More rugged and capable SUVs, sporty sedans and innovative EVs were sold at Kia dealerships in 2022 than ever before
SUVs and utility vehicles represented 66.8-percent of Kia’s 2022 sales total, the highest mark in company history
Sales of Kia’s electrified models increased 142-percent compared to December, 2021
Seven Kia models achieved double- and/or triple-digit sales growth over the same period last year
IRVINE, Calif., January 4, 2023 – Kia America, which celebrated its 30th year in business in October 2022, announced best-ever December sales of 60,422 units, an increase of 11.2-percent over the previous December record set in 2016 and up 25-percent year-over-year. With the close of 2022 sales, Kia also marked its best-ever fourth quarter performance, which pushed the brand’s annual retail sales volume to 654,554, an increase of 1.7-percent compared to previous retail record in 2021.
Sales of Kia’s SUVs and utility vehicles represented 66.8-percent of the brand’s overall 2022 sales total lead by Sportage, Telluride and Sorento, In addition, three SUV models achieved new full-year records – Sportage, Telluride and Niro. In December, Sportage, Seltos, Telluride, Niro, Soul, Sorento and Carnival all noted triple- or double-digit year-over-year sales increases compared to the same period last year.
Sales of Kia’s electrified offerings increased by 142-percent over the same period last year. Kia’s electrified models posted double- or triple-digit sales gains in six of the past twelve months.
“In 2022, Kia accelerated its momentum to deliver best-ever retail sales, including the best ever year for Kia SUVs and utilities,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. “Customers are taking notice that when it comes to electrification, Kia is a brand to watch as we launched six electrified vehicles in 2022. Sales of Kia’s electrified offerings increased and three of Kia’s SUVs also set annual sales records, offering further proof that we have the right mix of products to sustain this positive momentum long into the future.”
In addition to sales, December saw several significant announcements from the brand, including:
Kia Telluride, Seltos and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid sport-utility vehicles named as category winners of the 2023 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards. For the fourth consecutive year, Telluride was named Best 3-Row Midsize SUV; and Seltos was recognized as Best Subcompact SUV for the third year in a row. The Sportage PHEV, in its first year of production, was named the winner of the Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles category by the editors of Kelley Blue Book.
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was recognized in the Motor1.com 2022 Star Awards, taking the top honors in the Best SUV category thanks to improvements in design, performance, and roominess over the previous generation.
The 2023 Kia EV6 was named a 2022 Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+)[1].
Kia releasing the creative campaign, “Holiday Joyride” in partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of the brand’s $1,100,000 donation to the organization[2].
MONTH OF DECEMBER
YEAR-TO-DATE
Model
2022
2021
2022
2021
EV6
1,107
N/A
20,498
N/A
Rio
2,358
2,800
26,996
31,362
Forte
7,693
8,639
108,424
115,929
K5/Optima
3,352
5,505
66,298
92,342
Cadenza
N/A
N/A
1
249
Stinger
394
918
7,809
13,517
K900
N/A
N/A
N/A
85
Soul
4,543
3,987
57,820
75,126
Niro
3,573
2,448
28,744
26,192
Seltos
4,961
3,053
45,711
51,368
Sportage
13,075
6,034
125,245
94,601
Sorento
7,282
6,490
86,406
81,785
Telluride
10,858
7,519
99,891
93,705
Carnival/Sedona
1,226
1,113
19,706
25,155
Total
60,422
48,506
693,549
701,416
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
* The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
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[1] Applies to vehicles that have had their headlights adjusted by an authorized Kia dealer.
[2] Kia donated $8.00 for every new Kia vehicle that was purchased or leased at authorized Kia dealerships, and delivered to retail customers, between November 11, 2022, and December 31, 2022 in the aggregate – to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
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