Kia America’s February 2026 sales release is packed with good news: the brand notched yet another record month, surged in hybrids, and stacked up fresh awards for some of its key nameplates.
Record February, Strong Across the Lineup
Kia America sold 66,005 vehicles in February 2026, a 4% increase over the same month in 2025. Seven models posted year-over-year gains:
- Telluride: +37%
- Carnival: +31%
- K5: +21%
- Niro: +20%
- Seltos: +14%
- Sportage: +6%
- K4: +3%
Carnival, Sportage, and K4 all set new best‑ever February records, underscoring the strength of Kia’s minivan, compact sedan, and compact SUV offerings. The Telluride stood out even more, logging 13,198 units and setting an all‑time monthly sales record just as the redesigned 2027 model hit full nationwide availability.
Telluride Leads a Brand in High Demand
According to Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations for Kia America, interest in the brand is “growing by leaps and bounds,” with the all‑new 2027 Telluride acting as a major catalyst. The second‑generation three‑row SUV is driving showroom traffic and helping Kia maintain both conquest and repeat business. With Telluride now at its highest monthly volume ever, Kia has a clear flagship in the hotly contested family SUV segment.
Hybrid Momentum: 53% Year‑Over‑Year Surge
Hybrids were another bright spot. Kia’s hybrid models delivered their best February on record, with sales up 53% versus last year. That growth is anchored by nameplates like Niro and hybrid versions of core crossovers and minivans, as shoppers continue to gravitate toward electrified options that don’t require a full EV commitment. The hybrid surge also positions Kia well against competitors as U.S. buyers look for efficiency without giving up space and practicality.
Manufacturing Milestone in Georgia
Kia’s U.S. manufacturing footprint hit a key milestone as well. The all‑new 2027 Telluride Hybrid entered production at the Kia Georgia plant in West Point, which recently built its five‑millionth vehicle. The event drew Georgia governor Brian Kemp and was framed as a signal of Kia’s long‑term commitment to advanced manufacturing and continued investment in the American market.
K4, EV9 and Others Rack Up Awards
Several models added fresh hardware to Kia’s trophy case:
- The 2026 Kia K4 compact sedan was named MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Best Family Car for 2026, praised for its styling, interior space, tech, and standard ADAS.
- The EV9 kept its hot streak alive, earning Cars.com’s Best Electric Vehicle for the second year in a row and retaining its status as Cars.com’s Top 3‑Row EV Pick. Kelley Blue Book again named the EV9 “Best 3‑Row Electric Vehicle” for the third straight year, citing its mix of price, power, range, design and tech.
- Five models made Car and Driver’s 2026 Editors’ Choice list:
- Minivans: Kia Carnival and Carnival Hybrid
- Electric Compact SUV: Kia EV6
- Electric Mid‑size SUV: Kia EV9
- Mid‑size Family Sedan: Kia K5 (which has been on the list every year since its 2021 debut)
Year‑to‑Date: Double‑Digit Growth Already
Through the first two months of 2026, Kia America has sold 130,507 vehicles, up from 120,310 in the same period last year. That double‑digit year‑to‑date gain underscores that February’s record wasn’t a one‑off spike but part of a broader upward trend across the lineup.
If you’d like, I can turn this into a full US‑Car‑Reviews–style news article with headline, subheads, and a short analysis paragraph on what these numbers mean in the context of the U.S. SUV and EV market.
