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Kia’s Electric Car Sales Plunge Despite Overall Growth in the US Market
Kia Motors has reported an overall 5% growth in its US sales for May 2025 compared to last year. While such numbers often signal healthy momentum, the details tell a more complex story—especially for the brand’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup. The highly anticipated Kia EV6 and the larger three-row EV9 SUV, both key players in Kia’s electric strategy, have suffered precipitous drops in demand. This trend highlights a broader shift in consumer preferences toward gasoline and hybrid cars, significantly altering the automotive landscape.
Performance and Sales Figures: EV9 and EV6 Under Pressure
Kia has invested heavily in its electric range, positioning the EV6 as a dynamic, recently refreshed electric crossover with standout driving characteristics. Yet, the numbers paint a sobering picture. In the first five months of 2025, the EV6 saw its sales shrink by 40.8%, declining from 8,770 units in the same timeframe last year to just 5,190 this year. The situation became even more concerning in May, when sales plummeted by a staggering 70%, reaching only 801 units.
The larger Kia EV9 SUV has been hit even harder. In May 2025, only 37 units were sold across the US—representing a jaw-dropping 98.3% decrease compared to the previous year. For the year-to-date, EV9 sales have dropped 48.2%, underscoring fading consumer appetite for fully electric SUVs.
Design, Features, and Market Position
The Kia EV6 offers a sleek, modern design and advanced tech, with a spirited driving experience that has earned praise from automotive enthusiasts. The EV9, designed for families and those seeking three rows of seating, combines cutting-edge safety features, substantial range, and a refined interior. However, despite their impressive specifications, the preference for electric SUVs and crossovers seems to be declining in a market increasingly drawn to hybrid technology and conventional gasoline powertrains.
Gasoline Models Surge: The Kia K5 and K4 Shine
In direct contrast to the EV sector's slump, Kia’s traditional sedan range has posted extraordinary gains. The Kia K5 midsize sedan, already well-established in the market, achieved a remarkable 256% year-over-year sales leap this May. For the first five months of 2025, K5 sales have soared by 220%, rising from 9,036 units last year to an impressive 28,951 vehicles sold. Combined with the newly introduced Kia K4, Kia has sold over 90,000 gas-powered sedans this year, showcasing a clear market pivot toward combustion engines.
Industry-Wide Trends: Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids Outpace Full Electrics
Kia is not alone in experiencing a downturn in electric vehicle sales. Ford, for instance, reports sustained strength for the Mustang Mach-E but significant declines for its F-150 Lightning and E-Transit EV models in May. This pattern reinforces a larger industry shift: buyers are showing stronger interest in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles over full battery-electric alternatives, prioritizing flexibility, range, and affordability.
Comparison and the Road Ahead
While Kia’s EV6 and EV9 deliver on innovation, design, and cutting-edge technology, changing consumer preferences and shifting market dynamics have resulted in sharp sales declines for electric vehicles. Meanwhile, models like the K5 and K4 highlight ongoing demand for reliable, fuel-efficient gasoline cars. As automakers adapt to evolving buyer priorities, the race continues to find the right blend of electrification, performance, and practicality for the next generation of drivers.
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