South Korea February 2025: Kia monopolises podium again but Hyundai #1

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has landed in its home charts.

South Korean new car sales are in great shape in February thanks to more opening days, at +14.7% to 132,501 units. This includes 112,302 for local manufacturers (+13.1%) and 20,199 for foreigners (+24.4%). The year-to-date volume switches to positive territory at +3.1% to 238,582 including 203,154 locals (+0.5%) and 35,428 foreigners (+20.8%). This month Hyundai (+26.8%) returns to #1 for the 6th time in the past 7 months, passing Kia (+4.5%). Kia however remains #1 year-to-date, for just 236 sales. Genesis (-3.4%) underperforms but to cross the 10,000 monthly units barrier for the first time since last November. Renault Korea (+170.1%) continues to be lifted by the new Grand Koleos and advances to #5. BMW (+3%) and Mercedes (+29.8%) lead foreign manufacturers above Tesla (+1177%).

The Kia Sorento (+4.6%) manages a 6th consecutive win, and stands way above the competition with over 9,000 sales. In fact Kia monopolises the podium for the third month in a row, with the Carnival (-3.2%) at #2 and the Sportage (-6.1%) at #3. The Hyundai Avante (+174.7%) shoots up to #4 thanks to a new generation, overtaking the Hyundai Grandeur (+38.3%) also strong. The Hyundai Sonata (+222.2%), Tucson (+54.2%) and Kia Seltos (+20.1%) also shine below just as the Renault Grand Koleos rallies back up 9 spots on last month to #12. We welcome the Hyundai Ioniq 9 at #42.

Looking at foreign models, the Tesla Model Y goes from no sale in January to over 2,000 this month, securing the first spot. The Mercedes E Class (+98.6%) stays at #2 while last month’s leader, the BMW 5 Series (-20.4%), falls to #3 but remains #1 year-to-date. Excellent performances also by the Mercedes GLC (+170.9%), BMW 3 Series (+82.7%) and VW ID.4 (+5257.1%).

Previous month: South Korea January 2025: Kia Sorento lodges 5th straight win in slow market (-8.5%)

One year ago: South Korea February 2024: Market down, Kia and Sorento repeat at #1, Genesis GV80 breaks record

Full February 2025 Top 31 All brands, Top 55 All domestic models and Top 50 foreign models below.