South Korea’s auto giants, Hyundai and Kia, are making their presence known in the US after another record sales year in the US in 2024. With new EVs launching in key segments, Hyundai and Kia expect even more growth this year. Here’s what to expect in 2025.
Hyundai and Kia set new US sales record in 2024
Hyundai and Kia are taking the US auto market by storm after another record sales year in 2024. However, this may be just the start.
With new electric vehicles arriving and new US plants coming online, Korea’s auto giants are poised to see even more demand in 2025.
For Kia, this was the seventh consecutive year with higher consumer sales. It was also the second straight year the company broke its annual sales record.
In 2024, the company’s total volume reached nearly 797,000 in the US. Sean Yoon, CEO of Kia North America, said the accomplishment validates “that our strategy is working to further elevate the Kia brand.” A big reason behind the growth is Kia’s growing EV lineup.
“Kia has solidified its leadership position within the EV market,” Yoon explained, largely thanks to “the successful launch of our flagship EV9.”
2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line (Source: Kia)
New EVs are in high demand
The EV9 is Kia’s first three-row electric SUV. After deliveries began in late 2023, Kia sold over 22,000 EV9 models in the US last year. That’s even more than its first dedicated EV, the EV6, with 21,715 units sold last year.
Hyundai, Kia’s sister company, also set a new US sales record with over 836,800 vehicles sold in 2024, up 4% year over year. The company credited growing demand for its EVs as a major growth driver.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)
The IONIQ 5 remained one of the best-selling EVs in the US, with 44,400 models sold in 2024, an increase of 31% from 2023.
Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, said he’s “confident this momentum will continue.” Parker said the confidence comes from “exciting new models like the IONIQ 9 and increased US production ramping up” at its new EV plant in Georgia.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 three-row electric SUV (Source: Hyundai)
Hyundai began building EVs at the facility in October, starting with the upgraded 2025 IONIQ 5. Hyundai’s improved electric SUV features more range, better style, and a NACS port to charge up at Tesla Superchargers.
With US production ramping up, five Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EVs now qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit for the first time, which should help fuel even more demand in 2025.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim
EV Powertrain
Driving Range (miles)
Starting Price*
IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range
168-horsepower rear motor
245
$42,500
IONIQ 5 SE RWD
225-horsepower rear motor
318
$46,550
IONIQ 5 SEL RWD
225-horsepower rear motor
318
$49,500
IONIQ 5 Limited RWD
225-horsepower rear motor
318
$54,200
IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD
320-horsepower dual motor
290
$50,050
IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD
320-horsepower dual motor
290
$53,000
IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor AWD
320 horsepower dual motor
259
$55,400
IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD
320-horsepower dual motor
269
$58,100
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 prices and range by trim (*includes $1,475 destination fee)
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts at $42,500 with up to 245 miles range. Starting at $46,550, the long-range model gets up to 318 miles range, up from 303 miles in the outgoing IONIQ 5. Hyundai is building the IONIQ 9 alongside the new IONIQ 5 in GA. Prices will be revealed closer to launch. Check back soon for more info.
Are you ready to see why Hyundai and Kia EV models are taking the US by storm? We can help you get started. You can use the links below to find deals on Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EV models at a dealer near you today.
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Stellantis is recalling over 375,000 Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrids, telling owners to avoid charging and park away from any buildings due to a potential fire risk.
Stellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee PHEVs
After an internal investigation found 19 reports of fires, Stellantis said it was recalling about 320,065 Jeep plug-in hybrid SUVs in the US.
The recall affects certain model-year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models.
Stellantis is recalling another 20,753 Jeep PHEVs in Canada, 2,653 in Mexico, and 32,238 in markets outside of North America.
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Until the remedy is available, the company is urging owners to refrain from charging and to park away from buildings or other vehicles. The risk of a fire is less when the battery is drained, the company said.
The batteries were produced by Samsung SDI, the same defect that led to the recall of 154,000 Jeep plug-in hybrids in 2024. Vehicles included in that recall will still need the new remedy.
2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon with Jeep Performance Parts (Source: Stellantis)
According to Stellantis, nine of the reported fires were from Jeep Wranglers and Grand Cherokees included in the 2024 recall.
Stellantis said a remedy “is imminent,” and affected drivers will be notified when they can schedule a service appointment.
Until then, owners can call customer care at 1-800-853-1403 with questions or concerns. You can also visit recalls.mopar.com for more information.
The recall comes after Stellantis issued one for nearly 25,000 Jeep Wrangler PHEVs less than two weeks ago due to a software glitch that left drivers stranded with bricked vehicles. Some had to be towed to dealers.
