The severe winter weather blanketing the U.S from Texas to Maine failed to slow new vehicle sales in January, with Asian automakers, in particular, reporting gains for the month. More from Headlight.News.
Despite winter weather and high prices, buyers turned out in force last month.
As Mother Nature threw her worst at the U.S. last month, as many as 240 million Americans faced winter weather advisories at one point or another. Despite blustery conditions extending from Texas to Maine – or perhaps because of the strain caused by the weather – American motorists turned out in high volume at retail showrooms.
Cox Automotive analyst said the overall sales volume for January is projected to reach 1.14 million, up 3.2% year-over-year, though the numbers were down sharply from December, reflecting typical seasonal patterns, as much as the impact of harsh weather.
While some manufacturers, including industry giant General Motors, report sales on a quarterly basis, those that did tally up January sales generally did better than expected. Hyundai, Genesis, Toyota, and Honda all reported modest gains while Kia said sales increased by double digits.
January was big month for Kia
The Telluride played a big part in Kia’s strong performance.
Kia America said its record-breaking sales streak continued into the new year with January bringing demand for 64,502 units, a 13% increase over the previous high set in January 2025.
Six Kia models posted best-ever January numbers and sales of Kia’s electrified models were up by 45%. The Korean marque’s SUVs, meanwhile, increased by 14%, also setting a new January record.
“Building on three straight annual sales records, January’s record performance shows that Kia is not slowing down,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “With the all-new flagship 2027 Telluride SUV, now available with a hybrid variant, and the highly anticipated K4 hatchback arriving in showrooms soon, 2026 will once again prove the value of offering a balanced lineup to U.S. customers and we are confident that our upward trajectory will continue,” Watson said.
Genesis and Hyundai sales last month
Hybrids, like this HEV version of the new Palisade, helped move metal for Hyundai.
Koreans, in general, had a warm January. Hyundai also reported it best January sales ever, total sales increasing by 2%, while its hybrid total sales surge 60%.
“Hyundai delivered a powerful start to 2026, achieving the best January in our history. Despite challenging weather conditions across the country, our teams and dealers continued to meet customer demand, driving total sales up 2% year over year,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Hybrid demand was the star of the month, up more than 60%, showing just how strongly customers are embracing the strength, efficiency and advanced technology of our electrified lineup, Parker said.
Genesis Motor America, Hyundai’s luxury arm, reported 5,170 total sales in January 2026, a 7% increase compared to the prior year and a best-ever January achievement.
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Honda and Toyota sales climb
The new 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland edition.
The two top Japanese brands, Toyota and Honda, also enjoyed a good January despite the adverse weather hammering large swaths of the country.
Toyota Motor North America reported January 2026 U.S. sales of 176,853 vehicles, up 8.1% on a volume basis. Toyota Division sales for the month totaled 150,886 vehicles, up 7.0% on a volume basis. Lexus Division sales for the month totaled 25,967 vehicles, up 14.8% on a volume basis.
American Honda sales totaled 98,594 units in the first month of the year, up 1.9% year-over-year, despite the severe winter weather in the latter half of the month impacting traditionally strong Honda and Acura markets in the Northeast and Southeast United States. The Honda and Acura brands continue to benefit from strong sales across light truck and passenger car models, along with Honda hybrid-electric vehicles, Honda officials said.
The outlier
The Mazda CX-50 was the brand’s one January success story.
At least one brand suffered a winter chill.
Mazda sales dipped 14% last month – though it remained the third-best January in the company’s history.
Only one model managed to gain ground, the CX-50 showing a significant 58.1% upturn. The rest of the line-up, from the little Miata to the big CX-90, lost momentum for the month.
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