Fast-growing Kia America continues its hot streak as the brand posted total May sales of 71,497 units, marking the second-highest monthly sales total in company history and the tenth consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases. May sales were up 23-percent over the same period last year, with several models posting double- and even triple-digit sales increases, including: Seltos (+171-percent); Stinger (+102-percent); Carnival (+80-percent); Soul (+45-percent); Telluride (+35-percent); Sportage (+24-percent) and Sorento (+13-percent).

May sales were driven by Kia’s lineup of capable SUVs, which increased 35-percent year-over-year and accounted for 74-percent of the brand’s total volume. The Sportage, Telluride and Seltos models also set best-ever May sales records, up 17-, 29- and 39-percent, respectively, over each model’s previous record-setting May performances set in 2021. In addition, Seltos set an all-time monthly sales record with sales up 15-percent over the previous best-ever monthly sales performance set by the model in March 2021. Sales of Kia’s electrified models set a new May record – posting a 33-percent increase over May 2022 – and a new any-month record up by 4-percent over the previous record which was set just last month. Sales of the all-electric Kia EV6 also set a new May sales record, increasing 7-percent over May 2022. In addition, overall sales of the model increased 80-percent over last month thanks in part to a marketing campaign and competitive lease program.

“As evidenced by the triple-digit year-over-year jump for the significantly enhanced 2024 Seltos, Kia continues to stir the market with cutting-edge design, innovative technology, advanced safety features, and proven reliability that customers demand,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “More than two out of every three Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. today is a utility vehicle, and in combination with our growing lineup of advanced electrified offerings, we have strong tailwinds to push our business forward for the remainder of the year.”

In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America announced several initiatives as well as significant industry awards that were bestowed on various models within Kia’s world-class line-up, including:

Seven Kia vehicles received the highest honors from the editors of Money in the magazine’s inaugural “Best Autos of 2023” awards. The Carnival MPV, K5, Soul, Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Stinger, and Telluride each were named “Best Overall and Best Value” in their respective categories, and nine other Kia models were recognized as attribute winners. This is the first time that nearly every Kia model currently on sale was named to a single list of the automotive industry’s top vehicles.

The 2023 Kia Sportage was named a winner of a Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX award. Completely redesigned for the 2023 model year, the Sportage earned high marks for its comfortable and upscale interior, along with its easy-to-use controls and center display.

The brand’s return to the 2023 Electrify Expo, which opened in Long Beach on May 19. Electrify Expo is a nationwide tour of events that bring together leaders in electrification. The Electrify Expo provides attendees the opportunity to drive the Kia EV6, which was the winner of the esteemed North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™ award and the EV6 GT, which was recently announced as winner of the 2023 World Performance Car, in addition to the multi award-winning Niro EV. Attendees will also be among the first to see the recently introduced all-new EV9, Kia’s first dedicated three-row EV SUV1. In addition to the Long Beach event, Kia will participate in four upcoming Electrify Expo 2023 events, including: San Francisco, New York, Seattle and Miami.

A $7,500 EV lease bonus on the lease of a new 2023 EV6. The bonus is applied as a capitalized cost reduction and is available to well-qualified lessees from now until July 5, 2023. Well-qualified lessees approved by Kia Finance can lease a 2023 EV6 Wind RWD for $499 a month for 36 months with $4,999 due at lease inception2. Alternatively, for well-qualified buyers, Kia Finance America is offering up to $3,750 in standard-rate finance bonus cash towards the purchase of a new 2023 Kia EV63.