Kia’s mid-size sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Sorento, achieved an extraordinary milestone last year by becoming the best-selling car in South Korea. This marks a historic moment as the Sorento is not only the first passenger car released by Kia to achieve this feat but also the first SUV model to top annual car sales rankings.
Record-Breaking Sales Figures
According to Kia’s announcement on the 3rd, the Sorento recorded an impressive 94,538 units sold in the domestic market last year. This figure outpaced all other passenger and commercial vehicles, including sedans and SUVs, setting a new sales benchmark.
The Sorento’s closest competitor, Hyundai’s midsize SUV Santa Fe, sold 77,161 units during the same period. This means the Sorento outperformed the Santa Fe by a substantial margin of 17,377 units. The rivalry between these two models heated up in August last year when both brands introduced updates—the Sorento with a partially modified version and the Santa Fe with a fully revamped model.
A Historic Win for Kia
The Sorento’s dominance in the sales charts is a significant achievement for Kia, especially since the brand was acquired by Hyundai Motor Company in 1999. Over the past two decades, Hyundai’s sedan models like the Sonata, Avante, and Grandeur, as well as the commercial vehicle Porter, have dominated the best-seller list in Korea. The Sorento’s victory signals a shift in consumer preferences and marks the first time an SUV has clinched the title of the year’s best-selling car.
New generation Santa Fe failed trying to dethrone Sorento
Shifting Trends: The Rise of SUVs
The SUV market has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and the Sorento’s success underscores this trend. Notably, SUVs have traditionally lagged behind sedans and commercial vehicles in terms of annual sales. However, last year’s results show a clear pivot, with the Kia Carnival taking second place (82,748 units sold) and the Hyundai Santa Fe securing third.
Why the Sorento Stands Out
The Sorento is celebrated as an ideal ‘family car’ in Korea, offering spacious interiors and a range of convenient features at a competitive price. Its redesigned model, introduced last year, further enhanced its appeal by delivering improved marketability and a fresh design overhaul.
Another key factor driving Sorento’s sales growth is the addition of a hybrid model during its partial redesign. Hybrid versions accounted for approximately 65% of the Sorento’s total sales last year, reflecting growing consumer interest in fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles.
Conclusion
The Kia Sorento’s achievement as the best-selling car of the year is a testament to its robust design, enhanced features, and timely adaptation to market trends. As SUVs continue to gain traction among consumers, the Sorento’s success not only sets a benchmark for Kia but also highlights the shifting dynamics of the automotive industry in Korea.