Kia Racks up Another Record Month as Its New $30K Electric SUV Hits Dealers
The automaker sold 80,008 vehicles in October, driven by a 112% year-over-year increase in electrified vehicle sales.
Kia America reported its best October sales performance ever, selling 80,008 vehicles in the US, a 16% increase year over year. The record month comes as the automaker’s new entry-level electric SUV, the 2027 EV3, arrives in showrooms nationwide.
What Happened
Kia attributed the sales growth primarily to its electrified and hybrid lineup, which saw year-over-year increases of 112% and 114%, respectively. Both categories set new sales records for the brand. The EV9 three-row electric SUV posted a 111% year-over-year increase in October, though its year-to-date sales are up only 5% with 13,835 units sold. The EV6 saw a slight rebound in October but remains down 39% year-to-date with 7,067 units sold. The newly launched EV3, which went on sale in mid-August, accounted for 1,496 sales in its first two months on the market.
Why It Matters
The arrival of the 2027 EV3 positions Kia with a competitive option in the sub-$30,000 EV segment, starting at $29,890 for the base Light model. This pricing, combined with a native NACS port that allows access to Tesla Superchargers without an adapter, addresses key barriers for entry-level EV buyers. The EV3 offers up to 221 miles of range with its 58.3 kWh battery, while higher trims with an 81.4 kWh battery provide up to 321 miles of range. Kia’s strong October performance and the EV3’s launch are fueling confidence that the brand will secure a fourth consecutive annual US sales record, with Kia America VP of Sales Eric Watson stating the company expects this pace to continue through the fourth quarter and into 2027.
The Bottom Line
Kia’s October sales record, driven by hybrid and EV growth and the launch of the affordable EV3, reinforces its trajectory toward a fourth consecutive annual sales record in the US.
