Hyundai and Kia both posted their best October ever in the US, and hybrids are the main reason. Hyundai Motor America sold 73,452 vehicles last month, up 5% from a year earlier. Kia America delivered 80,008 units, up 16%. Meanwhile, battery-electric sales across the whole US market are down roughly 29% through September. American buyers have not stopped wanting efficient cars. They have stopped wanting to pay extra for a plug.
Table of Contents
Autoakhbar Quick Take
- Who benefits: Buyers who want lower fuel bills without installing a home charger.
- Who should still look at EVs: People with home charging, a predictable commute and an interest in used-EV deals.
- The biggest caveat: This is one month of data, and Hyundai’s total sales are up only 3% for the year.
The October numbers at a glance
| Brand / Model | October 2026 sales | Change vs. last year |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai (total) | 73,452 | +5% (best October on record) |
| Hyundai hybrids | 29% of brand sales | +20% |
| Santa Fe | 17,959 | +52% |
| Palisade | 10,840 | +14% |
| Ioniq 5 (EV) | 1,981 | +21% |
| Kia (total) | 80,008 | +16% (best October on record) |
| Telluride | 14,009 | +63% |
| EV9 (EV) | 1,406 | +111% |
| EV6 (EV) | 803 | +58% |
Hyundai’s hybrid sales for January through October are up 50% from a year ago, according to IANS, citing Yonhap.
Why hybrids are winning right now
The federal EV tax credit is gone. The administration ended the $7,500 credit for EV buyers in fall 2025, and CNN reports that the rush before the deadline distorted sales figures afterward.
The rules got looser. On September 28, the administration finalized new fuel economy standards targeting a fleet average of 34.9 mpg by model year 2031, well below the 50.4 mpg path set earlier. It also dropped the goal of EVs making up half of new sales by 2030, Yahoo Finance reports. Automakers now have room to lean on hybrids.
Buyers see hybrids as the safer choice. A Nissan sales executive told Reuters that hybrids are a safer pick for people worried about driving range, and that things looked different when the EV incentive existed. You can read the full piece through this Reuters repost.
The market share gap is wide. According to NADA data, battery-electric sales fell 29.2% year over year through September, while conventional hybrids rose 22.4%. EVs held 6.2% of new light-duty sales against 15.6% for hybrids.
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EVs are not dead at Hyundai and Kia
The Ioniq 5, EV9 and EV6 all grew in October. The Kia EV9 more than doubled. But these are small numbers. The three EV models together sold about 4,200 units, which is under 3% of the two brands’ combined 153,460 sales (our calculation, covering only those three models). EV growth at these brands is real, but it starts from a low base.
What the headlines leave out
- One month is not a trend. Hyundai’s total US sales are up 3% for January through October, so October was strong but not a runaway year.
- Hybrid savings depend on your driving. Compare the price gap between the hybrid and gas trim of the same model, then divide by your yearly fuel savings before assuming it pays off.
- Used EVs are an option. Reuters notes that dealers and analysts see buyers turning to hybrids and used EVs, so cheap secondhand EVs may suit some budgets better than a new one.
What this means if you are shopping
If you drive long distances or lack home charging, a hybrid SUV like the Santa Fe or a hybrid sedan is the low-risk path in 2026. If you can charge at home, run the numbers on a used EV before ruling electric out. Either way, test the exact trim you want, because hybrid availability and wait times vary by dealer.
Autoakhbar Bottom Line
The October data confirms what showrooms have been signaling all year: hybrids are the default efficient choice for American buyers, and EVs have become a more selective purchase. Hyundai and Kia are winning because they sell both, with hybrids doing the heavy lifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hybrids outselling EVs in the US?
Yes. NADA figures show hybrids at 15.6% of new light-duty sales and battery-electric vehicles at 6.2% for January through September 2026.
Did Hyundai and Kia set sales records in October 2026?
Both did. Hyundai reported its best October ever at 73,452 vehicles, and Kia America reported its strongest October at 80,008 units.
Is the federal EV tax credit still available?
Per CNN, the $7,500 federal credit ended in fall 2025. Check current state and utility incentives, which vary by location.
Should I buy a hybrid or an EV?
It depends on charging access and driving habits. Hybrids suit buyers without home charging, while EVs can still make sense with home charging and shorter commutes.
Sources
- IANS / Yonhap: Hyundai, Kia post record Oct sales in US
- 24/7 Wall St: NADA EV and hybrid sales data
- Yahoo Finance: new fuel economy standards
- CNN: US EV sales are down, but not out
- Reuters (repost): Why EV sales are lukewarm in America
Published November 4, 2026. Sales figures are as reported by the companies and outlets above.