Kia UK has closed 2025 on a high note, setting a new annual sales record with 113,436 vehicles registered, cementing its position as the fourth best-selling brand in the UK with a 5.6% market share. Retail sales surged 19% year-on-year, reflecting strong consumer demand and the enduring appeal of Kia’s diverse model range.
The Sportage remained Kia’s standout performer, registering 47,788 vehicles and securing its spot as the UK’s second best-selling car overall. Electric vehicles also made a major impact, with the EV3 emerging as one of the UK’s top three retail-selling EVs, achieving 5,343 retail registrations. Meanwhile, the Picanto maintained its status as the best-selling city car for retail customers, with 7,981 units sold.
Globally, Kia achieved 3,135,803 vehicle sales in 2025, a 2% increase from the previous year, with the Sportage continuing as the brand’s most popular model at 569,688 global registrations.
A Year of Momentum and Model Expansion
Kia UK’s strong performance was underpinned by a combination of consistent growth and an ambitious rollout of nine new models, including passenger cars and the brand’s first dedicated electric light commercial vehicle, the PV5. Other notable launches included the EV4, EV4 Fastback, EV5, EV6 GT, refreshed Sportage, K4, and Stonic, all contributing to record-breaking registration figures.
The year also saw the first eligible Kia models benefit from the UK Electric Car Grant, reducing the cost of new EV4 ‘Air’ and PV5 Passenger models by £1,500, further boosting accessibility for customers.
Kia Steps Into Commercial Vehicles
2025 marked a significant milestone for Kia with its entry into the light commercial vehicle market. The PV5 debuted alongside the establishment of a dedicated PBV Centre dealer network, offering both PV5 Cargo and PV5 Passenger models. Initial deliveries were completed before year-end, setting the stage for a full-year commercial launch in 2026.
Accolades and Awards
The brand’s success was further highlighted by a haul of 56 awards in the UK, including ‘UK Car of the Year’ and ‘World Car of the Year’ for the EV3, which collected 22 awards alone. The PV5 also earned recognition as the ‘2026 International Van of the Year’ and received accolades from leading UK media outlets.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Paul Philpott, Kia UK President and CEO, reflected on the year:
“2025 was a challenging yet rewarding year for Kia UK, culminating in another period of organic and sustainable growth for our brand. Our success was driven by legacy best-sellers like Sportage, Stonic, and Picanto, as well as our latest electric models, particularly the EV3.”
Looking forward, Kia UK plans to launch new models including the EV2 and Seltos, while expanding the PV5 range as the brand delivers the first full year of its commercial vehicle strategy. Globally, Kia targets 3,350,000 vehicle sales in 2026, confident in continued growth across all segments.
Kia’s record-breaking 2025 proves the brand’s broad appeal, innovative spirit, and readiness to lead in both passenger and commercial electrification—laying a solid foundation for an even stronger 2026.
