Hyundai's US sales hit a record in October
Hyundai Motor America reported record October sales, delivering 73,452 vehicles in the United States, up 5% from a year earlier. Hybrid sales rose 20% and accounted for 29% of monthly sales.
- Hyundai sold 73,452 vehicles in the United States in October.
- Total sales rose 5%, while retail sales increased 9%.
- Hybrid sales climbed 20%, giving hybrids a 29% share of sales.
- Santa Fe and Palisade achieved October sales records.
- The new Tucson and Pleos Connect will arrive in North America in 2027.
Santa Fe and Palisade drive growth
Hyundai's total October sales came to 73,452 vehicles, compared with 70,118 in October 2025. Retail sales rose even more, increasing 9% to 62,646 vehicles, also an October record.
Several models contributed to the growth. Santa Fe sales rose 52%, while Kona and IONIQ 5 sales each increased 21%, Elantra sales grew 17%, and Palisade sales rose 14% year on year. Santa Fe and Palisade both set combined October sales records, as did their hybrid variants.
By volume, Santa Fe ended the month with 17,959 units sold, followed by Tucson with 17,808, Elantra with 12,011 and Palisade with 10,840. Hyundai sold 1,981 IONIQ 5s and 6,029 Konas.
Hybrids account for an increasing share
October sales of Hyundai's hybrid models were 20% higher than a year earlier, accounting for 29% of the company's total monthly sales. Hybrid sales have risen 50% since the start of the year.
According to Hyundai Motor America, the company sold a total of 770,916 vehicles in the first 10 months of the year, a 3% increase from the 748,467 vehicles sold during the same period in 2025. Year to date, Elantra sales have risen 11%, Palisade sales 7%, Santa Fe sales 6% and Tucson sales also 6%.
Not every model performed better. IONIQ 5 sales for the year fell 23%, IONIQ 6 sales dropped 86%, and Santa Cruz sales were 27% below last year's level. The company said it sold no IONIQ 6 vehicles in October.
New Tucson, US investment and technology upgrades
Hyundai's November 3 announcement listed several company developments related to its October sales figures. In New York, the company unveiled the all-new Tucson, which it described as the brand's best-selling SUV globally. The model will feature a next-generation hybrid system, the Pleos Connect infotainment platform and an XRT PRO variant, with its North American launch expected in 2027.
In the United States, the 2027 Tucson will be the first Hyundai to receive the Pleos Connect system. The platform is based on Android Automotive OS and includes the Gleo artificial intelligence-powered in-vehicle agent, 17- and 12.9-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Physical buttons will remain for key functions.
Hyundai is investing approximately $450 million in its Montgomery, Alabama, plant to support production of the new Tucson, expanded engine manufacturing and next-generation powertrain technologies. According to the announcement, total investment in the plant has risen to nearly $2.2 billion since 2005, while Hyundai Motor Group is carrying out a $26 billion US investment plan between 2025 and 2028.
The company attributed the October record to strong demand across multiple powertrain types and vehicle categories. Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, said the 9% increase in retail sales showed that customers were choosing Hyundai models, while hybrids accounted for 29% of monthly sales.
PR Newswire: Hyundai Motor America Reports Record-Breaking October 2026 Sales
