Kia Motors has announced a strong start to the year, reporting record-breaking January sales figures. Dealers across America moved a total of 57,007 units last month, marking a substantial 12% increase compared to the same period last year. This impressive performance was fueled by strong demand for several key models, with five achieving all-time record January sales. These standout performers included the Carnival minivan, the K4/Forte compact car duo, the popular Telluride SUV, the Sportage crossover, and the all-electric EV6.
Leading the charge for Kia was the combined sales performance of the K4 and Forte, which totaled 11,616 units, making them Kia's best-selling vehicles for January. The stylish design and competitive pricing of these compact cars, starting at $21,990, have clearly resonated with consumers. The majority of K4 variants are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 147 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque. For those seeking a more spirited driving experience, the range-topping K4 GT-Line Turbo boasts a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 190 horsepower and 264 Nm of torque. Closely trailing the K4/Forte in sales was the Sportage, with 11,357 units sold. Rounding out the top three best-sellers was the ever-popular Telluride, despite its relatively older design, with 8,771 sales.
Beyond the top performers, other Kia models also contributed to the positive January results. The K5 mid-size sedan experienced a significant surge in popularity, with sales up 32.5% year-over-year, reaching 4,357 units. The Carnival minivan also enjoyed a successful month, with sales increasing by 21.6%. However, not all models experienced growth. The Seltos subcompact SUV saw a decline in sales of 29%, and the Niro, Sorento, and EV9 also experienced year-over-year decreases. Despite these mixed results for some models, the overall sales performance for Kia America in January was undeniably strong.
The success of the K4, while impressive, is somewhat intertwined with the phasing out of the Forte. As the K4 is essentially replacing the Forte in Kia’s lineup, their sales figures are currently combined. However, the Forte's availability is dwindling. A recent search reveals that there are fewer than 350 new Forte units remaining in dealer inventory, suggesting that the model will soon be completely phased out, leaving the K4 to carry the torch in the compact car segment. This transition highlights the strategic move by Kia to refresh its model lineup and introduce new vehicles with updated styling, technology, and features to cater to evolving consumer preferences. The strong initial sales of the K4 indicate that this strategy is proving successful, and the model is poised to become a key player in the competitive compact car market.