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Zero Motorcycles, long known for its powerful electric motorcycles, is diving deeper into the world of urban mobility with the launch of the all-new LS1 electric scooter. Unveiled today at EICMA 2025 in Milan, the LS1 is designed to expand Zero’s reach beyond motorcycles and into the increasingly important city commuter segment.
The LS1 marks a key milestone in Zero’s “All-Access” initiative, aimed at making electric two-wheelers available to a broader range of riders. Compact, lightweight, and built for life in dense city environments, the LS1 brings Zero’s signature electric performance into a much more approachable and user-friendly package.
Powered by a mid-mounted motor and fueled by two swappable floorboard-mounted batteries, the LS1 offers up to 115 km (71 miles) of range in standard configuration. Riders looking to go further can add an optional third battery, stored under the seat, to extend range to 170 km (106 miles).
With a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), ABS, traction control, and a low seat height, the LS1 seems to offer the kind of versatility and rider confidence needed for navigating tight European streets.
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For charging, the removable batteries can be topped up indoors using the included 800W charger (0–95% in 4.5 hours or 20–80% in 3 hours), or more quickly with an optional 1,500W fast charger that cuts those times nearly in half. That ease of off-board charging, combined with under-seat storage big enough for a helmet or groceries, seeks to make the LS1 a practical daily driver for urban riders and apartment dwellers.
Built as part of Zero’s expanding partnership with Zongshen, which also saw Zero roll out two trail-oriented e-motos, the LS1 seems to offer a nice balance between Zero’s design and more affordable Chinese production. And with a projected price of roughly €5,200 depending on the country/market, it seems reasonably priced to sell.
“The LS1 is designed for the people we see every day in cities like Paris, Milan, or Barcelona,” said Zero CEO Pierre-Martin Bos. “It’s simple, stylish, and makes electric riding accessible to a whole new group of riders.”
Bos recently replaced Sam Paschal as Zero’s new CEO, part of significant shifts lately at Zero that saw the company move its base of operations out of the US and reduce its workforce. A representative of Zero at the EICMA booth also explained that Zero’s former CTO Abe Askenazi is also no longer with the company.
Electrek’s Take
This is an interesting move by Zero, and probably a smart one. Flagship electric motorcycles may feature impressive performance, but they aren’t bringing in big profits right now. Smaller, modest e-motos that fit into more lifestyles are where the volume is at right now.
The LS1 brings the brand’s premium engineering and EV know-how to a format that more riders actually want, and can use every day. It’s lightweight, nimble, and doesn’t try to be a motorcycle in disguise. For city riders who’ve wanted a legit, high-quality electric scooter from a trusted brand, this could be an answer.
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After teasing another new vehicle, Toyota said “a major unveiling” is set for next week. Is this Toyota’s electric truck?
What new vehicle is Toyota teasing now?
After stealing the spotlight at the Japan Mobility Show last week with the Corolla Concept, Land Cruiser FJ, and ultra-luxe Century brand, Toyota is at it again.
Toyota is teasing another new vehicle ahead of what it’s calling a “major unveiling” set for next week. “Get ready to embark on a new journey together,” the company said.
The image appears to be of the new Hilux, Toyota’s compact midsize Hilux pickup truck. The Hilux is the best-selling pickup outside of North America, going head-to-head with the Ford Ranger and other smaller trucks. It’s even Toyota’s most popular vehicle in some markets across Southeast Asia and Africa.
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Currently in its eighth generation, Toyota’s pickup is due for an overhaul. Toyota teased the new vehicle, revealing slim LED headlights and a rugged front-end design.
A video from Toyota Thailand offers a better look at the pickup from the back and side. The rear features redesigned taillights similar to those on the front end. You can also see it’s a four-door pickup, or Double Cab.
Toyota said the major unveiling is set for November 10. We have yet to learn the prices or any powertrain specs (or even officially what vehicle it is), but it could arrive with a battery-electric (BEV) powertrain.
Toyota HiLux BEV electric pickup (Source: Toyota)
According to Drive, Toyota’s plans to release an electric Hilux pickup leaked during the Tokyo Motor Show. A slide shown to Malaysian media was leaked on Instagram, revealing two pickups, one clearly marked as a BEV. The other vehicles included the new bZ4X, Land Cruiser FJ, and Yaris Ativ.
The leaked image comes after Toyota Thailand president Noriaki Kamashita told reporters during last year’s Bangkok International Motor Show that the Hilux EV would launch by the end of 2025.
Although an electric variant is a possibility, the Hilux is expected to continue to be offered with its current mild-hybrid 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine.
We will learn more next week. Check back on November 10 for the full details.
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