by Sales of certain electrified Hyundai models show significant growth at the beginning of 2026. In particular, the popularity of the Ioniq 5 has increased by 14 percent compared to the same period in 2025. However, against the backdrop of this success, sales of the Ioniq 6 model in the U.S. have sharply declined.
Overall Hyundai Sales Picture
Despite global economic uncertainty that has affected many automakers, Hyundai showed a slight but positive growth in the first quarter of 2026. During this period, 205,388 cars were sold in the U.S., which is 1% more than in the first quarter of 2025, when 203,554 units were sold.
Growth Leaders
The Santa Fe model played a significant role in this rise, with its sales growing by 6%. The hybrid version is especially noteworthy, with demand for it growing by a whole 47%, confirming the trend of consumers choosing electrified options.
Sales of the compact Venue crossover are also steadily growing, adding 12%, and the full-size Palisade SUV with a 6% increase. The manufacturer particularly emphasizes the rapid increase in demand for its hybrids: Elantra HEV sales grew by 141%, and Sonata HEV by 107%.
Detailed Sales Statistics
The table below shows the sales dynamics by model in March and the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same periods last year.
Model Mar-26 Mar-25 Diff. Q1-26 Q1-25 Diff. Elantra 13,883 14,461 -4% 33,063 33,490 -1% IONIQ 5 4,425 3,919 +13% 9,790 8,611 +14% IONIQ 6 256 1,435 -82% 829 3,318 -75% IONIQ 9 905 0 – 1,990 0 – Kona 6,424 7,024 -9% 17,391 17,018 +2% Palisade 9,075 11,742 -23% 27,704 26,235 +6% Santa Cruz 1,815 2,924 -38% 4,544 6,648 -32% Santa Fe 12,988 13,543 -4% 33,343 31,401 +6% Sonata 7,498 5,706 +31% 14,547 15,797 -8% Tucson 23,721 23,631 +0% 55,426 54,973 +1% Venue 3,097 2,634 +18% 6,761 6,063 +12%
Unexpected Success of the Ioniq 5
One of the biggest surprises of the quarter was the fully electric Ioniq 5. Despite a general softening of demand for electric vehicles in the U.S., especially after the cancellation of federal tax incentives, this model continues to find its buyers. For the first three months of 2026, Ioniq 5 sales grew by 14%. Positive dynamics were also maintained in March, where 13% more cars were sold than last year.
Models Showing Decline
In contrast to the success of the Ioniq 5, most other Hyundai models showed negative dynamics in March. Elantra sales fell by 4%. The sharpest drop was recorded for the Ioniq 6, whose sales collapsed by 82% after confirmation of the discontinuation of its local production.
A noticeable decline was also observed in other segments: Kona minus 9%, Palisade minus 23%, Santa Cruz minus 38%, Santa Fe minus 4%. This indicates that the brand’s lineup as a whole was experiencing difficulties, and the quarter was saved only by a few outstanding models.
Bright Exceptions in March
The overall negative trend in March was broken by two models. Sales of the Sonata sedan grew by 31%, and the mini-crossover Venue by 18%. Despite this, Hyundai’s total sales in March 2026 decreased by 3% compared to the same month last year, amounting to 84,087 units.
The presented data clearly illustrates how market priorities are changing. The success of hybrid versions and specific electric vehicles like the Ioniq 5, against the backdrop of a general decline in sales of many traditional models, indicates a deep transformation in the industry. Buyers are increasingly focusing on economy and technology, forcing manufacturers to quickly adapt their portfolios. The situation with the Ioniq 6, which has practically disappeared from sale, may be related not only to market factors but also to the company’s strategic decisions regarding model range optimization. Hyundai’s future in the American market, it seems, will be built on a combination of proven hits, such as the Tucson and Santa Fe, with active advanced electrification, where the Ioniq 5 is already one of the key players.
