Kia's November Global Sales Dip Slightly as SUVs Keep Year Firmly in Growth

Kia Corporation reported global sales of 262,065 units in November 2025, a 0.8 percent decline compared with the same month a year earlier. The dip was mirrored across both its home and overseas markets, but the automaker's cumulative performance for the year remained firmly in positive territory.

In Korea, Kia delivered 47,256 vehicles during the month, down 1.6 percent year over year. Sales outside of Korea, which exclude special purpose vehicles, edged down 0.8 percent to 213,889 units. Despite the monthly softness, year-to-date figures told a more upbeat story: global sales through November reached 2,848,845 units, up 1.8 percent, while domestic deliveries rose 1.5 percent to 493,940 units.

Recreational vehicles once again anchored Kia's results. The Sportage SUV led the way with 49,351 units sold globally, followed by the Sorento at 25,282 units and the Seltos at 22,293 units. The company pointed to steady demand for its core SUV lineup alongside continued interest in electric and hybrid models as the drivers behind its sales base.

In overseas markets, the Sportage again topped the brand's ranking with 42,483 units, trailed by the compact Sonet at 19,320 units and the Seltos at 17,653 units. At home, the Sorento was the best-selling passenger model with 10,047 units, ahead of the Sportage at 6,868 units and the Carnival MPV at 5,305 units.

Looking ahead, Kia said it plans to lean on its SUV hybrid range and expanding electric vehicle lineup, including the EV4, EV5 and the PV5 purpose-built vehicle, to sustain momentum. The company reiterated its aim to strengthen its position in electrification through customer-focused strategies and targeted investment.

Kia noted that the monthly figures are preliminary, unaudited and based on wholesale volumes unless otherwise specified, and may be subject to later revision. Special purpose vehicle sales are recorded separately following a change in the company's reporting categories in 2023.