What Tariffs? Hyundai Group Just Set Another Sales Record

Can anything stop Hyundai and Kia from selling cars hand-over-fist?

2025 Hyundai Tucson Review

Photo by: Chris Rosales / Motor1

Christopher Smith

By: Christopher Smith

May 1, 2025 at 5:00pm ET

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Tariffs on vehicles built outside the United States are in effect, but you wouldn't know it by looking at the latest sales figures from Hyundai Group. Hyundai and Kia both clocked yet another record sales month, with each brand posting double-digit gains over last year.

Hyundai did the best, with a 19-percent year-over-year increase. The company sold 81,503 vehicles, led by the Tucson at 22,054 units. At this rate, the SUV will surpass last year's sales performance, and could break into the top 10 best-selling vehicles in America. Percentage-wise, the Tucson was the company's best performer, with a 41-percent sales increase. Second at 30 percent was the Elantra, proving once again that sedans are far from dead.

2025 Kia Carnival HEV First Drive Review

Photo by: Mack Hogan / Motor1

“April total sales continued its upward trajectory with a 25 percent year-over-year increase in electrified vehicle sales, led by strong demand for the Tucson HEV,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America. “The debut of the 2026 Palisade, the seventh best-ever total sales month and record April sales across multiple models reflect our momentum and leadership in innovation, value, and performance.”

Meanwhile at Kia, overall sales were up 14 percent. Four vehicles—Carnival, Telluride, Sportage, and K4—set individual records for April sales. The most popular Kia was the Sportage, which found 16,178 buyers for the month. The K4 was a close second, at 13,097 units. Going by percentages, the Carnival whipped all others with a 79-percent jump. Kia notes that the addition of the Carnival Hybrid trim was a major factor in the sales increase.

“Reporting sales records for seven consecutive months has bolstered the Kia brand even more and we remain dedicated to further strengthening our product lineup and enhancing customer satisfaction through ongoing innovation,” said Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations for Kia America.

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April marks seven consecutive months of record sales for both Kia and Hyundai. But that could end soon. While tariffs did go into effect in early April, it's likely the threat of higher prices later in the year sent people into showrooms. More tariffs affecting auto parts will begin as well, and while Hyundai does have some manufacturing plants in the US, tariffs will be a factor if they stick around long-term.

For now, Hyundai says it won't raise vehicle prices due to tariffs. Whether that keeps buyers coming to showrooms at record levels remains to be seen.

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Sources: Hyundai, Kia

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