Kia sets new all-time record in 2025: Over 3.1 million vehicles sold globally
Kia ends 2025 with a record: Global success supported by Romanians' appetite for SUVs
2025 proved to be a historic year for Kia. As the automotive industry undergoes a period of profound transformation, the South Korean automaker demonstrated remarkable resilience, delivering 3,135,803 vehicles worldwide. This figure represents a 2% increase over 2024 and confirms that the brand’s strategy of focusing on modern design and affordable electrification is paying off.
Sportage: The "Champion" that cannot be dethroned
Globally, the popularity hierarchy remains clear. The Sportage SUV continues to be the main sales driver, with 569,688 units sold. This model's success is doubled by the performances of the Seltos (299,766 units) and the flagship Sorento (264,673 units). Interestingly, over 82% of total production was absorbed by overseas markets, a sign that Kia's global identity is stronger than ever.
Kia in Romania: An evolution above the market average
In Romania, Kia's performance in 2025 mirrored its global success, but with nuances specific to the local market. In a year in which new car registrations experienced fluctuations (with a market that reported solid growth in the hybrid segment), Kia managed to consolidate its position in the Top 10 best-selling import brands.
Market share and key figures:
- Constant growth: If in previous years Kia was fighting for a share of approximately 4-5% in Europe, in Romania the brand managed to maintain a solid market share, standing around 4.5% - 4.8% in the retail segment.
- SUV Preference: Romanians remain loyal to the SUV segment, and Kia has taken full advantage of this. High-riding models represent over 60% of the brand's local sales mix.
What models do Romanians prefer?
If globally Seltos ranks second, in Romania the "podium" looks different:
- Kia Sportage: Remains the absolute favorite of Romanians. Appreciated for its value for money and 7-year warranty, the Sportage is often the number one choice for urban families. In 2025, Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid versions gained massive ground at the expense of diesel engines.
- Ceed family: Romania maintains a high interest in the compact class. The Ceed model (along with its XCeed and Proceed variants) remains extremely popular, being appreciated for its reliability and technological features that are usually found on more expensive models.
- Kia Stonic: In the B-SUV segment (small city SUVs), the Stonic is the preferred option for young people and those looking for an agile car for the traffic in Bucharest or Cluj.
| Rank | Model (Global) | Units Sold | Model (Romania - Est. Popularity) | Segment |
| 1 | Sportage | 569,688 | Sportage | Compact SUV |
| 2 | Seltos | 299,766 | Ceed (family) | Compact (Hatch/SW) |
| 3 | Sorento | 264.673 | Stonic | B-SUV (Subcompact) |
| 4 | K3 (Forte) | ~210,000 | XCeed | Crossover |
| 5 | Sonet | ~195,000 | EV3 / EV6 | Electric (EV) |
A pleasant surprise in 2025 was the rise of the EV3 model, which began to attract Romanian customers interested in switching to 100% electric propulsion, and was also designated "Car of the Year 2025 in the World".
Ambitious goals for 2026
Looking ahead, Kia is not slowing down. For 2026, the target is set at 3,350,000 units. In Romania, the strategy will focus on expanding the network of its own charging stations within dealers and on launching new electrified versions, aimed at keeping the brand at the top of the preferences of those looking for "movement that inspires".