In a marketplace littered with electric aspirations and SUV hegemony, the humble sedan has emerged not just as a relic—but a renaissance. Kia, undeterred by industry tides, tossed convention aside and double-downed on a form long left to wilt. The gamble? Striking gold. The result? An automotive plot twist.
The K5, once a midsize murmur, now bellows across sales charts. Within the first third of 2025, it multiplied its footprint threefold—21,994 units screeching off lots, up from a meek 7,086 in yesteryear’s spring crawl. April alone saw 6,248 buyers plant their allegiance firmly in the driver’s seat. What changed? A mid-cycle refresh that didn’t just whisper design updates—it shouted refinement with just enough price inflation to still tempt wallets rather than repel them.
Its sibling, the compact K4, proved no slouch either. Holding firm with a 6% rise over April 2024, it showcased that compact sedans, if done with panache, can still enchant.
Yet while the sedans danced, Kia’s electric dream tumbled into dusk.
The EV9—a beacon last year—now flickers. From 1,572 in April 2024 to a paltry 232 in 2025, the 85% nosedive stings like sleet on sunburn. The EV6 joined the spiral, crashing 68% in the same month. Both EVs, year-to-date, are suffering double-digit percentage bruises that suggest more than just seasonal softening. This is erosion.
Even hybrids and fringe electrics weren’t spared. The Niro, straddling segments like a tightrope walker mid-quake, slumped 22% in April. The Soul, Seltos—names that once leapt from lips with confidence—also faltered.
Meanwhile, gas-fed chariots basked in a late bloom. The Sportage, a perennial crowd-favorite, jumped 18%. The Telluride, ever the rugged charmer, leapt 21%. And the Carnival—Kia’s rolling living room—rocketed 79%, turning minivan malaise into a masterstroke.
Total April sales reached 74,805—Kia’s loudest April crescendo ever. And across 2025’s first four months, total deliveries climbed 12% to 273,649.
So what’s really unfolding?
Kia, unintentionally or not, may have cracked a code others abandoned: sedans still sell if they’re dressed right. The K5’s thunderous return is proof. Yet the electric buzz, once deafening, is fading into a whimper. Consumers may be showing early signs of EV fatigue—or merely demanding more for their voltage.
Either way, Kia is straddling two worlds. In one, the past is alive and profitable. In the other, the future is stalled at the charger.
FAQs
Why did Kia’s K5 sales surge in early 2025?
The Kia K5 received a mid-cycle update with refreshed styling and pricing that resonated with buyers, especially in the U.S. market where quality sedans remain in demand.
What caused Kia’s EV sales to drop so sharply?
Declining consumer interest, potential pricing issues, and intensified competition have likely contributed to steep declines in sales of the EV9 and EV6.
Which Kia model had the highest growth in April 2025?
The Kia K5 experienced the most explosive growth, with a 1,776% increase in April sales compared to the same month last year.
Are Kia’s SUVs still performing well?
Yes, models like the Sportage, Telluride, and Carnival saw significant increases in April 2025, with the Carnival soaring by 79%.
Is the sedan market making a comeback?
Kia’s strong K5 and K4 sales suggest that sedans can still thrive if designed attractively and priced competitively.
