Kia Surpasses Hyundai in Korean Sales for First Time, Seltos Hits 2 Million Global Sales

Kia has surpassed Hyundai in domestic sales for the first time since Hyundai acquired a controlling stake in 1998. In April 2026, Kia sold 55,108 units in Korea, while Hyundai sold 54,051 units. This marks a lead of 1,057 units for Kia. The shift comes after 28 years of Hyundai leading both domestic and international markets.

Key Highlights

• Kia overtakes Hyundai in Korean domestic sales for the first time in April 2026
• Hyundai faces production issues due to supply chain disruptions impacting key models
• Kia Seltos reaches 2 million global sales by May 2026
• US green vehicle sales for Hyundai and Kia hit a record 41,239 units in April

April 2026 Sales Performance

Several factors contributed to Kia's strong performance in April. Hyundai faced production disruptions due to a fire at Daejeon Anjeon Industrial, a key supplier. This incident caused a shortage of internal combustion engine valves, affecting production of popular models like the G80 and Palisade. Hyundai reported a 19.9% year-on-year drop in Korean sales for April.

In contrast, Kia registered a 7.9% year-on-year increase in domestic sales. The company benefited from rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and a focus on electrification. Kia’s EV3 and EV5 models saw strong demand, as did the PV5, a flagship electric commercial vehicle. Higher oil prices in Korea and globally may have also contributed to increased EV interest.

Global and US Market Trends

Despite Kia’s domestic lead, Hyundai remains ahead in global sales. In April, Hyundai sold 271,538 units worldwide, compared to Kia’s 222,080 units. Both brands experienced changes in the US market as well. Combined Hyundai and Kia sales in the US reached 159,216 units in April, a 2.1% year-on-year decrease. This drop may be due to a high sales base last year, possibly linked to efforts to avoid import tariffs.

However, demand for hybrid and electric vehicles continued to rise in the US. Green vehicle sales for Hyundai and Kia in the US hit a record 41,239 units in April. Hyundai sold 21,713 green vehicles, up 47.7%, while Kia sold 19,526 units, a 70% increase.

Seltos Achieves Major Milestone

The Kia Seltos has become one of the brand’s top global performers. By May 2026, cumulative sales of the Seltos reached 2 million units. Overseas markets accounted for about 1.66 million units, with production supported by facilities in India and China. In India, Seltos domestic sales crossed 563,000 units by August 2025, and exports from the Anantapur plant exceeded 154,000 units.

The Seltos saw rapid global acceptance soon after launch, with annual sales of around 310,000 units in 2020. This established it as one of Kia’s fastest-growing SUV nameplates worldwide.