Hyundai and Kia have high hopes for 2025 with new electric SUVs arriving. The IONIQ 9, Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV, and the smaller Kia EV5 and EV3 models are expected to lift sales this year. Here’s what to expect.
Although Hyundai Motor Company, including Kia’s, global sales slipped 1% last year, the Korean auto giant expects things to pick up in 2025.
Hyundai Motor sold more than 7.23 million vehicles last year, down 1% from 2023. The lower sales were mainly due to less demand in its home market of Korea, while growth in the US and Europe helped offset it.
Hyundai (including Kia) aims to sell 7.39 million vehicles this year, representing a 2% increase from 2024 as new models roll out. The confidence comes as some of its most highly anticipated EVs hit the market.
A Hyundai Motor Company official said that despite the rapidly changing environment, “we are continuing to grow as sales in the North American region continue to expand.” Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to turn things around with new electric SUVs rolling out this year.
What Hyundai and Kia electric SUVs are coming in 2025?
After unveiling the IONIQ 9 at the LA Auto Show in November, Hyundai is expected to launch the larger electric SUV in the US and Korea in the first quarter of 2025, with full-scale sales in Q2.
At 5,060 mm (199.2″) long, 1,980 mm (78″) wide, and 1,790 mm (70.5″) tall, the IONIQ 9 is slightly bigger than Kia’s three-row EV9. The latter is already off to a strong sales start in the US, with over 22,000 models sold last year.
It’s also powered by a massive 110.3 kWh battery pack, which provides a driving range of up to 335 miles (620 km WLTP). In comparison, the EV9 has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 304 miles. Its “lounge-like” cabin is expected to offer more interior space.
The streamlined roof and flush exterior design allow an open, spacious interior with room for up to seven passengers. In the US, it will also come with a native NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.
Hyundai will build the larger electric SUV at its new manufacturing plant in Georgia alongside the updated 2025 IONIQ 5 as it expands US production. Prices and more will be revealed closer to the launch.
On the other hand, Kia will introduce several new EVs in 2025 as it expands its mass-market lineup. The EV5 will launch in Europe, Korea, and other global markets. It has been on sale in China since late 2023, starting at around $20,500 (149,800 yuan).
According to Korean news outlet Newsis, the EV5 has already helped revamp Kia’s China business, with over 10,000 models sold in 2024.
After launching its even smaller EV3 SUV last summer, Kia’s EV3 was the top-selling electric vehicle in Korea through the second half of 2024. In November, Kia launched the EV3 in Europe, starting at around 36,000 euros ($38,000).
Although not an SUV, Kia is also launching the EV4, its take on an electric sedan. The EV4 follows the EV5 and EV3 in Kia’s mass-market electric car lineup.
After each sold over 200,000 electric vehicles last year, can Hyundai and Kia top it in 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Newsis, Hyundai Motor Company
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