--- title: "Hyundai and Kia Net Record Hybrid Sales as Toyota Stagnates" date: "2026-02-03" modified: "2026-02-03" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/hyundai-and-kia-net-record-hybrid-sales-as-toyota-stagnates" categories: - "Hyundai News" - "Kia News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # Hyundai and Kia Net Record Hybrid Sales as Toyota Stagnates ![Hyundai Palisade Hybrid]() *\Drew Phillips/Hyundai\* Hybrids are booming. About 22% of new cars sold in the U.S. in the first quarter of last year were hybrids per U.S. data, and that number has likely only increased since—especially at [Hyundai]() and [Kia](). Both brands have released their figures for January, and Hyundai, in particular, moved 60% more hybrids last month compared to January 2025. By contrast, [Toyota](), which had already saturated its lineup with electrified vehicles, saw a slight dip in hybrid sales. Hyundai entered the year with a new hybrid in the family, by way of the [2026 Palisade](). The three-row SUV has been one of the brand's most popular products in recent years, but the recently discontinued first-gen never offered a hybrid powertrain. Hyundai shifted 8,604 of them in total, hybrid and gas-only, last month, compared to 6,687 a year prior, translating to a 29% gain for the nameplate. The smaller [Santa Fe]() also saw a 9% bump, rising from 8,296 to 9,011 units. Kia also enjoyed a strong January, to the tune of 64,502 total unit sales. Of those, electrified models sold 45% better versus a year earlier, though it's worth noting that "electrified" also includes fully electric cars, like the [EV9](). In any case, this should portend good things for Kia through 2026, as [the new Telluride]() Hybrid, unlike its Palisade counterpart, hasn't landed at dealers yet. ![2026 Sportage HEV]() *The Kia Sportage led the brand's lineup last month, with 13,984 sold. *Kia** This early 2026 performance shows that Hyundai and Kia still had a ways to go in terms of boosting hybrid penetration of their overall sales mix, and we'll see how much further they can push that. Eventually, their stories may sound more like Toyota's. Including Lexus' products, the Japanese automaker moved 79,561 electrified vehicles last month. That's very healthy, but it's actually 6% fewer than in January of the previous year. Those electrified cars nevertheless comprised 45% of everything Toyota sold last month, continuing a streak of hybrid dominance [that defined Toyota's 2025]() here in North America. *Got a tip? Reach out to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()