Despite the dominance of crossover SUVs, sedans continue to hold strong appeal, a fact reinforced by Kia’s sales performance in January 2025. The Kia K4 2025 emerged as the brand’s best-selling model for the month, securing the top spot among the Korean automaker’s lineup.
2025 Kia K4 Leads January Sales
While SUVs generally command the market, Kia witnessed an unexpected shift in sales trends last month. The company’s top-selling vehicle wasn’t an SUV but a sedan! The 2024 Kia Forte, alongside its successor, the 2025 Kia K4, collectively moved 11,616 units in January alone, surpassing the 2025 Kia Sportage to claim the best-selling title.
Kia’s Best-Selling Models in January 2025
1️⃣ Kia Forte & K4 – 11,616 units
2️⃣ Kia Sportage – 11,357 units
3️⃣ Kia Telluride – 8,771 units
According to Kia, this marked the best January on record for both the K4 and Forte, with sales surging 29% compared to the previous year. However, this growth was just enough to edge out the 2025 Sportage, which trailed closely behind with 11,357 units sold. Meanwhile, the 2025 Kia Telluride, a three-row family SUV, secured third place with 8,771 units delivered.
Notably, the 2025 Kia K4 wasn’t the only sedan in Kia’s lineup experiencing a rise in demand. Sales of the larger 2025 Kia K5 also climbed 32.5%, reaching 4,357 units in January.
Minivans and SUVs See Mixed Results
Beyond sedans, Kia’s Carnival minivan registered a strong performance, with sales increasing by 21% year-over-year, totaling 3,665 units in January 2025.
Although SUVs typically dominate U.S. roads, the success of the 2025 Kia K4 suggests continued demand for affordable sedans. Priced at $23,145, it ranks among the most budget-friendly options in today’s market, making it an appealing choice for cost-conscious buyers. Additionally, its compact size offers an alternative to the increasingly large SUV segment.
Declines in Other Kia Models
Not all models in Kia’s 2025 lineup enjoyed a strong month. Sales of the 2025 Kia Niro and 2025 Kia Seltos, both compact crossovers, declined significantly, dropping 41.7% and 29%, respectively. The 2025 Kia EV9, a three-row electric SUV, also saw a 12.5% decrease compared to January last year.
Overall, Kia’s total sales increased by 11.5% year-over-year, with 57,007 units sold in January 2025.
