palisade, which climbed 28% in February. Record-setting performances from IONIQ 5 and hybrid models, including Sonata HEV, Elantra HEV, Santa Fe HEV, and Tucson HEV, show how powerfully customers are responding to Hyundai's technology, design, and value."The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade burst onto the market to critical acclaim, and sales have spiked to 10,025 units in February and 18,629 units total this year (up 29% YTD). Even after the expiration of the EV tax credit, the Ioniq 5 sold 3,239 units last month, up 33% over 2025. YTD sales are also up by 14% compared to 2025. Kia Selluride Returns Kia The 2027 Kia Telluride recently went on sale in its second generation, and dealers are quickly remembering why the original was given the nickname "Selluride." Kia sold 13,198 Telluride units last month, setting a monthly record for the nameplate and making it the second-bestseller behind the Sportage, which sold 13,901 units. Those sales represent a 37% increase compared to February 2025. YTD, the Telluride's 22,622 units are up 23% over last year."Interest in the Kia brand throughout the US is growing by leaps and bounds and the all-new 2027 Telluride is the reason. Just as we launched the second-generation SUV, Telluride achieved its highest-ever monthly sales, underscoring the sustained interest in and ongoing popularity of this segment-leading model. Our diverse vehicle lineup continues to attract new customers as well as maintain repeat customers, trends that we fully expect to continue."-Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America.Other Kia models also set February records, including the Carnival (5,805 units), K5 (6,053 units), Sportage (13,901 units), and K4 (11,864 units). On the downside, Kia's EV sales were virtually nonexistent in February and so far in 2026. The EV9 moved just 819 units (down from 1,360 units last February) and the EV6 only sold 600 units (down from 1,275).
