Ioniq 5 defies expectations: sales up 14% in Q1 2026

Ioniq 5 grows 14% in Q1 2026; Hyundai records 205,388 vehicles sold, while Ioniq 6 falls 75% and the lineup shows fluctuations.

Q1: Ioniq 5 drives Hyundai, with the rest of the lineup stable

Hyundai released numbers pointing to a record start to the year: 205,388 vehicles sold in Q1 2026, the best in the brand's history.

In the electric segment, the Ioniq 5 remains the protagonist, with 9,790 units sold in the year-to-date through March, an increase of 14% compared to the same period in 2025. The Ioniq 6 fell 75%, reaching 829 units, and the Ioniq 9 totaled 1,990 units (with no 2025 reference for comparison).

Among the other models, leadership remains with the Tucson, followed by the Santa Fe. The Elantra comes next, with 33,063 units, a 1% decrease compared to the previous year.

The Venue rose 12% to 6,761 units, while the Kona grew 2% to 17,391. The Palisade recorded 27,704 units, up 6% compared to 2025; the Santa Cruz retreated 32% to 4,544; and the Sonata fell 8% to 14,547.

According to Hyundai, strong hybrid numbers helped boost performance: Santa Fe, Elantra, and Sonata grew 47%, 141%, and 107%, respectively. The Palisade, with a focus on hybrid, remains part of this trend, being cited with 37,704 units sold between January and March in the official release; per the YTD count, the Palisade appears with 27,704 units, 6% above 2025.

This discrepancy between the two Palisade readings appears as an important observation for those following Hyundai's numbers this first quarter, but the overall message is clear: the brand maintains momentum in its SUVs and crossovers, with the Ioniq 5 maintaining its prominent position among electric vehicles.

Conclusion: the Ioniq 5, alongside the rest of the lineup, shows solid performance amidst EV subsidy changes in the US, sustaining Hyundai's sales pace through the middle of the year.

What do you think might influence the progress of Hyundai models for the rest of 2026? Leave your opinion in the comments.