Hyundai sets record sales thanks to unexpected models (2 photos)

Key Hyundai Sales Figures

Hyundai Records Record U.S. Sales

Hyundai’s U.S. sales hit record highs last month, thanks in part to a surge in demand for its electric vehicles and several SUV and sedan models. And despite the elimination of the federal electric vehicle tax credit at the end of September, the Korean automaker is confident it can maintain that momentum through the rest of the year and into 2026.

Hyundai sold a total of 71,003 vehicles in the U.S. market in September, up 14 percent from the 62,491 sold in the same month last year. In addition, Hyundai’s sales in the third quarter rose 11 percent to 678,349 units compared to 610,494 sold in the first three quarters of 2024.

Electric vehicles lead the way

Several models contributed to the rapid increase in demand last month. The all-electric Ioniq 5 stood out, with sales up 152 percent from 3,336 to 8,408 units. While many automakers saw a final surge in electric vehicle sales before the federal tax credit expired, Hyundai was quick to take steps to mitigate the impact.

The company is now offering a $7,500 cash incentive on the 2025 model, along with price cuts to $9,800 on the 2026 Ioniq 5.

Year-to-date, Ioniq 5 sales are up 36 percent, from 30,318 to 41,091 units.

Hyundai U.S. Sales Dynamics

Sales of the Ioniq 6 are up 36 percent, though it remains a small part of Hyundai’s overall sales, with just 814 sold in September and 9,132 sold so far this year. The larger three-row Ioniq 9 has sold 4,177 units.

Demand for the small Venue also surged 77 percent last month, with 2,836 finding new owners nationwide. Hyundai reported a 28 percent increase in Santa Fe sales to 10,114 units. Elantra sales rose 23 percent in September.

There are some exceptions to Hyundai’s otherwise very successful year. For example, Sonata sales are down 5 percent year-to-date to 45,914, Santa Cruz is down 18 percent to 20,633, and Kona is down 11 percent to 57,278.



Hyundai’s overall sales picture shows that the company’s strategy of focusing on electric vehicles and popular crossovers is paying off, despite some problematic models. Further success may depend on how effectively it can stabilize sales of vehicles like the Santa Cruz, which may need a marketing refresh or technical improvements to stay competitive.